Operations Professionals: Insights & Resources

Best Sports Management Consulting Services in Australia

Ryan Stevens
September 5, 2025
All Insights
Operations Professionals: Insights & Resources

Best Sports Management Consulting Services in Australia

Australia’s Top Sports Management Consultants

From AFL stadiums and NRL fields to Olympic swimming pools and the courts of the Australian Open, sport is part of Australia’s identity and behind every great athlete or club is an advisor helping them handle the complex business of sport.

Today’s Australian sports management consultancies are not just about securing contracts; they’re mentors, career architects, legal navigators and brand builders. They protect athlete wellbeing, negotiate fair deals, and ensure local and international talent is positioned for success long after the final whistle.

Below is a carefully curated list of Best Sports Management Consulting Services in Australia, verified for proven frameworks, real client results, and local industry expertise.

Methodology: How We Chose These Sports Management Consulting Services in Australia

🔍 Research-driven - Demonstrated results, verifiable partnerships, and repeatable playbooks.
💬 Client-reviewed - Visible track records, transparent client impact.
📍 Location-based - Every firm and founder is deeply rooted in Australia’s sporting ecosystem.

🌟 Australian Sports Management Consultants - Provider Spotlights

🏏 Pacific Sports Management

What they do:
Pacific Sports Management represents elite athletes in AFL, cricket, and Olympic sports, providing contract negotiation, sponsorship, and career transition support.

Who they work with:
AFL players, cricketers, and Olympians.

Operating model:
Personalised athlete management, brand building, and post-career pathways.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🏆 Deep history in representing some of Australia’s top athletes.

  • 🤝 Strong network with major leagues and sponsors.

  • 📈 Focus on life after sport with education and business planning.
Chris Orr, Owner of Pacific Sports Management

Chris Orr is known for guiding some of Australia’s best-known athletes with integrity and big-picture career strategy. His player-first approach is respected across codes.

🏏 Empire Sports Management

What they do:
Empire Sports Management specialises in contract negotiation, brand activation, and athlete mentoring across multiple sports.

Who they work with:
AFL, NRL, and emerging talent.

Operating model:
Personalised representation and commercial strategy.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🤝 Helps athletes build commercial partnerships beyond playing days.

  • 🧩 Guides rookies and emerging players through early pro years.

  • 📈 Known for tough but fair contract negotiations.
Anthony Van Der Wielen, Founder & Managing Director of Empire Sports Management

Anthony Van Der Wielen blends business acumen with athlete advocacy. He’s respected for turning player success into long-term financial security.

🏏 Titan Sports Management

What they do:
Titan Sports Management represents players in the NRL and rugby union, with a strong presence in player development and contract management.

Who they work with:
Rugby league and rugby union athletes.

Operating model:
Representation, mentorship, and community impact.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🏉 Proven record managing elite NRL players.

  • 🤝 Focus on player well-being and community involvement.

  • 📈 Strong support for transitioning players into new careers.
David Riolo, Owner & Director of Titan Sports Management

David Riolo is widely trusted in rugby circles for putting players’ best interests first on the field and beyond.

🏏 Deliver Sports Management

What they do:
Deliver Sports Management works with elite Australian athletes to secure sponsorships, build public profiles, and manage contracts.

Who they work with:
Pro athletes in various codes, especially rugby and motorsport.

Operating model:
Full-service athlete management with a focus on brand growth.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🧩 Reputation for innovative sponsorship deals.

  • 📈 Helps athletes manage public image and media.

  • 🏆 Strong athlete network in regional and national sport.
Greg Size, Owner of Deliver Sports Management

Greg Size has built a loyal client base thanks to his proactive approach to sponsorship and career development. He’s known for creative strategies that keep clients visible and profitable.

🏏 Athletica Sports Management

What they do:
Athletica offers tailored player representation, legal advisory, and financial planning for elite and emerging athletes.

Who they work with:
AFL, cricket, and Olympic sports.

Operating model:
Full-spectrum representation with specialist legal and financial support.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🧩 Deep expertise in athlete advocacy and welfare.

  • 📈 Strong focus on long-term financial security.

  • 🤝 Trusted by families for protecting young talent.
Peter Jess, Founder & Principal Director of Athletica Sports Management

Peter Jess has decades of experience protecting player rights and pushing for better athlete conditions across codes.

🏏 Rival Sports Management

What they do:
Rival represents AFL and NRL athletes with a focus on contract deals, sponsorships, and welfare management.

Who they work with:
AFL and NRL players at all levels.

Operating model:
Boutique approach, hands-on representation, strong community links.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🏉 Helps overlooked talent rise through the ranks.

  • 📈 Builds strong personal relationships with clients.

  • 🤝 Advocates for fair pay and post-career support.
Courtney Hard Day, Founder & Managing Director of Rival Sports Management

Courtney Hard Day is praised for honest, transparent advice that puts player welfare first, especially for emerging players.

🏏 Aspire Sports Management

What they do:
Aspire helps players across multiple codes with contract negotiation, sponsorship, and career transition planning.

Who they work with:
AFL, cricket, rugby, and Olympic athletes.

Operating model:
Holistic athlete management and brand building.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 📈 Strong links with national governing bodies.

  • 🧩 Expert at managing athlete transitions.

  • 🤝 Known for helping athletes maximise earnings beyond sport.
Michael Fishwick, Founder & CEO of Aspire Sports Management

Michael Fishwick’s reputation is built on integrity and clear strategic thinking, ensuring clients are looked after at every stage of their sporting journey.

🏏 RDK Sports International

What they do:
RDK supports athletes and sports brands with sponsorship, global transfers, and event partnerships.

Who they work with:
Teams, athletes, and corporate partners.

Operating model:
Sponsorship consulting, event management, and talent advisory.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🌏 Global deal-making experience.

  • 📈 Strong event and activation capabilities.

  • 🧩 Bridges local talent with international opportunities.
Ryan Kogelman, Founder & Managing Director of RDK Sports International

Ryan Kogelman is known for his big-picture thinking and ability to match athletes with the right partners, worldwide.

🏏 Sports Advisory Partners Australia

What they do:
Sports Advisory Partners works with sports organisations on governance, leadership, and strategy.

Who they work with:
Clubs, leagues, and federations.

Operating model:
Board advisory, leadership coaching, and strategic planning.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🧩 Focus on ethical governance.

  • 📈 Helps organisations stay ahead of industry shifts.

  • 🤝 Strong leadership mentoring for boards and executives.
Ian Prendergast, Executive Director & Owner of Sports Advisory Partners Australia

Ian Prendergast is a seasoned advisor trusted by boards to navigate complex change and uphold integrity in sport.

🏏 Sports Leaders Consultancy

What they do:
Sports Leaders Consultancy champions athlete education, leadership development, and athlete welfare.

Who they work with:
Sports organisations, young athletes, and community programs.

Operating model:
Education programs, leadership training, and consulting.

💡 Why they stand out:

  • 🎓 Known for advancing athlete education.

  • 🤝 Trusted advisor to clubs and federations.

  • 📈 Strong impact in community sport and youth development.
Dr. Deidre Anderson AM, Founder & Partner of Sports Leaders Consultancy

Dr Deidre Anderson AM is a leading voice for athlete education and leadership pathways. Her impact is felt across schools, clubs, and high-performance sport.

A Future Beyond the Game

The best sports management consultancies in Australia do far more than negotiate deals; they mentor athletes, advocate for fair opportunities, and guide careers that stand the test of time. These consultancies provide tailored strategies, offering valuable insights that help athletes navigate their careers with purpose. They also focus on building long-term relationships and ensure the athlete's brand and legacy are protected in the face of an ever-changing industry. Through strategic planning and deep understanding of the sports ecosystem, they empower their clients to leave a lasting impact both on and off the field.


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