About XIII Collective
An athlete representation and NIL strategy agency built on education, protection, and long-term vision.
Built on Belief
XIII Collective was built from a simple belief: athletes deserve protection, clarity, and strategy — not pressure, shortcuts, or hype.
As NIL and athlete representation continue to evolve, too many athletes are being asked to make long-term decisions without fully understanding the consequences. XIII Collective was created to change that.
Our work sits at the intersection of athlete representation, NIL strategy, and long-term brand development. We support college and professional basketball athletes in navigating opportunities with intention — protecting eligibility, reputation, and future earning power beyond the game.
We don't believe in chasing every deal or prioritizing short-term visibility over long-term value. The most successful athletes move with discipline, patience, and strategy.
- Education First Athletes deserve to understand every decision they make. We ensure informed choices at every stage.
- Compliance Always Eligibility and integrity are never compromised. NIL rules are complex — we stay current so you stay protected.
- Athlete-Centered Each athlete's goals, values, and career stage matter. Strategy is never one-size-fits-all.
- Legacy Focused We build with life beyond the game in mind. Athletic careers are finite — impact is not.
Meet the Founder
Founder and CEO
Starr Howard
I'm Starr Howard, Founder of XIII Collective Sports Group. I hold a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Sports and Education from the University of Southern California, which informs my education-first, compliance-aware approach to athlete representation and NIL strategy.
My professional background spans sports, media, and athlete advocacy, where I've seen firsthand how a lack of guidance can place athletes at risk as NIL opportunities continue to expand.
I work with college and professional basketball athletes to navigate representation and NIL decisions with clarity — protecting eligibility, reputation, and long-term value beyond the game. My approach is disciplined, intentional, and legacy-driven, prioritizing thoughtful decision-making over hype or shortcuts.
Our Ecosystem
XIII Collective has assembled a curated network of trusted professionals to provide clients with comprehensive, best-in-class support.
What is the Preferred Vendor Program?
The XIII Collective Preferred Vendor Program (PVP) is a structured, membership-based partnership platform that connects vetted brands and businesses directly with XIII's curated roster of college and professional athletes.
The program facilitates authentic, values-aligned brand partnerships — ambassador relationships, sponsored content campaigns, NIL deals, product gifting, event appearances, and long-term brand arrangements.
It's a two-way ecosystem: vendors gain organized access to athletes who align with their brand, and athletes gain access to brand partners who offer real value. XIII Collective serves as the connector, the compliance resource, and the ongoing relationship manager between both sides.
- How It Works Vendors apply, get reviewed for roster alignment, and are enrolled at a partnership tier — Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze.
- Athlete Matching XIII matches vendors to athletes based on brand values, audience, deal budget, and campaign goals. Every introduction is intentional.
- Deal Support XIII provides deal structuring, NIL compliance review, and contract coordination at no additional charge on every deal.
- Active Participation The program is designed for active participants — vendors are expected to engage with introductions, pursue partnerships, and bring value to the XIII athlete community.
Our Preferred Vendors
XIII Collective partners with a select group of vetted brands and businesses who share our commitment to athlete-first values and authentic performance support.
Additional vendor partnerships launching Q3 2026. Interested in joining the network? Submit a vendor inquiry.
