Sports Agent Blog

SHOWING YOU THE 💰 since 2005. Founder/Chief Editor = @DarrenHeitner.

[Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal]

As lockout looms, MLB agents set aside rivalries to unite against salary cap. With @EvanDrellich, unlocked and free to read. https://t.co/yROmAjccB5

[Soccer Laduma @Soccer_Laduma]

Alongside the likes of Emile Witbooi and Neo Bohloko, Roc Nation have signed another SA young football talent in Cape Town City's Gabriel Amato 🇿🇦 | ✍️ | 📰

"RNSI has shown belief in my journey from an early stage, and I am incredibly grateful for their support. I am fully focused on making my family and supporters proud as I chase my dreams."💬

[Sports Business Journal @SBJ]

Michael Phelps has joined The Familie for representation after more than two decades with Octagon.

The 28-time Olympic medalist will work with the agency to expand his business interests beyond swimming, including brand partnerships, investments and media opportunities.

MORE: https://t.co/MVXlNH94W8

[Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter]

More about estranged San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk hiring Drew Rosenhaus to represent him, via @nwagoner:

https://t.co/pDxgThP3SJ

[Michael McCann @McCannSportsLaw]

Zion Williamson defeated the $100 million in legal claims brought by his former marketing agent.

Now she’s fighting a nearly $700,000 attorneys’ fee award, arguing she lost the case but shouldn’t be “financially devastated” by it.

My latest @Sportico: https://t.co/j6ahVTkD04.

[Sports Agent Blog @SportsAgentBlog]

For anyone interested in being an agent representing NBA players:

[Tom Pelissero @TomPelissero]

Veteran agent Sean Kiernan, who represents several NFL GMs as well as coaches and players, has joined WIN Sports Group.

https://t.co/Vrju5kMpkW

[Chase Goodbread @ChaseGoodbread]

“I talked to a college coach this week, who's got a bye week next week, and all he's doing is meeting with agents. It's the middle of the season!”
- Nick Saban
🤔

[Shams Charania @ShamsCharania]

Veteran NBA agent Andy Miller is joining LIFT Sports Management as chief operating officer. Miller, who has represented prominent players, coaches and executives across four decades, will oversee agency operations and lead its next phase of strategic direction.

[Pete Thamel @PeteThamel]

INDUSTRY NEWS: Bryan Miller is being hired as the president of NIL for YMAPAA, per CEO/Co-founder Adie von Gontard. Miller been the director of NIL for The Familie.

[Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter]

Browns QB Shedeur Sanders, who went through draft night and the early part of his NFL career without an agent, has signed with Adie von Gontard, CEO of Young Money APAA Sports, for representation.

With the signing, YMAPAA now represents former Colorado teammates Travis Hunter and Sanders.

[Ian Rapoport @RapSheet]

Marvin Harrison Jr came into the NFL without an agent. A few weeks ago, he hired Todd France and Tory Dandy of Athletes First to help navigate a trade. Now, he’s on the Texans.

[Neil Stratton @InsideTheLeague]

#NIL agents & P4 GMs don't have to be friends, but they do need a level of respect to get the job done, especially during pressure-packed negotiations. Which NIL advisors have earned the most respect from big-school GMs? We asked. Here's what they told us https://t.co/J4S0HzjMlz

[Sports Agent Blog @SportsAgentBlog]

https://t.co/tmO6ZQtYOl

[Todd Archer @toddarcher]

The Cowboys have 20 players set to be unrestricted free agents in 2027 and six are represented by David Mulugheta: George Pickens, Joey Porter Jr., DeMarvion Overshown, P.J. Locke, Broderick Jones, Malik Hooker.

[Darren Heitner @heitner]

Congress is considering a cap on #NIL agent fees at 5%. It's a "fix" for the wrong problem. Fix who's allowed to operate, and the fee fight mostly solves itself. https://t.co/6Lr4vndaGS

[ProFootballTalk @ProFootballTalk]

Former NFLPA in-house counsel Heather McPhee settles all claims in the lawsuit arising from her placement on leave and eventual termination. https://t.co/HR6kYO5paT

[Darren Heitner @heitner]

Assuming these rulings from the District of Colorado on the Class of 2022 getting an extra year of eligibility stick, what does it mean for athletes who have signed pro contracts, received benefits from an agent, and/or were drafted?

The decision doesn't touch the NCAA's separate rules. So, an athlete could have his/her 5th season restored and still be barred from playing.

The NCAA will likely take a firm position that an athlete loses eligibility if he signs a contract or commitment of any kind to play professionally in that sport. The NCAA would probably also be concerned if, for instance, the athlete received benefits from an agent beyond permitted representation, although that may not result in permanent ineligibility. Being drafted, standing alone, shouldn't be grounds to void eligibility (yet, it may give the pro team that drafted the player certain rights that need to be analyzed). But if a contract was signed or money exchanged, that changes the calculation.

The biggest problem for athletes and their agents is that the decision is silent on these issues. As such, tread with caution. Conduct as much diligence as possible on the NCAA rules. Consult with the applicable players' association. Proceed with an understanding that the Colorado class action rulings may not withstand appellate challenges.