OUR TEAM
Brian Elfus
Founder and CEO
ESM’s CEO, Brian Elfus, is a basketball industry veteran who has been an agent for 24 years and has negotiated more than $700 million in contracts throughout his career. His impressive client roster includes: NBA Head Coaches, NBA Executives, NBA Assistant Coaches, NBA G League Head Coaches, NCAA Div One Head Coaches, Div One Assistant Coaches and Head Coaches for prominent overseas clubs.
Prior to founding ESM, Brian was a certified contract advisor with the NBPA and spent six years with Impact Sports Management, growing the basketball division from its infancy stages. In 2010, he negotiated a $40 million extension for Tyrus Thomas, and he was responsible for the signings of all-star Kawhi Leonard and Will Barton, among many other NBA players. He negotiated Leonard’s max contract, valued at $94 million, with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015. Before entering the sports business, Brian worked for a prominent criminal defense attorney in NY and practiced civil litigation for a small firm in Los Angeles.
Brian received his J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and his B.A. from American University.
Jesse Stern
Associate
Jesse Stern has spent over 2 years working under the tutelage of ESM Founder and CEO Brian Elfus. He now serves as an Associate at ESM, facilitating everyday operations and reporting out industry events. Additionally, Jesse assists in preparing clients for potential coaching positions and/or promotion.
A recent graduate from University of Maryland, Jesse earned his BS in Accounting from the Robert H. School of Business. In addition, he was a member in the inaugural class of UMD’s Sports Management Program.
Jesse is currently pursuing his J.D. at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.
Mark Raveling
Senior Director, College Basketball Division
A veteran of the sports marketing world with unparalleled access to some of the most influential athletes of our time, Raveling’s journey began alongside basketball greatness. The son of Hall of Fame coach George Raveling, Mark had a front-row seat to the rise of Michael Jordan, becoming a trusted confidante and strategist as MJ built a global empire.
From Directing the renowned Michael Jordan Flight School to shaping athlete strategies at Jordan Brand for NBA stars like Carmelo Anthony, Ray Allen, Jimmy Butler, Blake Griffin and Kawhi Leonard, Raveling has long operated at the intersection of brand, talent, and culture. Most recently, he served as the driving force behind Red Bull’s Basketball Marketing platform, overseeing strategy across the NBA, WNBA, and USA Basketball.
Raveling understands the evolving needs of today’s coaches and brings immediate value to our clients and partners. He will work closely with ESM Founder & CEO Brian Elfus and the broader team to expand the college coaching roster, support career development, and align coaches with meaningful off-court opportunities.