What Do You Need to Become a Sports Agent?

Becoming a sports agent is a career path that requires dedication to several years of preparation. According to PayScale, the average sports agent can expect to make between $43,729 and $139,723. The best sports agents in the world earn millions of dollars per year and represent some of the most powerful names in sports.

  1. Education

    • Becoming a sports agent will does not require a degree but most have the minimum of a bachelors degree. However, many organizations and leagues prefer the agents that represent their athletes to have a masters degree. In addition, many sports agents have a law degree. A law degree may be important for a sports agent to have because they will often times be handling complex and complicated contract negotiations.

    Internship

    • Completing an internship at a sports management firm will help you become a sports agent. At your internship you will be able to learn how a sport agent and sport management agency operates on a day in, day out basis. Real life experience is essential in becoming a sports agent because being under prepared and under equipped will lead to undesirable professional results. As an intern, you can make professional contacts and learn the finer points of the industry.

    Certification

    • Professional certification is necessary in order to become a certified sports agent. Certification requirements may vary from professional sports league to professional sports league. Pick a sport that you are interested and learn the requirements necessary to represent athletes in those various leagues. Some leagues may require their sports agents to have an advanced degree. Paying an application fee, as well as passing an exam and background check are all part of the certification process for most all leagues.

    Marketing

    • Market your services to potential clients that may need an agent. Attend individual athletes pro days. Most high-end players will have a day where they will invite agents and pro scouts to watch them workout. As an agent it is important to not contact a prospective client directly until they have announced their intention to turn professional. Premature contact with a player is an NCAA violation. Contact the college coach of perspective clients to introduce yourself and offer your services to his player or players. Also, you can contact the former coaches of a desirable player. For instance, contact the high school coach of a successful college player. Chances are they player still keeps in touch and takes advice from his high school coach.

    Representation Agreement

    • Sign a client to an agreement that states you are representing him as an agent. Putting this agreement on paper will ensure that the athlete can not be represented by another agent or agency. The agreement should includes terms of payment. Most agents collect a percentage of the contract that they negotiate for the athlete.