The $2 million investment helped put him in the position he’s in today. Without those resources, opportunities, and guidance at 18 years old, it’s fair to ask whether he would have developed into the player he is now.
For him, the decision appears to have been worth it, and many players in a similar situation would likely make the same choice. The real issue arises when young athletes receive money without the proper support, mentorship, and long-term guidance. That’s when players can be taken advantage of and end up making decisions that aren’t in their best interests.
At the same time, investors only succeed when the athlete succeeds, so there is alignment in many cases. Ultimately, every deal is a cost-benefit analysis for all parties involved. There are good outcomes and bad outcomes in any investment structure. The difference often comes down to the people involved, the transparency of the agreement, and whether the athlete can trust the individuals in their corner.
NIL is still being valued the way endorsements were in 2005: gut feel, relationships, stale comps.
That doesn’t scale.
At Fraction we’re building toward something different — an AI-powered valuation layer that prices athlete value. Data in, signal out, repeat.
The brands who win the next five years won’t be the loudest in the room. They’ll be the ones with the cleanest data and the sharpest models. Coaches, Agents, Players, and Companies are all brands now.
Individuals wear multiple hats as operators, owners, advisors, and talent.
Brands create lasting value.
NEWS: Marquette transfer Zaide Lowery has committed to Dayton, his agent Jack Lieb of @Fraction___ told @LeagueRDY.
The 6-foot-5 junior spent three seasons with Marquette and averaged 8.1PPG, 2.9RPG, 1.7APG and 1.1SPG this season.
Free advice for players: if you’re juggling multiple Zoom calls, visits, and contracts at once—and being shopped around—you’re not being represented the right way. That’s how you lose leverage. The right approach is one opportunity at a time, handled professionally and privately—no tweets, no “lists.” This is business, not a game.
Shoutout to Warriors player development coach, Noel Hightower, for continuing to take huge strides in the NBA with his P.I.E. framework.
“From Lehigh to the Golden State Warriors!
Noel Hightower M.Ed.’20 is shaping talent at the NBA level, building on a journey that includes record-setting play, becoming the youngest DI assistant coach, and authoring a #1best-selling children’s book, all guided by his P.I.E. framework.” - via @lehighalumni
Read the story - https://t.co/9Y4VXPzb14
#Fraction #NBA #Representation #Basketball
Private equity is entering college sports—and it’s going to fundamentally reshape the landscape.
As capital flows into the ecosystem, we’re seeing a restructuring of revenue streams across IP, trademarks, and multimedia rights. The result: significantly higher team valuations and a more sophisticated, institutional market.
But with that comes a critical need—proper underwriting.
Valuations in this space can’t be guesswork. They require a deep understanding of: Player value and market dynamics, Roster construction and optimization, Coaching impact and projected wins, Revenue generation across NIL, media, and commercial partnerships.
There is growing demand for operators who understand all sides of the market—on and off the court.
If you’re exploring opportunities in this space or want to better understand how this impacts your program, let’s connect.
I’m currently working with programs, investors, and stakeholders on: Fractional General Manager services, Player valuation and roster strategy, Capital alignment and introductions.
Feel free to reach out directly or message me to set up a call.
Tell the truth. Be transparent. Integrity matters. Your effort and attitude are the only things you fully control.
Too many people will tell you what you want to hear, not what you need to hear—misrepresenting their abilities to serve their own interests.
Know who’s real, and who’s in it for themselves.
Players — be careful who you listen to. If the person “representing” you doesn’t have an NBPA license, hasn’t actually negotiated NIL deals, and just tells you what you want to hear—especially around money—you’re being taken advantage of.
Your AAU coach, trainer, or high school coach should not be negotiating on your behalf. And someone with no real basketball experience, contract negotiation experience, or proper credentials isn’t qualified to represent you either.
A lot of people in this space are chasing money—not protecting your career.
Patrick Curtin (6’3” G) put together a strong freshman campaign at Bucknell — averaging 12.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 1.5 APG.
3 years of eligibility remaining.
Officially in the transfer portal.
Marquette's 6'4 G Zaide Lowery (@LoweryZaide) is entering the transfer portal. https://t.co/FeVC1ejyPM
(I do not own or claim any rights.)
By: @VideoCoordMixes
Lowery averaged 8.1 ppg, three rpg, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals until leaving program.
(One year of eligibility.)
NEWS: Marquette junior Zaide Lowery is entering the transfer portal, he tells @LeagueRDY.
The 6-foot-5 wing out of Springfield, Missouri spent three seasons with Marquette. Played in 73 total games.
He averaged 8.1PPG, 2.9RPG, 1.7APG and 1.1SPG this season.
Southeastern Louisiana 6’4 guard Jaiden Lawrence signed to Fraction and will enter the transfer portal.
Lawrence averaged 20 minutes per game and started 18 out of 31 games as Junior.