How to Find a Sports Agent

Any athlete in need of a sports agent must be doing something right. However, there are many ways to go wrong when it comes to hiring that agent. A lot of people claim to be agents, and even some of the legitimate ones have been nabbed for corrupt or unfair policies. The athlete needs to be willing to shop around and compare the work histories of agents before signing anything.

Things You'll Need

  • Internet, network of friends
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get references from other athletes in your profession. Some agents specialize in certain sports. The agent that gets his name in the sports programs the most may not be the best for your sport. College resources can also help identify legitimate agents.

    • 2

      Check a neutral source like the Sports Agent Directory. It has a long list of active agents and their clients.

    • 3

      Talk to as many different agents as you can. Ask each agent about his past and present clients, what bonuses or perks he was able to get those clients that other agents could not, and what he expects from you.

    • 4

      Check into the background of any agent. If they are truly what they claim they are, the agent will not have a problem with this responsible act. You also need to consider what the agent's reputation is among the business people in your sport. For example, some agents have developed a reputation for holding their clients out of training camps until a contract is signed to his satisfaction. In some cases, the agent and the owner have a history of bad negotiations, and neither one is willing to give in to the other. This could make life uncomfortable for an athlete who just wants to play.