About Us

Who We Are

505 Sports Venture Foundation is a New Mexico-based non-profit corporation dedicated to the support of college athletes seeking to monetize the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL).

What We Do

505 Sports Venture Foundation assists with securing endorsements, appearances, and other NIL-related financial opportunities. We offer support and resources to our clients, including financial literacy, compliance reporting, contract vetting, tax assistance, mentoring and personal growth opportunities.

Why We Do It

505SVF aims to connect student-athletes with meticulous contracts, seamless engagements, official sponsorship allocations, group licensing deals, and brand ambassadorship opportunities. These endeavors made available by philanthropists, businesses, corporations, and organizations.

In collaboration with these partners, 505SVF services cultivate an educational space where student-athletes can apply and integrate newly acquired skills such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and opportunity management to establish and build their individual brand.

Our Team

Board of Directors

UNM '77 grad in Political Science, is the managing partner at Dickler & Roth, LLP in NYC. NM lawyer since '97, UNM Foundation Trustee ('12-'22).

Kurt Roth

Founder

Co-owner & founder of Abrazo Homes. NM native, UNM '08 biz graduate & current Lobo Club board member. Lobo lover and fanatic.

Mackenzie Bishop

Senior Advisor

Entrepreneur, New Mexico enthusiast. Front-row Pit regular since '96. Owner of Solano Traders Inc, a top NM eBay store. Family of devoted Lobos fans.

Jason Tomberlin

Senior Advisor

A Lobo addict since arriving in NM in 1990, Dennis is the Co-founder & Executive Director of FUSION (501-c-3 non-profit), NM's professional theatre company and arts campus in Downtown ABQ.

Dennis Gromelski

Senior Advisor

A native New Mexican and lifelong Lobo, Will Martinez has been the Publisher & President of Albuquerque Business First since 2023. Martinez earned an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of New Mexico, as well as an MBA from UNM’s Anderson School of Management. He also currently serves on the CNM Foundation Board of Directors, Junior Achievement of New Mexico Board of Directors & UNM Anderson Alumni Council.

Will Martinez

Advisor

Founder/President of Cheetah Strategy, a brand and business consulting firm. Born and raised in Albuquerque, so a lifelong UNM Lobos fan. TCU alum and letterwinner (tennis). Active community member and proud sports mom.

Emily Howard

Advisor

Award-winning speaker, business coach, and former Corporate VP at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Top 20 global coach, President Elect of Rotary Club Albuquerque

Mark Tobiassen

Advisor

Nancee Marquez

Chief of Staff

Frequently asked questions

Who do I contact for Media Inquiries?

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Please contact kristelle@siarza.net and info@505sports.org for all media inquiries.

What is NIL?

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NIL stands for “Name, Image, and Likeness”. It allows college athletes to receive financial compensation through use of their NIL in marketing, promotional, and endorsement deals. This can include public appearances, product endorsements, social media posts, and more.

What is an NIL collective?

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The purpose of an NIL collective is to support and protect the players by ensuring they have control over their NIL. They help facilitate meaningful endorsement opportunities that comply with Federal, State, NCAA, SEC and university policies, laws, regulations.

Is 505 Sports part of UNM?

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No. Although we work in close partnership with UNM, like all NIL collectives, we operate independently of the university and athletic department.

Can NILs pay student athletes to attend a particular school?

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No. NCAA rules prohibit players from receiving compensation contingent on going to a particular school (also known as pay- for-play) or tied to athletic performance.

Is my donation to 505 Sports tax deductible?

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Our intention is to become a charitable organization and we are currently seeking a 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6) determination from the IRS. Please contact your tax advisor, accountant, or attorney for guidance regarding your donation.