Playing overseas has become a viable option for many players due to the lockout and many big name stars are considering playing to keep in shape and enjoy the game they love.  Some names such as Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard have mulled over the idea.  This past Monday the NBA took legal action on the players filing two claims for being uncooperative in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement and making threats to dissolve the union.  A similar situation happened with the NFL in regards to the decertification of the union this year.  Both sides have to want to work together collective in order for these issues to be resolved.

The team owners want significant changes to the league’s salary structure where owners can recoup some of the losses they have occurred in the past years.  Owners are claiming they have lost roughly $300 million last season alone.  Players are at a standstill because owners want to reduce salaries and contract lengths for the players.

For this to be resolved owners and players have to understand in order for the league to start operating again there has to be compromise.  If we can get a deal that is fair for the both sides where it makes sense, I believe the league will start again in late October.  If not get ready for a shortened season much like the last lockout in 98-99, which it took nearly 5 years to regain a sold fan base again.

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The interview I read was with Jack Bechta who is an NFLPA certified advisor who has over 20 years of negotiating deals for NFL players.  Jack is the CEO of JB Sports and has negotiated over 200 contracts.  In the interview Jack stressed how client stealing is normal among NFL agents, especially when a great player is considering the free agent market.  This can be challenging for smaller firms because they might not have all the resources to convince the player to stay with the firm.  The NFL should have some kind of clause that would give a timetable or stipulation in the player and agent contract that would not allow them to leave suddenly.

Jack stated it took him about 5 years to become a full-time agent and you would need about $100k to get started.  This alone shows that if someone is trying to get in the business they have to be in it for the long haul in order to see results.  There is a lot to learn about the profession from the collective bargaining agreement, contract clauses, and effective recruiting.  It takes time for one to build their client roster and build a name for your company and brand.

For anyone trying to get in the sports industry world, or any other field I would say the most important component is be passionate about what you do and believe in.  You should ask yourself if I could work for free what do I see myself doing?  Hopefully this posting gave a better understanding and insight on Athlete Representation.

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