50+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
STRONG NETWORK
INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
ABOUT GRAND CENTRAL MARKETING & NIL
Our dedicated marketing team works tirelessly to identify and secure partnerships with brands that engage with athletes and coaches on both national and regional levels, ensuring our clients are integrated into their strategies and plans. We build close personal relationships with all our clients to understand their unique needs and desires, and then we leverage our deep industry experience and extensive network of relationships to strike deals that set our clients up for long-term success.
Our expertise in the NIL arena sets us apart. We specialize in securing brand deals with top-tier companies and leveraging our deep social media expertise to maximize exposure and engagement. Our professional representation transcends standard contract negotiations, offering personalized strategies tailored to each client's unique growth and goals. We work closely with each of our clients to build a personal brand that will garner them far-reaching benefits by establishing a reputation for loyalty, service, and commitment to their team, fanbase, and local community.
Our Mission
Our approach is personalized—we take the time to understand our clients, their marketing objectives, and their individual interests. Through a detailed onboarding process, we gain insights into each client's brand, allowing us to identify and secure the most fitting partnerships that maximize their market value.
Our team not only excels in matching the right brands with the right athletes but also in executing successful partnerships. We build close relationships with our clients and their families, offering media training to prepare them for interviews and public relations opportunities. While we collaborate with leading brands, we also value the contributions of local and regional businesses in creating impactful partnerships. Recognizing the significance of social media, we assist our athletes in developing their unique voice and brand presence. Additionally, our media expertise ensures flawless execution of TV ads, radio spots, photo shoots, and more.
Our Team
Mike Bristol
Head of NIL / Coaches
Mike has extensive experience in the world of sports marketing, having served as publicist and marketing manager for legendary Syracuse University men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim and project manager for NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony. He is the co-founder of Elite NIL, which advises student athletes on public relations, social media, digital marketing, and financial literacy to help them build their personal brands. He has helped numerous Syracuse University athletes manage their transition to the pros. In addition to working directly with athletes, Mike has more than a decade of professional sports broadcasting experience with ESPN, ESPN Radio, and Time Warner Sports. Mike’s philanthropic contributions have left a lasting impact, as he helped create the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation. He acts as the fundraising director for foundation events, and has played a pivotal role in specific projects like “The Jim Boeheim Fantasy Camp” “Courts4Kids” and “Sneakers4Kids” alongside Carmelo Anthony and Jim Boeheim, designing courts in NYC, Central New York and Puerto Rico. He also designed and collaborated with former Syracuse legend Pearl Washington on the Takin’ It To The Hoop Basketball Camps.
Keith Gehm
Head of Business Development
As the Head of Business Development at Grand Central Sports Management, Keith leads the team responsible for identifying and securing business and sponsorship partnerships for Grand Central Sports clients. As a veteran sales executive, Keith has worked across multiple media and technology companies, including NY Daily News, LiveIntent, and Under Armour Connected Fitness, where he developed and secured brand partnerships at both the local and national levels. Prior to joining Grand Central Sports Management, Keith served as the Vice President of Sales at DanAds, a Swedish technology company whose client base includes MLB, Disney, Spotify, and Roku. Keith is a graduate of LaSalle University, where he played baseball under Coach Gene McDonnell. He currently resides in Morristown, NJ, with his wife Valerie and their four children: Grace, Eric, Lily, and Ever.
Anna Sapio
Digital Marketing Manager
Anna is a seasoned digital strategist with a wealth of experience in social media marketing, analytics, and content creation. With experience at prestigious organizations like Sports Illustrated, Jay-Z's Roc Nation, Ocean Drive Magazine, and the University of Miami, Anna has honed her skills in managing high-profile digital platforms. Notably, she led the University of Miami's social media efforts during their men's basketball team's Final Four run. Anna's expertise extends across various facets of social media, from developing strategic partnerships to driving impactful marketing campaigns, and ultimately driving success in the dynamic world of digital media.
Matt Babcock
Senior Advisor / Coaches
Born into a family of NBA executives, Matt Babcock gained an early understanding of basketball's inner workings, laying the foundation for his enduring dedication to the game. With 18+ years of professional experience, he's been an agent for NBA and international players, scouted talent worldwide, provided NBA draft analysis to various media outlets, and advised numerous individuals and entities operating in basketball. Babcock's extensive expertise now shapes his daily life, as he has become a versatile, well-informed, and connected figure within the basketball community, cultivated from years of invaluable experience.
Adrian Autry
Certified NBA Agent
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Adrian Autry Jr., a Syracuse alumnus and former college player, has transitioned into a player agent, leveraging his on-court experience and basketball insights to guide and represent emerging talent. With a deep understanding of the game honed at one of college basketball's storied programs, Autry brings a unique perspective to athlete management. His expertise in navigating the complexities of the various layers of basketball and a commitment to clients' on-and-off-court success makes him a trusted advisor and advocate for players looking to make their mark in the sport. Autry's journey from Syracuse to becoming a player representative underscores his dedication to basketball's next generation.
Harrison Goldberg
NIL / Marketing Coordinator
Harrison is currently finishing his education as a Sport Management major at Syracuse University in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. Throughout his time at Syracuse, Harrison has worked alongside Mike Bristol with Elite NIL, helping facilitate appearances and marketing opportunities for college athletes. In addition, Harrison served as a Marketing Intern with Sorare, a digital trading card platform at the forefront of Fantasy sports around the globe. Focused on the NBA and MLB games, he spent time at events such as the NBA Draft and MLB All-Star Week where he surrounded himself with top athletes and helped forge partnerships between the league, its players, and the platform. Harrison has extensive experience in communications, marketing, and social media, and brings with him a strong understanding of the current landscape in both college and professional basketball.
