How We Work
We begin with the athlete—their ambitions, their position, and the decisions ahead. From there, we build a strategy for the next move and the career beyond it.
Start with the Athlete
Before evaluating an opportunity, we need to understand the athlete’s goals, current commitments, schedule, and priorities. The right decision for one athlete may be the wrong one for another—even when the offers look similar.
Follow Through After the Decision
Signing is not the finish line. Deliverables, payment dates, usage periods, and partner relationships all require attention after an agreement is made. We want athletes to understand both the commitment they have entered and the options they have preserved.
Look Beyond the Headline Number
For a brand or NIL agreement, the fee is only one part of the picture. We examine the work required, payment timing, use of the athlete’s name and image, category exclusivity, approval rights, cancellation terms, and the length of the commitment. A larger offer can carry restrictions that limit the next opportunity.
The same principle applies to career decisions: understand what is promised, what is conditional, and what flexibility remains if circumstances change.
Experience Behind the Approach
Vellum Sports combines experience on the court with judgment developed off it. We reserve athlete-facing representation roles for former professional players who understand firsthand the demands behind an athlete’s decisions.
Our leadership’s most recent experience spans globally with relationships with professionals competing in the Basketball Africa League , Euroleague, and CBA, as well as advisory work with families of highly regarded U.S. high school prospects in the Class of 2027-2030.
Together, those experiences shape how we work: start with the athlete, look beyond the headline number, and consider what each decision makes possible next.
Words From Some of Our Clients
These client reviews reflect Founder, Ramesses Khalfani's advisory work through RKC Advisory Group.