As the NFL Draft season concludes, college athletes across the nation found themselves at a defining moment. For many, there was a monumental decision to be made – sign a pro contract, stay in school leveraging new NIL opportunities, or explore another path. Regardless of the route they choose, one truth remains constant planning for long-term financial security is critical. Cogent Bank’s Sports & Entertainment vertical is committed to providing athletes with the resources, expertise, and personal guidance they need to thrive well beyond draft day.

Cogent Bank’s Sports & Entertainment vertical began in 2023 supporting just two NFL players. In only two years, the vertical has grown exponentially and is now comprised of a diverse roster of athletes across multiple sports—30 NIL college athletes, 28 NFL players, three NBA players, and two women’s soccer players. This rapid expansion underscores Cogent’s mission to provide athletes with comprehensive guidance that will help them expand their financial opportunities and maintain economic stability at every stage of their career and life.

A Concierge Approach to Financial Literacy

What sets Cogent Bank apart is our hands-on, concierge-style service. We believe that wealth preservation is as much about education as it is about numbers. Our team is deeply invested in ensuring athletes understand every step of their financial journey, whether that’s setting up a business, navigating taxes, investments, or investing in their philanthropic goals.

The vertical is run by Brandon Ghee, a former NFL veteran who has firsthand experience signing a professional contract and preserving his wealth beyond his playing years. He takes a vested interest in each client. Drawing from his personal foundation and knowledge, he is highly committed to passing that same level of guidance and support to his Cogent clients.

At the heart of this approach is financial literacy—we teach athletes the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, and investing so they can make informed decisions. Especially now, with many collegiate athletes signing lucrative deals, the need for strong financial guidance has never been greater. We take that responsibility seriously.

Selectivity and Support: Building Meaningful Relationships

We are intentional about the clients they bring on. Our focus is on athletes who demonstrate a willingness to learn, stay grounded, and channel their success into helping themselves, their families, and their communities. Every athlete we work with has a unique story; from an NFL prospect saving his parents’ home from foreclosure to a young soccer player supporting a sibling through college, the Sports & Entertainment vertical prides itself on addressing all the unique needs of our clients. At Cogent, success isn’t just about having a “high-profile” athlete on our roster; it’s about forging lasting bonds that make a genuine difference in the lives of these individuals and their families.

Expanding into Women’s Sports

Women’s sports continue to gain momentum, and we are proud to grow alongside them. We currently work with professional female soccer players and see a bright future for women’s basketball, flag football, and more at both collegiate and professional levels. Our commitment to these athletes mirrors that of our other clients: tailored financial strategies that recognize their unique journeys and ambitions. With scholarship opportunities in women’s flag football on the rise and fan bases expanding for women’s basketball, we are thrilled to be on the forefront of helping female athletes maximize their earnings and set themselves up for life after sports.

Community and Philanthropy: The Heart of Their Mission

Financial success, for many of our clients, is about more than personal gain—it’s about uplifting the communities and causes they care about. Many of our clients have powerful stories of giving back: covering medical bills for family members, paying off parents’ mortgages, or establishing charitable foundations. Part of our work involves helping these athletes create structures that enable them to fulfill their philanthropic dreams responsibly.

Looking Ahead

The 2024–2025 season promises even more growth for our Sports & Entertainment vertical. We’re excited to see our roster expand across different sports and guide new athletes as they transition from college competition to the professional stage. Our ultimate goal remains clear: empower athletes to make informed financial decisions, preserve the wealth they’ve worked so hard to earn, and create a lasting impact for themselves, their families, and their communities. Whether an athlete is just starting their career or realizing it’s time to plan for the future, our team is here to ensure the financial journey is every bit as rewarding as their athletic one.

Interested in learning more? Contact the Sports & Entertainment team at Cogent Bank to discover how they can help secure an athlete’s financial future—one play at a time.