Becoming a Sports Agent from Coursera

An immersive experience in the world of sports that will take students through the four stages of a professional athlete's career. Utilizing lectures, guest speakers, reading assignments and hypothetical walkthroughs, students will learn how the best sports agents manage clients at each of these four stages.

This course will provide each student with the skills necessary to guide an athlete through the difficult decisions that can make or lose the athlete millions of dollars, as well as affect their public image and career. Walking through the four stages of an athlete's career, we will provide a broad scope of the landscape of amateur and professional sports so that you can avoid the pitfalls and traps that so many have fallen into in the past; not to mention, bringing you updates throughout the course regarding the rapidly changing sports world that we live in today. Analyzing the best practices in the management of the superstar athletes with whom Professor Carfagna, Professor Volante and their expert guests have worked, we will show you how to manage the career of any professional athlete who might seek your guidance at any stage of his or her professional career.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Agents and the Collective Bargaining Agreements of the MLB, NFL and NBA

An introduction to the duties of an agent; the "Rep K" that controls the player-agent relationship; and an analysis of the collective bargaining agreements that govern the three major leagues in the US -- including how a professional athlete achieves free agency in each major league and how players can be punished for improper behavior on and off the field.

Module 2: Recruiting and Managing Clients

An introduction on how to approach recruiting clients, how to build an agency, and how to manage clients once they have signed a representation agreement; an analysis of the effect of professional sports on youth sports, and vice versa. The optional videos look at the fiduciary duties an agent owes his client.

Module 3: Early Stages of Professionalism and Selecting an Agency

How the best high school baseball player in the U.S. in 2013, Clint Frazier, went about selecting his management team; the way Major League Baseball teams handle their minor leaguers; and what it takes for any of them to reach the Majors. In this Lesson, we will also study how an agent can build an agency from the ground up, and represent professional athletes through their progression to their peak earning years. Finally, a look into the beginning of LeBron James’ career with his personal attorney, up to “The Decision.”

Module 4: Representing the Peak Professional Athlete Pt. I

Protecting the publicity rights of athletes while monetizing and maximizing their brands through product endorsement and license agreements. We will analyze the history of publicity rights and how to market your clients image effectively.

Module 5: Representing the Peak Professional Athlete Pt. II

Rebuilding the reputation of athletes who have damaged their brands. How a financial advisor can help a player manage income streams to maintain their lifestyle post-retirement. Also, we will discuss whether LeBron James made the right long-term branding decision by returning to Cleveland, and where his brand will go from here.

Module 6: Income Protection and Life After Retirement

Protecting an athlete's income through insurance policies; an analysis of the on-going concussion epidemic in contact sports; and how an athlete can best prepare for life after retirement.

Module 7: Life Cycle of Individual Sports, the Longest Career Trajectory Pt. I

An introduction to the world of golf and tennis athletes who have enjoyed the longest careers in sports. Insider experts' look into how an athlete can diversify his or her brand. Also, the Commissioner of the LPGA will discuss the ins and outs of the ladies’ tour.

Module 8: Life Cycle of Individual Sports, the Longest Career Trajectory Pt. II

An introduction to the world of golf and tennis athletes who have enjoyed longest careers in sports. Insider experts' look into how an athlete can diversify his or her brand. How an agent can best protect his or her athlete in endorsement agreements through appropriately drafted suitability and morals clauses.

Module 9: Representing the Professional Footballer Pt. I

An in-depth look into the life of a footballer, from the youth squad to the first team and after retirement. How to handle a player deciding whether or not to continue their career following a series of injuries. How to handle the career of the next young David Beckham, from loans to transfers to bumper contracts and more -- how to monetize the brand of your footballer, while ensuring their focus with success on the pitch.

Module 10: Representing the Professional Footballer Pt. II

Module 11: Representing the Professional Footballer Pt. III

An in-depth look into the operations of football club AFC Bournemouth with chairman Jeff Mostyn -- Jeff will also describe his roles with the FA Council. An analysis of the contract clauses in football, in particular release clauses, buyout clauses and sell-on clauses, and a brief glimpse into third-party ownership and how a transfer works. Finally, a look at the most influential agents in Europe and how they have come to be successful.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers legal and ethical considerations in the early stages of a sports agent's career

Provides guidance on handling athlete contracts, endorsements, and other financial aspects

Examines the challenges and opportunities in representing professional football players

Features guest speakers with expertise in sports law, finance, and management

Led by experienced sports attorneys and agents with extensive experience

Provides insights into the current landscape and best practices in the sports industry

Reviews summary

Highly rated sports agent course

Learners say Becoming a Sports Agent is an excellent, value-added program with great content, teachers, and resources. Students who took the course found the guest speakers and interviews especially informative and insightful. This program may be most beneficial for individuals who want to pursue careers as sports agents, financial planners, lawyers, or other roles in the sports industry.

Provides comprehensive coverage

"The course was very informative and I learned a lot about representing athletes in several sports."

"This course really help me out to understand the further technical aspects of the Sports Law."

"Excellent course! Gives a wide knowledge of several sports disciplines and helps understand who and how is working behind the scenes."

Interviews with experts add value

"Great professor and guest speakers!"

"Excellent course! Great videos, lectures, tests, case studies and interviews from top of the line professionals and very accurate content."

High praise from learners

"This class was amazing and I learned so much!"

"This really improved my understanding of the global sports management ecosystem."

"Very insightful and has given me great knowledge that I will implement throughout the the remainder of the studies and work life."

"Excellent course! Gives a wide knowledge of several sports disciplines and helps understand who and how is working behind the scenes."

"This course really help me out to understand the further technical aspects of the Sports Law."

"Excellent course for anyone looking to improve your knowledge in the sports industry and learn key concepts to be a sports agent."

"One of the finest courses on Sports Management. Evert single module was amazing, with lot of great interviews."

Peer review process can be problematic

"The peer review projects make it impossible to earn the certificate."

"Good content and easy to follow modules. However, I feel like the peer reviewing is unnecessary and I had cases where my answers were correct but the person marking my work was not paying attention and marked it wrong which meant I had to submit my assignments again and wait till it was marked."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Becoming a Sports Agent with these activities:

Review sports management and business management principles

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Helps you reinforce concepts from previous business courses and refresh the basics of sports management.

Browse courses on Sports Management

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Review lecture notes and textbooks from previous business management courses.
Research the latest trends in sports management and business management.

Read 'Sport Law' by Gary Roberts

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Provides you with insights into the legal aspects of sports and helps you better understand the legal challenges faced by sports agents.

View Sports Justice: The Law and the Business of... on Amazon

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Explore the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement

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Review the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement to gain a deeper understanding of the rights and responsibilities of players and agents.

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Read the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement
Identify key provisions related to player rights and agent responsibilities
Summarize your findings in a brief report

Eight other activities

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Practice Identifying Contract Clauses

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Identifying contract clauses is a key skill for sports agents. This activity will help you practice identifying and understanding different types of contract clauses, so you can better protect your clients' interests.

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Review the provided examples of contract clauses.
Identify the different types of clauses in each example.
Analyze the purpose and effect of each clause.

Create a practice contract using online templates

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Gives you an opportunity to apply the concepts of contract drafting learned in the course and build practical skills.

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Identify an online template for a sports-related contract.
Fill out the template with hypothetical information.
Review the contract for accuracy and completeness.

Attend a sports law or sports agency workshop

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Provides you with opportunities to learn from industry experts and network with other professionals.

Browse courses on Sports Law

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Negotiation Strategies for Sports Agents

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Negotiation is a critical skill for sports agents. This activity will provide you with guidance on how to negotiate effectively on behalf of your clients, so you can help them get the best possible deals.

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Watch the provided video tutorials on negotiation strategies.
Read the provided articles on negotiation tactics.
Practice negotiating with a partner or mentor.

Conduct mock contract negotiations

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Allows you to practice your negotiation skills and learn how to effectively represent your clients.

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Identify a hypothetical scenario for a contract negotiation.
Prepare your arguments and strategies.
Conduct the mock negotiation with a partner.
Analyze the outcomes and identify areas for improvement.

Negotiation Simulation

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Participate in a negotiation simulation to practice your negotiation skills in a realistic sports agency setting.

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Prepare for the negotiation by researching the relevant issues
Develop your negotiation strategy
Participate in the negotiation simulation
Reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement

Participate in a sports law or sports agency case competition

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Challenges you to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting and helps you develop your analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Browse courses on Sports Law

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Identify a case competition that aligns with your interests.
Form a team and develop a case strategy.
Research and prepare your case presentation.
Present your case to a panel of judges.

Volunteer as a mentor for aspiring sports agents

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Allows you to share your knowledge and experience with others and contribute to the development of future sports agents.

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Career center

Learners who complete Becoming a Sports Agent will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Financial Advisor

**Financial Advisors** help clients manage their finances. They provide advice on investments, retirement planning, and estate planning. This course will teach you how to manage the finances of professional athletes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Advisor

Public relations manager

**Public Relations Managers** manage the public image of companies and organizations. They develop and implement public relations campaigns, and handle media inquiries. This course will teach you how to manage the public image of professional athletes.

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Lawyer

**Lawyers** represent clients in legal matters. They advise clients on their rights and options, and represent them in court. This course will teach you the legal aspects of the sports industry.

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Marketing Manager

**Marketing Managers** develop and execute marketing campaigns for products and services. They oversee all aspects of the marketing process, including research, planning, and budgeting. This course will teach you how to market professional athletes and their brands.

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Accountant

**Accountants** prepare and file tax returns, and provide financial advice to businesses and individuals. This course will teach you the accounting principles that are used in the sports industry.

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Athletic Director

**Athletic Directors** are responsible for the overall operation of a school's athletic department. They oversee all aspects of the athletic program, including budgeting, hiring, and scheduling. This course may be helpful for learning how to manage the careers of professional athletes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Athletic Director

Sports Psychologist

**Sports Psychologists** help athletes improve their mental performance. They provide counseling and support, and teach athletes how to cope with stress and anxiety. This course may be helpful for learning how to work with athletes and understand their psychology.

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Talent Manager

**Talent Managers** represent actors, musicians, and other entertainers. They help their clients negotiate contracts, find work, and manage their careers. This course may be helpful for learning how to manage the careers of professional athletes.

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Sports Agent

As a **Sports Agent**, your job is to manage the careers of professional athletes. You will help them negotiate contracts, find endorsements, and manage their finances. This course will provide you with the skills you need to be successful in this field and may help accelerate your rise to partnership or ownership of an agency.

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Insurance Agent

**Insurance Agents** sell insurance policies to individuals and businesses. They advise clients on their insurance needs, and help them choose the right policies. This course will teach you the insurance principles that are used in the sports industry.

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Event Manager

**Event Managers** plan and execute events, such as concerts, sporting events, and conferences. They oversee all aspects of the event, including budgeting, staffing, and vendor management. This course will help you understand the business side of the sports industry and may be useful for planning events like award ceremonies or meet-and-greets.

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Personal Manager

**Personal Managers** help high-profile individuals manage their careers and personal lives. They handle everything from scheduling appointments to negotiating contracts. This course could help you gain an understanding of the business side of the sports industry.

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Sports Writer

**Sports Writers** write articles and stories about sporting events. They also interview athletes and coaches. This course will help you understand the sports industry and may be useful for learning how to write about sports.

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Sports Photographer

**Sports Photographers** take pictures of sporting events. They also interview athletes and coaches. This course will help you understand the sports industry and may be useful for developing the photography skills needed for sports photography.

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Sportscaster

**Sportscasters** provide commentary and analysis of sporting events. They also interview athletes and coaches. This course will help you understand the sports industry and may be useful for developing the communication skills needed for broadcasting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sportscaster