Jared Wangler

Jared Wangler is the Founder and CEO of Valiant Management Group (VMG) and co-founder of Champions Circle, organizations that serve as key partners to University of Michigan Athletics in the rapidly evolving NIL and revenue-sharing era of college sports. Working in close coordination with university leadership, Wangler and his teams have helped build the revenue generation, athlete management and coordination systems that support Michigan’s ability to recruit and retain talent in a competitive national environment. Champions Circle is the leading Michigan athletics fan engagement platform, connecting fans, brands, and donors with student-athletes through memberships, experiences, content, merchandise, events, and licensing programs. In partnership with Champions Circle, VMG operates as an athlete marketing agency serving Michigan student-athletes by sourcing and executing opportunities across multiple revenue streams. Through these platforms, Wangler helps athletes generate income through brand endorsements, group licensing and merchandise programs, trading cards and memorabilia, appearances and events, sponsored content, and experiential activations. Collectively, these efforts have produced tens of millions of dollars in opportunities for student-athletes while creating a scalable operating model for universities navigating the new era of college athletics. A former University of Michigan football player (2014–2018), Wangler began his entrepreneurial career while still in school, co-founding a licensed apparel company that grew into one of Michigan’s largest merchandise licensees. His experience as both an athlete and entrepreneur informs his focus on connecting education, athletics, and career development — helping athletes translate their platforms into long-term career and financial opportunities.