Platform Launched for Investing in Athlete Future Earnings
New startup Agentiq allows investors to buy fractional shares of professional athletes' future on-field income.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Investing
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The startup Agentiq has launched a platform allowing individual investors to purchase fractional shares of professional athletes' future on-field earnings. Regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the model provides athletes with upfront cash in exchange for a percentage of future performance-based revenue.
Why it matters
This model aims to let retail investors participate directly in sports asset value creation, though it introduces significant risks seen in past legal disputes between athletes and firms. Investors should weigh these speculative opportunities against the potential for long-term contract conflicts and complex financial settlements.
Agentiq charges a 1% broker fee and a 2.5% maintenance fee, which equals $2.50 in costs for every $100 paid out to investors. These fees are independent of the underlying athlete contract values.
The players
Agentiq
A startup platform that allows individuals to purchase fractional shares of professional athletes' future earnings.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
The federal agency responsible for overseeing and regulating securities markets and investment platforms in the United States.
Mohamed Sanu
A professional athlete who was involved in a legal dispute with the firm Fantex over his earnings contract.
Fernando Tatis Jr.
A professional athlete who was required by a court ruling to pay $3.74 million to Big League Advance.
The details
Investors purchase fractional shares of athletes using mobile and web-based platforms, with internal technology managing the distribution of earnings. The company represents athletes such as Justin Martinez and Esmerlyn Valdez, providing them with upfront cash. Because these investments are tethered to career performance and potential contractual disputes, holders are subject to risks that have historically resulted in multi-million dollar court-ordered settlements.
Timeline
2012: Fantex launched its athlete earnings business model.
2017: Big League Advance signed Fernando Tatis Jr.
2021: An arbitrator ruled that Fantex owed Mohamed Sanu $1.15 million.
October 2025: An arbitrator ruled Fernando Tatis Jr. owed Big League Advance $3.74 million.
October 2026: Agentiq launched its investment platform.
Money Landscape
The launch of Agentiq revives the market for athlete-linked securities that emerged with the Fantex business model in 2012. This niche asset class has faced significant legal scrutiny and volatility, as illustrated by court rulings involving multi-million dollar contract disputes.
Investors considering this asset class must account for the 2.5% maintenance fee and the 1% broker fee that directly reduce total distributions. Consult with a financial professional to understand the risks of illiquid, performance-dependent investments before committing capital.
The takeaway
Investment in professional athlete earnings involves high-risk contracts where legal outcomes can significantly shift returns for all parties. Before participating, review the full prospectus of any fractional share offering to understand the specific fee structure and potential conflict protocols.
Further reading
For broader context on navigating complex new market offerings, see our guide to Investing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Front Office Sports.
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