About this course: An immersive experience in the world of sports that will take students through the four stages of the professional athlete's career. Utilizing lectures, guest speakers and hypothetical walkthroughs, students will learn how the best sports agents manage 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, and 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 and his 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.
Who is this class for: This course is primarily aimed at individuals interested in becoming sports agents, all individuals within the sport industry, and individuals with a passion for sport. The level of difficulty is suitable for learners of all ages and educational levels.
Created by: Case Western Reserve University
Taught by: Peter A. Carfagna, Distinguished Practitioner in Residence
School of Law
Taught by: Richard J. Volante, Esq., Adjunct Instructor, Representing the Professional Athlete
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 11 modules of study, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of work per module |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
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.
8 videos, 2 readings
- Discussion Prompt: Introduce Yourself
- Video: Lesson Introduction
- Reading: Guest Speaker Bios
- Reading: Reading Assignments
- Video: The Representation Agreement ("Rep K")
- Video: NFL Commissioner
- Video: Fred Nance - NFL Commissioner's Authority
- Video: Andy Simms - Representing NFL Players
- Video: Jay Reisinger - Baseball Arbitrations
- Video: Play Act - Reaching Free Agency in the NFL, NBA and MLB
- Discussion Prompt: NFL Domestic Violence Policy
- Discussion Prompt: CBA Analysis
Graded: Module 1 Quiz
WEEK 2
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.
5 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Guest Speaker Bios
- Reading: Reading Assignments
- Video: Miles Welo - Breaking Into the Industry and Growing an Agency
- Video: Dale Sheptak - Managing Clients and the Effect of Professional Sports on Youth Sports
- Discussion Prompt: Recruiting Clients
- Discussion Prompt: Managing Clients
- Video: Darren Heitner - Fiduciary Duties of Agents Pt. I
- Video: Darren Heitner - Fiduciary Duties of Agents Pt. II
Graded: Module 2 Quiz
WEEK 3
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.”
10 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Guest Speaker Bios
- Reading: Reading Assignments
- Video: Age Eligibility
- Video: John Palguta - Financial Planning for Athletes in the Early Stages
- Video: Clint Frazier - The Life of a Minor League Baseball Player Pt. I
- Video: Clint Frazier - The Life of a Minor League Baseball Player Pt. II
- Video: Fred Nance - LeBron James, The Early Years
- Video: Jeff Schwartz - Representing Young NBA Stars
- Video: Play Act - Handling Athletes in the Early Years
- Discussion Prompt: Analyzing LeBron's "Decision"
- Discussion Prompt: Pick Any Young Athlete
- Video: Brad Seymour - Minor League Baseball Pt. I
- Video: Brad Seymour - Minor League Baseball Pt. II
Graded: Module 3 Quiz
Graded: Entering the Draft and Achieving Free Agency -- The Pre-Professional Athlete Turns Pro
WEEK 4
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.
7 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Guest Speaker Bio
- Reading: Reading Assignments
- Video: Product Endorsement Agreements
- Video: Publicity Rights
- Video: Craig Nard - Legal Evolution of Publicity Rights
- Video: Marketing an Athlete
- Video: Ron Katz - Jim Brown v. Electronic Arts
- Video: Play Act - Sport Marketing
- Discussion Prompt: Brand Management
- Discussion Prompt: Monetization of Publicity Rights
Graded: Module 4 Quiz
WEEK 5
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.
6 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Guest Speaker Bios
- Reading: Reading Assignments
- Video: Jeff Schwartz - Representing Peak NBA Stars
- Video: John Palguta - Financial Planning for Peak Professional Athletes
- Video: Jay Reisinger - Rehabilitating an Athlete's Brand
- Video: Fred Nance - LeBron's Return to Cleveland
- Video: Play Act - Representing Peak Professional Athletes
- Discussion Prompt: LeBron's Lifetime Nike Deal
- Discussion Prompt: Endorsements by Tarnished Athletes
Graded: Module 5 Quiz
Graded: Endorsement Agreements: Category Exclusivity for the Peak Professional Athlete
WEEK 6
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.
9 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Guest Speaker Bios
- Reading: Reading Assignments
- Video: John Palguta - Financial Planning for Mature and Retired Athletes
- Video: Jim Convertino - Insurance and Risk Management of Athletes Pt. I
- Video: Jim Convertino - Insurance and Risk Management of Athletes Pt. II
- Video: Career-Ending Injuries
- Video: Concussions in Sports
- Video: Chris Nowinski - Concussions in Football Pt. I
- Video: Chris Nowinski - Concussions in Football Pt. II
- Video: Play Act - Representing Mature Athletes
- Discussion Prompt: Preparing Client's for Retirement
- Discussion Prompt: NFL Players' Assumption of Risk
Graded: Module 6 Quiz
Graded: Representing the Mature Athlete Considering Retirement: Licensing vs. Buy-in
WEEK 7
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.
5 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Guest Speaker Bios
- Reading: Reading Assignments
- Video: Dave Lightner - Representing Golfers Pt. I
- Video: Dave Lightner - Representing Golfers Pt. II
- Video: Michael Whan - The LPGA Pt. I
- Video: Michael Whan - The LPGA Pt. II
- Discussion Prompt: Is Golf the Best for Agents?
- Discussion Prompt: Diversification Efforts for a Superstar Client
Graded: Module 7 Quiz
WEEK 8
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.
5 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Guest Speaker Bios
- Reading: Reading Assignments
- Video: Gavin Forbes - Representing Tennis Players Pt. I
- Video: Gavin Forbes - Representing Tennis Players Pt. II
- Video: Michael Whan - The LPGA Media Rights Agreement
- Video: Play Act - Representing Individual Sport Athletes
- Discussion Prompt: Building a Brand On and Off the Field
- Discussion Prompt: WTA Media Deal
- Discussion Prompt: Marketable Tennis Players
Graded: Module 8 Quiz
Graded: Suitability Clauses for the Rising Superstar Golfer
WEEK 9
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.
4 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Guest Speaker Bio
- Reading: Reading Assignments
- Video: Danny Karbassiyoon - The Life of a Footballer
- Video: Danny Karbassiyoon - The Life of a Scout
- Video: Play Act - Representing Professional Footballers
- Discussion Prompt: Are You a Fan?
- Discussion Prompt: Superstar Footballers
Graded: Module 9 Quiz
WEEK 10
Module 10: Representing the Professional Footballer Pt. II
3 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Guest Speaker Bio
- Reading: Reading Assignments
- Video: Carol Couse - Process of a Transfer and Contract Negotiations
- Video: Play Act - Agents in Soccer
- Discussion Prompt: Agents in Soccer
- Discussion Prompt: U.S. Brands vs. Brands Abroad
Graded: Module 10 Quiz
Graded: Representing the Professional Footballer
WEEK 11
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.
4 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Guest Speaker Bios
- Reading: Reading Assignments
- Video: Jeff Mostyn - Operating a Football Club Pt. I
- Video: Jeff Mostyn - Operating a Football Club Pt. II
- Video: Ron Katz - Safer Soccer
- Discussion Prompt: Agent Regulations
- Discussion Prompt: Financial Fair Play
- Discussion Prompt: Did You Enjoy the Course?
Graded: Module 11 Quiz
Graded: Course Reflection: Being an Agent
FAQs
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Creators
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University is a leading national research university located in Cleveland, Ohio. Through its seven schools and college, Case Western Reserve offers top-10 programs in health law, organizational behavior and social work and top-25 programs in biomedical engineering, international law, medicine and nursing. More than 4,000 undergraduate and nearly 6,000 graduate and professional students are enrolled at CWRU, representing all 50 states and more than 90 countries.
Pricing
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| Access to course materials | Available |
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| Receive a final grade | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Très instructif
The only online course for hard to get info about the sport agents field.
The Course material is great and is delivered in a very professional manner. It has made me aware of the multiple aspects of an athlete that one has to think of and the various qualities that an agent must possess to be effective and provide the best services to his clientele.
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Very good and very informative!