Length of contract: 5 years | Annualised value: US$3 million | Overall value: US$15m

National Basketball Association (NBA) star Steve Nash has signed a deal with IMG giving the sports, entertainment and media agency exclusive rights to his marketing representation in his native Canada as well as additional international marketing rights. Nash, who plays point guard for the Phoenix Suns, has twice been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player, and has been named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

The 35-year-old has significant business interests outside the sport that rely on him maintaining his place in the public eye after retirement, and is keen to 'remain fully engaged with Canadian fans, media and community groups across the country' as well as raising his international profile.

"Steve Nash is not only a Canadian sports treasure, but a global icon, and IMG looks forward to working with him on his off-court business strategies and promotional efforts," said Brad Pelletier, managing director of IMG Canada. "Steve is an example of everything that we could hope for in a role model for young people, and our goal is to help him reach new audiences, specifically in Canada, but also internationally."

Among his interests outside basketball, Nash is heading a bid to bring a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise to Vancouver. His brother, Martin, is the current captain of Canadian soccer team  the Vancouver Whitecaps. Nash also runs Meathawk Productions, a filmmaking company that has, among other projects, produced an advertisement for Nike.

"While my career is based in the United States, Canada is home, so of course I want to remain fully connected there in every way possible, and working with IMG, with their resources in Canada and around the world, will help me do that," said Nash. "I consider myself very fortunate to enjoy a career in professional sports, but to me it is a platform to accomplish much more, especially as it relates to helping others."

Nash is known to be selective about endorsing products, preferring to work with companies he deems socially responsible. He is closely involved with environmental activism, and worked with Nike to develop 'Trash Talk', a basketball shoe manufactured entirely from recycled materials. His commission-based deal with IMG is almost certain to earn the agency US$5 million.