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Our Team
Steven Fantetti
Steve is a corporate lawyer specializing in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts; mergers and acquisitions; employment law; and sports and entertainment law. He founded AEA so athletes and families have one informed advocate looking at the whole picture: the contract, the brand, the business, and the life beyond sport.
- Juris DoctorCum Laude
- LL.M.Corporate Law & Finance
- NFLPACertified Contract Advisor (Since 2025)
- Bar AdmissionsFlorida Bar Member
Background
Steve is the founder of Fantetti Legal and has served as an Associate Attorney, In-House Legal Counsel, and Legal Consultant. His practice focuses on transaction-based services, including contract claims, entity formation and asset protection strategies, mergers and acquisitions, asset purchases, trademark protection, licensing, purchase and sale transactions, and other intellectual property matters, along with litigation and general business legal matters.
He also dedicates a significant portion of his practice to labor and employment law, routinely represents businesses throughout the State of Florida, assists start-up companies and entrepreneurs entering the Florida market, and handles commercial real estate matters.
Steve represents the legal and business interests of professional athletes in the National Football League (NFL), and high school and collegiate athletes in the NCAA, protecting the rights associated with their name, image, and likeness (NIL). He is an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor and represents NFL players.
Before starting Fantetti Legal, Steve served as In-House Legal Counsel for Veredus Corporation, Lincare, Inc., and Wilson Human Capital Group, Inc. He is married to Florida attorney Kelly Fantetti, and together they have two sons.
Experience
- Streamlined the contract integration program for IT staffing companies in the United States and Canada as part of a corporate acquisition.
- Established the corporate restructuring for a nationwide IT company, including the formation and maintenance of all entities and corporate governance.
- Represented entrepreneurs in the formation and structure of their businesses, including governing documents, asset purchases, and the company’s human resources policy manual.
- Successfully resolved more than 100 state and federal employment and labor law cases as an associate attorney.
- Represented businesses in negotiating and executing commercial real estate leases in several states across the United States.
Education
- LL.M. (Master of Laws: Corporate Law and Finance), Western Michigan University Cooley School of Law, 2015
- Juris Doctor (J.D.), Cum Laude, Western Michigan University Cooley School of Law, 2011
- Certificate of Merit: International and Comparative Contract Law
- Editor, Board of Editors, Thomas M. Cooley Law Review
- Thomas M. Cooley Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award
- Valedictory Speaker, 2011 Graduating Class
- Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law and Society (Social Sciences), Minor in Psychology, Michigan Tech University, 2007
Bar Admissions
- Florida Bar Member, licensed to practice in all state courts in the State of Florida
Professional Affiliations
- The Florida Bar
- Association of Corporate Counsel
- NFL Players Association, Certified Contract Advisor (Since 2025)
Community Involvement
- Board Member, Western Michigan University Cooley School of Law Alumni Board
- Former Volunteer, Child-Life Unit, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital
- Mentors high school and NCAA athletes through his affiliation with W.E.C.Y.C.L.E., a nonprofit organization
- Adjunct Professor of Law, Western Michigan University Cooley School of Law (Riverview, Florida campus), teaching Corporate Business Planning
Legal Practice Areas
- Business Transactions
- Contracts
- Corporate Law
- Employment Law
- Litigation
- Real Estate
Join the team.
AEA is always looking for talented people. If we have a role open, or you have an idea for one that would help us grow, we want to hear from you.
Who leads Athlete Empowerment Agency?
Athlete Empowerment Agency was founded and is led by Steven Fantetti, Esq., a corporate lawyer and NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor. Steve founded AEA so athletes and families have one informed advocate looking at the whole picture: the contract, the brand, the business, and the life beyond sport. He also founded the business law firm Fantetti Legal.
Is Steve Fantetti an attorney?
Yes. Steve is a corporate lawyer and a member of the Florida Bar, licensed to practice in all Florida state courts. He earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, and an LL.M. in Corporate Law and Finance from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, and his practice covers contracts, mergers and acquisitions, employment law, and sports and entertainment law.
Is Steve Fantetti NFLPA certified?
Yes. Steve has been an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor since 2025. NFLPA certification is what allows an agent to negotiate NFL player contracts, so athletes AEA represents in college can keep the same advocate if the NFL becomes their next step.
Where is AEA based?
AEA is based in Tampa Bay, Florida. AEA represents athletes beyond Florida, including clients at Austin Peay and South Carolina State and in the NFL, and leads speaking sessions for athletic departments and teams across the country.
How do I contact AEA?
Use the contact form on the Contact page to start the conversation. Athletes interested in representation can complete the Prospect Representation Form on the Representation page. If you are a high school athlete, your parent or legal guardian must contact AEA directly on your behalf.