AFL stars’ sports talent tech start-up Pickstar raises $1 million

Sports talent marketplace Pickstar, founded by former AFL players James Begley and Matthew Pavlich, has raised $1 million in funding from investors.

Offering a new way for brands and fans engage with sports talent, the online booking platform allows the direct brokering of deals with sports stars, from backyard birthday parties and speaking engagements through to global endorsements.

Pickstar is using technology to disrupt the traditional sports talent industry, bolstering the earning potential of everyone from global stars to women in sport and up and coming professional athletes, with deals on the platform ranging from as little as $200 to five and six figure endorsement deals.

Pickstar has over 900 registered athletes and sports personalities across sporting codes including NRL, AFL, football, cricket and swimming.

AFL star Dustin Martin, Matildas striker Sam Kerr, NRL legend Sam Thaiday and former rugby union and new Bachelor Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins are just a few of the household names currently available on the platform.

Former Adelaide Crow and Saint and Pickstar Chief Executive and co-founder, James Begley explains “our own experiences as professional AFL players prompted Matthew and I to set up Pickstar and it’s quickly grown.

“It’s an exciting time for Pickstar and our investors, as well as the sports stars, fans and brands that will benefit from the anticipated growth of the platform.

“We’re very happy to have secured backing from some well known sports personalities, as well as a sophisticated cohort of investors and business leaders.

“Pickstar has already facilitated more than 1,000 commercial opportunities between sport stars and clients ranging from fans, schools and clubs through to major brands and their agencies. We are using this funding to develop a Pickstar app and talent management system for agents and managers, as well as speed up our expansion into New Zealand and the UK. “

AFL legend and former Fremantle captain and Pickstar Director and co-founder Matthew

Pavlich adds “Pickstar is an absolute game changer for athletes, fans and brands and I’m excited about our platform’s future.

“Traditionally access to sports stars has only been possible through clubs, agents or personal networks, but this technology breaks down barriers and allows anyone to connect with stars directly and easily.”

“As a former athlete myself, I’m pleased a business like this now exists that benefits the current generation of athletes as well as older or retired sports stars looking to maximise their commercial opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Pickstar has secured partnerships with numerous professional sporting bodies including the AFL Players’ Association, Professional Footballers Australia, Australian Basketballers’ Association and the Australian Netball Players’ Association.

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Image: James Begley and Matthew Pavlich.