ABOUT US
A-Mountain Sports is led by a trio of managing partners: Paul Smith, Luke Smith and Jordan Banegas. The collective, which manages all NIL agreements for NM State student-athletes, was launched in February 2022 and currently oversees deals for over 50 Aggie student-athletes.
With deep roots in Las Cruces and a strong understanding of Aggie culture, these individuals bring a fresh perspective to A-Mountain Sports, fostering growth for both the collective and NM State athletics.
Banegas and the Smith brothers all have extensive backgrounds in entrepreneurship and strategic business development, both locally and nationally.
Paul Smith grew up in Las Cruces, N.M., before leaving the area to play collegiate baseball at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Mich. After graduating in 2010, Smith worked on various political campaigns across the country. He later served as Chief of Staff in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Iowa’s First Congressional District from 2014 to 2017, before returning to Las Cruces.
As an entrepreneur and consultant based in Las Cruces since 2018, Smith has developed effective strategies for businesses, non-profits, and political campaigns across New Mexico and the nation. A lifelong Aggie fan, he is excited to elevate A-Mountain Sports and help set NM State programs up for continued success.
Smith recalls his favorite Aggie memory as the time he had the chance to play basketball in the driveway with Aggie men’s basketball legend Eric Channing, who surprised him at a friend’s house. He also remembers the unforgettable moment when the Aggie men’s basketball team defeated UConn in the NCAA Tournament, after years of watching the program come close to achieving that historic victory.
Luke Smith was born and raised in Las Cruces. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at New Mexico State University and earned his Master of Accountancy in 2015. While at NMSU, Smith founded EcoSeal, a tech transfer company, to commercialize NMSU’s intellectual property. Following the success of EcoSeal, Smith launched a fundraising firm based in Las Cruces and has worked with numerous political and non-profit clients both locally and nationally.
A lifelong Aggie, Smith grew up listening to Jack Nixon call Aggie games on the radio. His favorite Aggie memory is attending the 2007 WAC Tournament in Reno, Nev., as a freshman, where he stormed the court to celebrate the Aggies’ first WAC Tournament title alongside players like Jonathan Gibson, Jahmar Young, Gordo Castillo, and Wendell McKinnes.
Jordan Banegas, a seventh-generation New Mexican and Las Cruces native, brings both local roots and national expertise to A-Mountain Sports. Recently, Banegas has led high-impact initiatives for national non-profits focused on empowering communities across the U.S. During his decade in the Washington, D.C., area, he led national campaigns advocating for economic opportunity, education, and the rights of underrepresented groups.
Banegas also has a distinguished background as a regent at New Mexico State University, where he implemented policies to strengthen the bond between the institution and its students. He has served on various political campaigns in southern New Mexico, advocating for the removal of economic barriers in the Borderland region.
As a managing partner with A-Mountain Sports, Banegas is dedicated to empowering student-athletes through meaningful NIL opportunities, aligning with his passion for creating positive change in his community. His leadership will strengthen the connection between Aggie athletics and the region, ensuring that NIL efforts continue to support local talent and build a lasting legacy for Aggie sports.
Banegas shared some of his favorite Aggie memories, including attending games at the Pan American Center during the Neil McCarthy era. He also fondly recalls Lou Henson’s return to NM State in the late 1990s. Additionally, he remembers historic moments like the 2007 WAC Men’s Basketball Tournament and the 2017 Arizona Bowl, which ended a 57-year bowl game drought for the Aggies.
As demonstrated by their memories and experiences, the new leadership team is committed to advancing Aggie athletics through the development of A-Mountain Sports. Fans can learn more about NIL and support the collective by visiting AggieNIL.com.
As demonstrated by their memories and experiences, the new leadership team is committed to advancing Aggie athletics through the development of A-Mountain Sports. Fans can learn more about NIL and support the collective by visiting AggieNIL.com.
As demonstrated by their memories and experiences, the new leadership team is committed to advancing Aggie athletics through the development of A-Mountain Sports. Fans can learn more about NIL and support the collective by visiting AggieNIL.com.
About A-Mountain Sports
A-Mountain Sports NIL Collective launched in February 2022 to support athletes at New Mexico State. The collective’s mission is to provide a comprehensive framework that enables athletes to leverage their NIL rights effectively and ethically. Through their program, they aim to support student-athlete’s personal, academic, and athletic ambitions, ensuring that they can maximize their potential both on and off the field.
They strive to be at the forefront of NIL opportunities, offering guidance, resources, and partnerships that help our athletes thrive in this dynamic landscape. Their focus is on creating a community that not only understands the value of athletic talent but also respects and nurtures the personal and professional growth of each individual athlete.
The first NIL deals facilitated by A-Mountain Sports were for men’s basketball players Sir’Jabari Rice and Johnny McCants with Doña Ana Pain & Injury. The collective seeks to pool funds from partners while connecting business owners with New Mexico State athletes. A-Mountain Sports offers five membership levels, including $18.88, $30, $50, $125, $208.33, $500, and $833.33 per month. Partners can also contribute a custom amount.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is NIL?
NIL stands for “Name, Image, and Likeness” specifically referring to the use of an athlete’s NIL through marketing and promotional endeavors. Student-athletes at NCAA institutions could begin monetizing their NIL beginning on July 1, 2021.
Generally speaking, all NIL activities are permitted, as they follow these four guidelines:
- There must be quid pro quo attached to an NIL deal essentially requiring a student-athlete to do an activity in order to receive compensation.
- That activity cannot be tied to athletic performance such as statistical achievements, wins, or awards.
- That activity cannot be contingent upon the student-athlete committing to the university that the collective supports or tied to enrollment.
- Institutions do not provide compensation in exchange for the use of a student-athlete’s NIL.
What sport(s) does A-Mountain support?
A-Mountain Sports is responsive to the desires of its donors in attempting to support all men’s and women’s varsity sports at NMSU.
Is A-Mountain Sports part of NMSU?
No. A-Mountain Sports is a private entity. By rule, NIL collectives cannot be a part of an institution. However, A-Mountain Sports is the preferred and official NIL collective working with NMSU student athletes.
Does New Mexico have an NIL state law?
Yes. New Mexico has one of the best, athlete-friendly NIL laws in the country. It concisely states that an institution may not prohibit a student athlete from benefiting from the use of his/her NIL.
Are contributions to A-Mountain Sports tax deductible?
On the advice of legal experts and financial advisors, our organization is structured as a limited liability company. Given this structure, payments are not tax-deductible nor considered a charitable donation. We do, however, work with business owners to allow them to consider claiming their investments as a marketing expense.