Why Modern Athletes Must Be Creators: Lessons from Max Fleming and the Savannah Bananas

If you’re a creative company looking to future-proof your business, book a free consultation call at https://koobriklabs.com/contact/ In this episode of Technically Creative, Orlando Wood speaks with Max Fleming, founder of Motive LA, who represents standout athletes and creators—exploring how NIL deals, TikTok, and entertainment-first sports are reshaping the trajectory of modern athletic careers. From repping the iconic Savannah Bananas players as they sell out Fenway Park to shaping the brand of creators like the Pointer Brothers, Max is at the crossroads of sports, entertainment, and the creator economy. His mantra (community, consistency, relatability) guides a new model of management built for athletes and creators who are as viral online as they are talented on the field. We dig into how Motive LA helps athletes fight burnout, build long-term careers, and turn fleeting viral moments into sustainable opportunities. Max explains why today’s athletes can’t afford to ignore social media, how NIL is changing the game for college stars, and why entertainment-first teams like the Savannah Bananas may hold the blueprint for the future of sports. Max also shares: How the Savannah Bananas reinvented baseball for the TikTok era Why NIL deals make social presence essential for college athletes The strategy behind building “internet homies” like the Pointer Brothers How to fight imposter syndrome and burnout in the creator economy Why brand partnerships must serve the person, not just the algorithm The difference between being a manager and being a teammate Why community, consistency, and relatability are the keys to a 30-year career