Nima Namakian

Nima Namakian is an NBPA-certified basketball agent and founder of Innovate Sports Group, with a representation profile tied to high-level NBA draft work, major contract negotiations and long-term player brand development. He first built his name through BDA Sports, working alongside one of basketball’s most established agency platforms before launching Innovate Sports Group. Namakian’s career has been closely associated with major NBA players such as Deandre Ayton and Zach LaVine. In 2018, he became the youngest agent in NBA history to represent a No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick when Ayton was selected first overall by the Phoenix Suns. His work with LaVine has also reflected a broader view of athlete representation, including contract strategy, endorsement positioning, sneaker-market opportunities and global brand development. Namakian’s profile reflects a modern NBA agent model built around early talent identification, player trust, contract execution and commercial growth. His career combines high-level draft representation, max-contract negotiations, endorsement strategy and relationship-based management. Through Innovate Sports Group, he operates as a boutique agent with major-market experience, focused on helping players navigate the NBA business ecosystem, maximize earning power and build sustainable long-term careers on and off the court.