About us
NXTUP Sports Media Network is a fast-growing sports media outlet covering athletes across the nation. We specialize in capturing the moments, stories, and performances that define high level sports. Beyond coverage, we also connect sports media creators and contributors nationwide, building a network that creates opportunities for collaboration, growth, and expanded exposure across the industry.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to become the premier platform for high level for sports coverage nationwide. Through high-quality photography, dynamic highlight videos, and in-depth player spotlights, we showcase the talent, dedication, and achievements of athletes across the nation. We are committed to providing athletes with meaningful exposure while delivering engaging, professional coverage that connects players, families, coaches, and fans.
OUR VISION
To become a leading sports media network that connects and elevates coverage from youth and high school athletics all the way to the professional level.
Elijah Lane
Elijah Lane is the Founder and Creative Director of NXTUP Sports Media. Based in Las Vegas, he leads a growing team of photographers, videographers, and creatives dedicated to producing high-quality sports content. His vision is to build NXTUP into a premier sports media brand while helping athletes and creators gain greater exposure and opportunities.
Meet the Team & Photographers
The visionaries and creators behind NXT UP Sports Media, dedicated to redefining sports storytelling through premier visual coverage.
Founder & CEO
Ahmed Yagoub
Co-Founder
Ahmed Yagoub, also known as ShotByZemy, is the Co-Founder and Lead Videographer of NXTUP Sports Media. Based in Las Vegas, he specializes in sports videography, photography, and visual storytelling. Ahmed works alongside the creative team to produce high-quality content while helping grow NXTUP into one of the nation’s leading sports media brands.
Dario Valdez
Creative director
Dario Valdez is a sports photographer, specializing in capturing the emotion and intensity of competition. While soccer is his primary focus, he covers a variety of sports, creating authentic images that tell each athlete’s story. His work has earned opportunities with Overtime, and he aspires to photograph professional sports at the highest level.
Alexa Simpson
Photographer
Alexa Simpson is a sports photographer and videographer based in Las Vegas and the founder of Alexa Simpson Productions. She specializes in creating high-quality photo and video content that helps athletes showcase their talent and grow their personal brand. Currently pursuing a degree in Journalism and Media at UNLV, Alexa is passionate about telling athletes' stories through creative visual storytelling.
Ricardo Elorza
head of operations
Ricardo Elorza is a Las Vegas-based sports photographer and a member of NXTUP Sports Media. He began his photography journey at 14 and has since built experience covering football, soccer, baseball, boxing, pickleball, and championship-level competition. Known for his high-quality work, Ricardo is passionate about creating high-quality visuals that tell every athlete's story.
Jedidiah Salas
Photographer
Jedidiah Salas, known as @jsalas.shotss, is a sports photographer based in Las Vegas and a member of NXTUP Sports Media. He specializes in capturing the moments that define the game through creative storytelling and authentic imagery. From college baseball to elite youth soccer, Jedidiah is dedicated to creating impactful visuals that tell every athlete's story.