How to Become an NBA Agent

Becoming an NBA agent is the best way for many people to enter the glamorous world of the NBA. You could rub shoulders with basketball’s most significant stars like super agents Jeff Schwartz and Arn Tellem. Plus, you could make upwards of seven figures every year.

That’s why we’ve put together this article. It covers everything you need to know about becoming an NBA agent – from how much an NBA agent gets paid to the NBA agent exam and academic requirements.

So, without further delay, let’s get into it.

Becoming a National Basketball Association Agent

If you’re wondering how to become an NBA agent, this section is where to start. Please keep reading to get an overview of what it takes to establish a career in the industry.

What does an NBA agent do?

NBA agents tend to work extremely closely with the athletes they represent. It’s their responsibility to represent their client’s interests in various ways. For example, an NBA agent will assist with the following:

• Contract negotiations
• Arranging endorsement deals
• Scheduling and travel arrangements
• Media relations for the player’s image

An NBA agent is the go-to point of contact for anyone who wants to interview or do business with the players they represent.

Education

If you want to become an NBA agent, starting by earning a four-year degree is typically best. You don’t have to have one, but it will make it easier to get approved by the NBA Players Association so that you can become a certified NBA agent.

This certification process includes an exam that covers the details of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA). You’ll have to pass a background test and show that you either have a four-year degree or enough relevant experience to substitute for one.

All of this being said, networking is typically the most crucial step toward becoming an NBA agent. You must know the right people to get your foot in the door. If you develop those relationships, you’re likely to get a job as an NBA agent, no matter how qualified.

How much does an NBA agent get paid?

An NBA sports agent’s salary can vary wildly. Entry-level agents with few clients or minimal responsibilities may make under $100,000 per year. But NBA super agents – the ones who work for players like Steph Curry and LeBron James – can earn upwards of $70 million per year.

NBA agents often get a percentage of the deals they complete for their players. The average player’s salary is over $8 million; an agent could take home 10% or more of that value.

That being said, many agents work for firms, and the agent’s firm will take a potentially large percentage of those commission amounts.

Ultimately, NBA agents can make a ton of money. But the exact figure depends on the clients they represent, the deals they arrange, and whether they work for themselves or an agency.

Benefits of Working as an NBA Sports Agent

There are many benefits to becoming an NBA sports agent, which helps to explain why these positions are so competitive. Here are three of the biggest reasons why people pursue this line of work.

High Salary

As an NBA sports agent, you can financially do very well for yourself. As your client list grows and you start negotiating bigger deals for them, you could quickly begin making over a million dollars per year.

Varied Responsibilities

An NBA agent’s job can be stressful and chaotic, but it’s never dull. It’s not uncommon for agents to travel for work to luxurious locations, attend NBA games, and participate in high-level meetings with major brands. This ensures that your work will always be interesting.

Glamorous Lifestyle

NBA agents get to live a very glamorous lifestyle. They develop authentic relationships with NBA stars, attend games, and enjoy many of the perks associated with the National Basketball Association has to offer.

Finding a Job as an Agent

Finding your first job as an NBA agent is the most challenging part of making this your career. Here’s a guide you can follow to give yourself the best chance of making it happen.

Get an Education

The first thing you should do is get a four-year degree. Try to get it in a relevant field, such as sports management or business.

You should also consider going to law school. Many NBA agents are attorneys, and studying law can help you advocate more effectively for your clients during salary negotiations.

Remember, no matter what academic path you choose, becoming an NBA agent is complex, and you’re not guaranteed to make it. That’s why you should study something that gives you a good backup plan.

Focus on Networking

Networking is the most critical aspect of landing your first job as an NBA agent. Making it as an NBA agent is about convincing players to choose you to represent them when they can choose anyone for that role. Knowing the right people makes this much easier to do.

For example, networking can land you a job at a firm where you can fall back on the company’s relationships and reputation to get your foot in the door. Then, once you’ve developed those relationships, you could start your agency.

NBA-ran events, games, and even social media can be promising avenues to build a professional network in this industry.

Know Where to Look for Jobs

Another significant aspect of becoming an NBA agent is knowing where to find job opportunities in this field when they become available. That’s what JobsInSports.com is for.

Our site will send you automatic notifications when a new NBA job in your area of interest becomes available. That way, you can apply to these positions faster and get your resume to the top of the pile every time.

So why wait? Sign up for a free account with us today to get started