Sports agent
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A sports agent is a person who procures and negotiates employment and endorsement deals for an athlete. In turn the agent receives a commission that is usually between ten and twelve percent of the contract, although this figure varies. In addition, the agent often handles public relations matters for his or her client. In some large sport agencies such as IMG and Octagon, agents deal with all aspects of an athlete's finances, from investment to filing taxes.
The role of the sports agent has become somewhat glamorized in recent times, such that the industry has seen a sharp increase in the number of potential and/or aspiring agents. Partially with this influx in mind, "I Want to be a Sports Agent" [1] was created by Darren Heitner on December 31st, 2005 as the first Sports Agent blog on the internet. This blog serves as a place for current and aspiring Sports Agents to keep abreast of the latest Sports business/law/agent news and hopes to create a collection of knowledge for all to benefit from.
[edit] Famous sports agents
- Scott Boras: baseball agent, whose clients include Carlos Beltrán, Alex Rodriguez, and others.
- Vlade Divac, Ex-basketball player with the Los Angeles Lakers, (twice) Charlotte Hornets, (now New Orleans Hornets) and the Sacramento Kings. Divac is now an agent with the Real Madrid Basketball Club.
- Bill Duffy: basketball agent whose clients include Carmelo Anthony, Yao Ming and Steve Nash
- David Falk: basketball agent, whose clients are/have been Juwan Howard, Michael Jordan, Glen Rice.
- Mark McCormack: the main creator of the modern sports agency industry. First client was Arnold Palmer. Founded International Management Group.
- Barry Thomas: UK Football Agent, famous for bringing high profile foreign players to the UK.
- Rob Pelinka:basketball agent and former basketball player at University of Michigan, whose clients are Kobe Bryant and Carlos Boozer
- Drew Rosenhaus: football agent, quickly becoming notorious for signing high profile athletes and making high demands. High profile clients include Anquan Boldin, Plaxico Burress, Terrell Owens, Warren Sapp, and Santana Moss. Often represents players from his alma matter, the University of Miami. The real life inspiration for the character of Bob Sugar in the film Jerry Maguire.
- Josey Rowan: Scottish Football Agent, founder of Gola Football Agency, Scotland's foremost agency.
- Matt Sosnick and Paul Cobbe: baseball agents who are partners. Their most notable client is Dontrelle Willis. Matt Sosnick is subject of the book Licensed To Deal by Jerry Crasnick.
- John Print: English Football Agent - Director Sports International Management
- Leigh Steinberg: football agent, sports business pioneer. His clients include Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Warren Moon and Ben Roethlisberger.
- Paul Stretford: disgraced English football agent, represented Wayne Rooney, lied during a court case and was subsequently charged with misconduct.
- Michael Stahlschmidt: motorsports agent (and professional photographer) who represents race drivers Randy Pobst, Ian Baas, Andy Lally, Mark White and others.
Joe Montama Special agent for Vince Young Reggie Bush and Jessica simpson
[edit] Fictional sports agents
- Arliss Michaels: the title character of the HBO series Arliss.
- Jerry Maguire: the title character of the film Jerry Maguire
- Bob Sugar: Jerry Maguire's former employer and rival in Jerry Maguire
- Myron Bolitar: the central character in many Harlan Coben novels.
