When Joel Embiid inked his eye-watering $193 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, NBA analysts, fans, and even ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith were quick to declare that the Cameroonian superstar “deserves every penny.” This extension, tacking onto his existing deal, secures Embiid with the Sixers through the 2028-29 season, setting his career earnings on a trajectory to surpass $500 million. But as much as Embiid’s skill on the court has earned him this payday, one key player behind the scenes deserves a spotlight: his agent, Jill Smoller.
Smoller, a seasoned sports agent with a reputation for resilience, played a pivotal role in orchestrating Embiid’s massive deal. Since signing him in 2022, Smoller has secured endorsements that have enhanced Embiid’s public profile, including partnerships with Under Armour and Coke Zero, broadening his market appeal. As a former athlete herself, Smoller understands the personal and professional needs of elite players. She’s often regarded as a trailblazer in sports management, known for breaking ground in representing top male athletes and for her long-standing partnership with tennis legend Serena Williams, who has publicly praised Smoller’s unwavering support and dedication.
However, Smoller’s path to becoming a top-tier sports agent wasn’t easy. After an injury prematurely ended her tennis career, she started from scratch, working her way up from the mailroom at ICM to become a Senior Vice President at WME, handling powerhouse clients across sports and entertainment. Throughout her career, Smoller has secured monumental deals, including a high-profile endorsement deal between NBA star Kevin Garnett and Chinese brand Anta, setting a standard for international player-brand relationships.
Smoller’s dedication to her clients extends beyond boardroom negotiations. Her connection with Serena Williams is legendary, not only for the deals she helped broker but for the support she provided during Williams’s most challenging moments. As Smoller shared on ESPN, the mental and emotional strain that comes with reaching greatness is often misunderstood by the public. “Anything but her winning wasn’t enough,” Smoller remarked about Williams, revealing how relentless expectations can wear on athletes.
Her influence has also reached new heights within the entertainment industry, helping to bring Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, into WME’s client roster. With her history of helping clients expand their influence beyond their sport, Smoller’s guidance of Embiid points to potential future endeavors off the court.
Her fellow agent and WME Sports’ women’s basketball head, Zack Miller, has also made waves by building a strong client base, including WNBA star Candace Parker. Together, Smoller and Miller have reshaped the landscape of sports representation, proving that behind every superstar’s earnings lies a powerful advocate.
So, as Joel Embiid gears up to bring Philadelphia its long-awaited NBA championship, it’s worth asking if Smoller, the woman behind his astronomical contract, is the true MVP. Athletes undoubtedly reach new heights on their talent, but having an agent who combines business savvy with an unwavering personal touch might be the secret ingredient to a half-billion-dollar career.
