We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Richard J. Volante, Esq.
and
Peter A. Carfagna
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ho56fy/becoming
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Comprehensive sports agent career overview
According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of the sports agent profession, structured logically around an athlete's career lifecycle. Many found the content incredibly practical, particularly highlighting the modules on contracts and negotiations. A significant strength repeatedly mentioned is the inclusion of guest speakers and industry professionals, offering invaluable real-world perspectives and bringing the material to life. While offering a strong foundation, some reviewers note that it functions primarily as an overview and requires supplementation with practical experience or further specialized legal study to become a working agent. Opinions diverge slightly on the level of practical 'how-to' detail provided, with a few feeling it was too high-level for beginners.
Provides a foundation, but not sufficient alone.
"It gives a good overview but you'll need to supplement it with practical experience or further legal study."
"While it provides a strong foundation, aspiring agents will definitely need to seek out additional practical experience..."
"Decent course, but don't expect it to make you a sports agent overnight."
Opinions divided on practical 'how-to' guidance.
"This course was incredibly insightful and practical."
"The modules on contracts and negotiations were particularly valuable."
"The information is good in theory, but it felt a little high-level at times, lacking detailed 'how-to' practical steps."
"I expected more actionable advice for starting out."
"It felt more like a series of interviews than a structured course... practical advice was minimal."
Covers the athlete lifecycle logically and broadly.
"This course was incredibly insightful and practical."
"A solid introduction to the sports agent world. The structure following an athlete's career path is logical."
"Provides a comprehensive look at the lifecycle of an athlete's career from an agent's perspective."
"Covers a wide range of topics relevant to sports agency."
"The breadth and depth of topics covered is impressive."
Industry experts share invaluable real-world views.
"The guest speakers, especially those involved in the major leagues, provided real-world perspectives that you just can't get from a textbook."
"Excellent course! The professors are knowledgeable and the guest interviews are a highlight. They bring the material to life."
"The insights from experienced agents and industry professionals are invaluable."
"I appreciated the real-world perspectives shared by the guest speakers."
Some guest speaker audio segments were unclear.
"Some guest speaker segments were hard to follow due to audio quality."
May be better for those with some prior connection.
"it seemed geared towards people already connected in the industry, not beginners trying to break in."
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
Show steps
Helps you reinforce concepts from previous business courses and refresh the basics of sports management.
Browse courses on
Sports Management
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Explore the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement
Show steps
Review the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement to gain a deeper understanding of the rights and responsibilities of players and agents.
Browse courses on
Sports Law
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Practice Identifying Contract Clauses
Show steps
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.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Gives you an opportunity to apply the concepts of contract drafting learned in the course and build practical skills.
Browse courses on
Contract Management
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Provides you with opportunities to learn from industry experts and network with other professionals.
Browse courses on
Sports Law
Show steps
Negotiation Strategies for Sports Agents
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Negotiation Strategies
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Allows you to practice your negotiation skills and learn how to effectively represent your clients.
Browse courses on
Negotiation Skills
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Participate in a negotiation simulation to practice your negotiation skills in a realistic sports agency setting.
Browse courses on
Negotiation
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Allows you to share your knowledge and experience with others and contribute to the development of future sports agents.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
Review sports management and business management principles
Show steps
Helps you reinforce concepts from previous business courses and refresh the basics of sports management.
Browse courses on
Sports Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Explore the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement
Show steps
Review the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement to gain a deeper understanding of the rights and responsibilities of players and agents.
Browse courses on
Sports Law
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Practice Identifying Contract Clauses
Show steps
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.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Gives you an opportunity to apply the concepts of contract drafting learned in the course and build practical skills.
Browse courses on
Contract Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Provides you with opportunities to learn from industry experts and network with other professionals.
Browse courses on
Sports Law
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Negotiation Strategies for Sports Agents
Show steps
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.
Browse courses on
Negotiation Strategies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Allows you to practice your negotiation skills and learn how to effectively represent your clients.
Browse courses on
Negotiation Skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Participate in a negotiation simulation to practice your negotiation skills in a realistic sports agency setting.
Browse courses on
Negotiation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Allows you to share your knowledge and experience with others and contribute to the development of future sports agents.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Career center
Learners who complete Becoming a Sports Agent will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Advisor
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.
Lawyer
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.
Public relations manager
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.
Marketing Manager
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.
Athletic Director
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.
Accountant
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.
Sports Psychologist
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.
Talent Manager
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.
Sports Agent
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.
Insurance Agent
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.
Event Manager
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.
Personal Manager
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.
Sports Writer
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.
Sportscaster
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.
Sports Photographer
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ho56fy/becoming
Reading list
We've selected 16 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Becoming a Sports Agent.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal framework governing sports, including the role of agents.
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to becoming a sports agent.
Save
This well-known book by Donald Trump, a renowned businessman and negotiator, offers valuable insights into negotiation strategies and tactics that can be effectively applied in the field of sports agency and athlete representation.
This academic journal provides a platform for scholarly research and analysis on legal issues affecting the international sports industry. It publishes articles on topics such as doping, athlete representation, and the regulation of sports federations.
This book, written by a former FBI hostage negotiator, offers practical techniques and strategies for successful negotiation. The principles outlined in this book can be effectively applied by sports agents in contract negotiations and other business dealings.
This highly regarded book emphasizes the significance of personal and professional effectiveness in various aspects of life. It provides valuable principles and practices that can guide sports agents in developing their leadership skills, fostering productive relationships, and achieving success in the industry.
Although this book focuses on business in general, it can also be applied to the sports industry and provides valuable insights into negotiation and deal-making.
Provides practical advice on how to negotiate in difficult situations, which can be beneficial for agents in representing athletes.
Provides insights into the qualities of effective leaders, which can be beneficial for agents in managing the careers of athletes.
Save
Provides insights into the psychology of persuasion, which can be beneficial for agents in negotiating contracts and managing the careers of athletes.
Provides insights into the habits of highly effective people, which can be beneficial for agents in managing the careers of athletes.
Provides insights into the laws of power, which can be beneficial for agents in understanding the dynamics of the sports industry.
Save
This classic work provides insights into the nature of power and politics, which can be beneficial for agents in understanding the dynamics of the sports industry.
Provides a broad perspective on human history and evolution, which can provide valuable insights into the human condition and the dynamics of the sports industry.
Save
Provides insights into the psychology of decision-making, which can be beneficial for agents in understanding the behavior of athletes and other stakeholders in the sports industry.
Save
Provides insights into the science of athletic performance, which can be beneficial for agents in understanding the potential of athletes and managing their careers.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ho56fy/becoming
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.7
Effort
Approx. 29 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Case Western Reserve University
Instructors
Richard J. Volante, Esq.
Peter A. Carfagna
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser