Phelps Moves From Octagon to The Familie
The 28-time Olympic medalist is changing his representation after more than 20 years with his longtime sports agency.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Swimming
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Michael Phelps has left Octagon, the sports agency that represented him for over 20 years, and signed with The Familie, a sports marketing agency that helps athletes build business ventures outside of sports. The terms of the deal have not been made public.
Why it matters
The move signals a shift in how Phelps manages his post-competitive career, with his new agency focused on business ventures beyond sports. Phelps retired from competitive swimming in 2016 and is now working with several major companies.
Phelps's representation with Octagon lasted more than 20 years before the change. He holds 28 Olympic medals and retired from competitive swimming in 2016.
The players
Michael Phelps
Phelps is a retired American swimmer and the most decorated Olympian in history, with 28 Olympic medals.
The Familie
The Familie is a sports marketing agency that represents athletes, entertainers, and other public figures in building business ventures.
Octagon
Octagon is a global sports and entertainment agency that represented Phelps for more than two decades.
The details
Steve Astephen, founder of The Familie, is the agency partner now guiding Phelps's business affairs. Phelps has said his mother taught him to manage money by letting him spend part of the earnings from his world-record swims.
Timeline
2016: Phelps retires from competitive swimming.
July 2026: Phelps discusses his financial management approach in an interview.
November 2026: Sportico reports the agency change in its business roundup.
Season Trajectory
Retired Olympians increasingly turn to agencies focused on business ventures rather than competition-focused representation. Phelps's move places him within this pattern as he pursues ventures outside the pool.
Phelps's new agency is focused on business ventures, so future announcements are more likely to involve investments and media projects than competitive appearances. Fans following his career should watch for company partnerships tied to The Familie.
The takeaway
Athletes who retire from competition often build second careers through business partnerships, and agency choice can shape which opportunities they pursue. Phelps's shift shows how representation can change as a career moves beyond the sport.
Further reading
For more on the swimming world Phelps came from, see Swimming coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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