How does one become a sports agent?

I've always been into sports and thought about becoming a sports agent. What exactly do they do, and what should I study or focus on during college to pursue this career?

A sports agent's role can be quite varied, but generally, they represent professional athletes in negotiations with potential teams and companies, helping to secure the best contracts for their clients. They might also aid in marketing and public relations efforts on behalf of their clients. This requires a strong understanding of contracts, negotiation, sports law, marketing, finance, and sometimes personal management and career development, depending upon client needs.

In terms of college majors, law and business are often recommended because they provide a good foundation in negotiation, contracts, and marketing. If your college offers a sports management degree, that's an excellent choice. Courses such as marketing, business law, negotiation, public relations, and sports management will be helpful.

In addition to your degree, a good sports agent often needs strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of the specific sport that their clients are involved in. So, getting involved in sports-related activities, joining sports clubs, or even interning with a sports agency while still in school could help build your understanding of the industry and provide invaluable networking opportunities.

After graduation, you might look for employment with a sports agency to gain practical experience. Long term, many sports agents consider getting a law degree because many aspects of sports management involve dealing with contracts and legal issues. So some agents choose to go to law school and/or get certified by a professional sports organization. Certification process varies by sport and organization, so that's something to research as well.

Finally, building a network within the sport you're interested in is crucial. This can start in college and continue as you begin your career. You'll want to meet as many people within the industry as you can since opportunities often come through networking. It's a challenging career path, but very rewarding if you have a passion for sports and enjoy negotiating and advocating for others.