ABSTRACT
Agents are among the most misunderstood stakeholders in the sports business. This chapter provides a basic description of an agent's duties, roles and ethical requirements. Agents have a number of important roles, depending on the particular athlete, the sport and the nature of his or her representation. Some agents only negotiate player contracts; others specialize in endorsement deals; still others either manage the athlete's finances or work with associates who do. Agents also serve as confidants, advisors and even babysitters of their athletes. The first task for the agent is to secure talent. An agent who seeks student-athletes must understand the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) restrictions. Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act (SPARTA) supplements and standardizes states' involvement with agents. The standards of the Major League Baseball Players' Association (MLBPA) for agent certification are similar to those of the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA).
