NFL rookie Caleb Williams is making inroads into the business world with the launch of his investment firm, 888 Midas. The firm will focus on alternative investments in private equity, venture capital, and real estate. Williams was chosen by the Chicago Bears as the No. 1 draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“I always planned on being both an athlete and a businessman. As I’ve reached many of my athletic goals and dreams, multiple business opportunities have also surfaced,” Williams explained why he launched his investment firm.
Williams’ venture is supported by a system of experienced professionals in the investment to allow him to concentrate on competing in the NFL season. His partners and advisors include Sherif Guirgis, former Managing Director at Main Street Advisors; Ross Walker, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Hawkins Way Capital; John Terzian, Co-Founder and Co-President of The h.wood Group and Lew Wolff, Chairman of Wolff Urban and former Co-Owner and Managing Partner of the Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball team.
Williams said his collaboration with the prominent real estate private equity fund Hawkins Way in 2022 has shaped his business outlook and strategies.
While at the University of Southern California, Williams was among the first athletes to benefit from name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. He had NIL deals with Wendy’s, Beats by Dre, Dr. Pepper, United Airlines, PlayStation, Alo, and Neutrogena, among others. In 2022, Williams became a part-owner of the male grooming company Faculty. He enters the NFL as one of the highest-paid college football players ever, having made around $10 million in NIL money and endorsements during his final two seasons in college.
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These early business encounters have influenced his approach to contracts and financial management. According to a report by The Athletic, Williams has explored the possibility of purchasing equity in his future NFL team. However, the NFL has not yet allowed players to hold stakes in teams. He is instead relying on a team of lawyers to negotiate the contract, a projected four-year, $39.5 million deal with a $25.5 million signing bonus. Williams is expected to finalize this deal before the Bears’ training camp begins on July 26th.
The establishment of 888 Midas offers Williams the opportunity to expand his interests beyond the football field. The 22-year-old quarterback is definitely one to keep an eye on!
“Athletes are often inundated with and distracted by these opportunities. To eliminate the potential for distraction, it was important to me to immediately set up a business operation with established, trusted partners and advisors I’ve known for years to strategically take advantage of ventures in the global marketplace. This partnership will enable me to focus the entirety of my time and energy on learning the professional football game and bringing the Lombardi Trophy back home to Chicago where it belongs. I’m beyond excited to have 888 Midas working for me and for its expected growth as an investment and advisory entity in the years to come,” Williams said about the structure of his company.