Aaron Rodgers backs athlete-directory startup with $1M angel round

What's the deal? OSDB SportsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has raised $1 million in an angel round backed by NFL quarterback Aaron RodgersDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and sports agent Scott Boras. The company runs AthleteAgent.comDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a subscription database that connects brands, charities, and sponsors with professional athletes and their representatives.

How it works: The platform charges $29.99 a month or $199.99 a year for full access to profiles on more than 4,000 athletes and 2,000 agents. Those profiles can list representation, endorsements, contract details, and charitable work. The company plans to expand into team executives, front office contacts, and retired players.

The origin: Actor and producer Ryan Rottman began the project in 2021 as a rebrand of Online Sports DatabaseDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, inspired by how IMDbDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → lets producers quickly find verified representation. He brought the idea to Rodgers, who became an early supporter and founder.

Why it matters: Rottman frames the platform as a tool for lesser-known athletes. “Aaron likes to say we're building this not for the 1% of athletes, but for the other 99% — to help generate revenue, get their stories out there, find endorsement deals, support their charities,” he said.

The business: Chief executive officer Sean O'Brien said the company is on track for six-figure revenue and positive cash flow this year. Agents can respond to endorsement opportunities without paying a commission to the platform, and brands can identify the right business contact rather than defaulting to an athlete's most famous representative.

The signal: At $1 million, the round sits toward the larger end of angel financings, reflecting investor confidence in a niche pitch: a verified, searchable directory for sports business. If AthleteAgent.com succeeds, it aims to become for athletes what IMDb is for entertainment.

Read more: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Image credit: Generated with Gemini