Welcome to XL Sports Group!

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Marco Marciano is a veteran sports marketing and athlete representation executive with more than two decades of experience across professional and collegiate sports. As President & Partner at XL Sports Group, Marco specializes in NIL representation, athlete marketing, brand development, contract negotiations, strategic partnerships, and long-term career development.

Throughout his career, Marco has worked alongside elite athletes, major brands, and professional sports organizations, building a reputation as a trusted, relationship-driven advisor. He also serves as Board Chair of Athletes For Causes Foundation, supporting youth through sports, education, mentorship, and community outreach.

In 2026, Marco helped establish XL Sports Group’s strategic partnership with Joby Branion and Vanguard Sports Group, connecting XL athletes with one of the NFL’s premier representation platforms. The partnership combines XL’s NIL, marketing, and collegiate expertise with Vanguard’s proven experience in NFL contracts, draft preparation, and career management.

Marco’s focus is simple: advocate for athletes, create meaningful opportunities, and build relationships that provide value throughout every stage of their careers.

Joby Branion Co-founded Athletes First (2001, built it into the #1 sports agency  in the NFL) In 2010 he launched his own Vanguard Sports Group and is one of the most respected agents in football today. With over two decades of experience, Branion has represented elite talent, negotiating high-value contracts and guiding athletes through every stage of their careers—from draft preparation to long-term financial and brand development. Known for his integrity, strategic approach, and deep relationships across the league, he has built a reputation for maximizing player value both on and off the field. Branion’s expertise in contract negotiation, player marketing, and career management has made Vanguard Sports Group a trusted name in Player representation, delivering results for some of the game’s top athletes.

“Vanguard President Joby Branion has negotiated elite contracts, including Keenan Allen’s $80M extension, and represented top-tier talent such as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Von Miller—bringing over 25 years of proven success at the highest” Branion Veteran power broker with 25+ years experience and $1B+ in negotiated deals 

“Vanguard Sports Group delivers elite representation at every stage—from draft entry to $100M+ veteran contracts—led by one of the most experienced agents Joby Branion.”  

Anna Garrison provides a personalized, white-glove level of service designed to elevate the athlete’s brand and simplify life on and off the field.

From media relations and personal branding to appearances, partnerships, events, scheduling, and concierge services, Anna serves as a dedicated resource for XL Sports athletes and their families.

Every detail is handled with professionalism, discretion, and attention to the athlete’s individual goals and image.

WHITE-GLOVE SERVICES

PR & Media
Strategic media relations, interviews, appearances, and communications.

Brand & Social
Personal branding, social media coordination, and digital presence.

Partnerships & Events
Brand opportunities, sponsor coordination, appearances, and events.

Concierge Services
Scheduling, travel coordination, logistics, and personalized athlete and family support.

As Vice President of NIL & Marketing at XL Sports, Shane Illingworth works with high school and collegiate athletes to develop their personal brands, create meaningful opportunities, and position them for long-term success both on and off the field. As a former Under Armour All-American quarterback and Division I athlete, Shane understands firsthand the challenges athletes face and brings a unique perspective to every relationship.

His background spans athlete branding, content strategy, marketing, recruiting guidance, and NIL development. Shane specializes in helping athletes build authentic personal brands, increase their visibility, and connect with opportunities that align with their goals and values. Through strategic storytelling, social media development, and relationship building, he helps athletes maximize their influence while preparing them for the next stage of their careers.

As Director of Recruiting at XL Sports, Jaden Navarrette brings firsthand experience navigating the recruiting process at the highest level. A former four-star recruit and All-American, Jaden emerged as a nationally recognized prospect at an unusually young age, receiving his first major scholarship offers from USC and UCLA while still in eighth grade.

Throughout his high school career, Jaden was recruited nationally as a two-way athlete at both wide receiver and defensive back, giving him a unique understanding of the expectations, pressures, and opportunities that come with being a highly sought-after prospect. His recruitment ultimately led him to the University of Oregon, where he continued his football career at the Division I level.

At XL Sports, Jaden uses those experiences to help young athletes and their families navigate the recruiting landscape with greater confidence and direction. From evaluating opportunities and building relationships to understanding how coaches and programs view prospects, he provides athletes with insight from someone who has personally been through the process from an early age.

Dana Kaufman is a Partner at XL Sports Group and serves as the firm’s lead Attorney, NIL Negotiator, and Financial Planning expert. He heads XL Sports’ NIL Negotiation and Financial Team, bringing a rare combination of legal, accounting, and valuation expertise to athlete representation.

Dana earned his Master of Accounting from the University of Arizona Graduate School of Business and his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, where he was a member of the Entertainment and Sports Law Journal. He is a Certified Public Accountant (Florida), a Certified Valuation Analyst, and a Certified Fraud Examiner, and is licensed to practice law as a member of the Florida Bar.

With decades of experience and elite credentials, Dana plays a critical role in structuring, negotiating, and protecting NIL and professional contracts, while helping athletes build sound financial foundations for long-term success on and off the field.