How to Become an Athlete Manager (Manage Talent, Not Time)

If you’ve ever dreamed of managing top-tier athletes or wondered what it takes to become an athlete manager, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll explore the EXACT steps you need to take to launch your career as an athlete manager. We’ll talk about:

The skills you need.
The education that can help you get there.
How to land a job as an athlete manager.

So, whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a business-savvy individual looking to upskill, stay tuned.

We’re about to unravel the blueprint to become an athlete manager.

Let’s get started!

Contents show

Steps to Become an Athlete Manager

Step 1: Understand the Role of an Athlete Manager

Before embarking on the journey to become an Athlete Manager, it’s crucial that you understand what the role entails.

Athlete Managers, also known as sports agents, are responsible for managing the careers of their athlete clients.

This can include but is not limited to negotiating contracts with professional teams or sponsors, securing endorsements, handling public relations, and managing financial matters.

Athlete Managers need to be knowledgeable about the sports industry and contract law, possess strong negotiation and communication skills, and be able to build relationships with team owners, coaches, and sponsors.

They should also be able to guide their athlete clients in making the best career decisions, based on the athletes’ skills, market demand, and their personal goals.

It would be beneficial to speak to professionals in the field or engage in internships in sports management to gain firsthand knowledge of what the job entails.

Conducting research on the industry trends, understanding the career paths of successful athlete managers, and studying the challenges that this profession faces, can also help in getting a comprehensive understanding of the role.

Step 2: Pursue Relevant Education

To become an Athlete Manager, gaining a relevant educational background is crucial.

Most athlete managers typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree in sports management, business, or a related field.

This gives them a comprehensive understanding of the sports industry, business principles, marketing, and finance, all of which are essential in managing athletes’ careers and negotiating contracts.

Coursework in sports management often includes subjects like sports marketing, sports law and ethics, financial and facilities management, and more.

Understanding these aspects is necessary for the smooth operation of an athlete’s career and business dealings.

Some aspiring athlete managers may also opt to pursue a master’s degree in sports management, business administration, or law.

These advanced degrees can provide more in-depth knowledge and could open the door to higher-level opportunities within the field.

While attending school, try to gain as much practical experience as possible.

This could be through internships with sports teams, agencies, or relevant organizations.

This experience can be invaluable for understanding the daily workings of the sports world and for building professional networks.

Remember, education is not just about getting a degree; it’s about equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage and guide an athlete’s career in a competitive industry.

Step 3: Gain Industry Experience

In order to become a successful Athlete Manager, it is essential to gain relevant industry experience.

This can be achieved through internships, volunteering, or even entry-level positions in sports organizations, management firms, or athletic departments.

Working closely with athletes, coaches, and sports professionals will provide a first-hand understanding of the sports industry, from the nuances of contract negotiations to the realities of training schedules.

This practical knowledge is crucial and will equip you with the skills to manage, advise and support athletes effectively.

You could also consider working in related areas such as sports marketing, public relations or event management.

This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and expose you to different facets of sports management.

Remember, the more practical experience you have, the more attractive you will be to potential clients.

This will also give you the opportunity to develop a professional network within the sports community, which can be advantageous in your future career as an Athlete Manager.

Step 4: Develop Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is a key aspect of being a successful athlete manager.

You’ll need to build relationships and communicate effectively with athletes, coaches, team owners, sponsors, and other stakeholders in the athlete’s career.

This can involve conducting negotiations, resolving conflicts, coordinating schedules, and explaining complex contract terms in a clear and concise manner.

Being a good listener is equally important.

You’ll need to understand the needs and desires of your athletes and be able to communicate these effectively to the relevant parties.

Consider taking communication courses or workshops, or even joining organizations that focus on building these skills, such as Toastmasters.

Practice your negotiation skills, work on your public speaking, and learn how to be assertive without being aggressive.

The ability to communicate effectively will greatly improve your success as an athlete manager.

Remember, being an athlete manager is not just about understanding the business aspects of the sports industry but also about understanding the athlete’s perspective and being able to translate this into a successful career strategy.

Step 5: Learn about Sports Law and Contracts

As an athlete manager, you will be dealing with various contracts and legalities involved in the sports industry.

It’s crucial for you to have a sound understanding of sports law and contract management.

This involves an understanding of player contracts, endorsements, sponsorship deals, and the legal aspects of player transfers and injuries.

A course or certification in sports law could be extremely beneficial and provide you with a deeper understanding of the legalities involved in the sports industry.

This knowledge can help you to guide your athletes through the complicated world of contracts and legal disputes, and ensure that their rights are protected.

Additionally, this knowledge can also aid you in negotiating better deals for your athletes, understanding the implications of different contract clauses, and helping your athletes navigate through legal issues that may arise during their careers.

It is also important to stay updated with the ever-changing laws and regulations in the sports world.

As part of your professional network, you may want to establish contacts with sports lawyers who could assist in intricate legal matters and provide expert advice when required.

Step 6: Build a Network in the Sports Industry

Building a network in the sports industry is an essential step towards becoming a successful athlete manager.

This step involves making contacts and forming relationships with relevant individuals in the world of sports, which can include athletes, coaches, sports agencies, team executives, and even sports journalists.

To start networking, you can attend sports events, conferences, seminars, and industry meet-ups.

These gatherings are excellent opportunities to meet people in the industry, learn about the latest trends, and start making your name known.

Make sure to have business cards ready to hand out and be prepared to discuss your interest and experience in sports management.

You can also network online.

Consider joining relevant online communities, forums, and professional groups on platforms like LinkedIn. Follow and interact with industry professionals on social media, share your insights, and show your passion for the industry.

Remember, networking is not just about taking, but also giving.

Be willing to help others, share your knowledge, and provide value.

This way, people will be more likely to remember you and think of you when opportunities arise.

Additionally, networking can lead to valuable mentorship opportunities.

Experienced professionals can provide advice, insights, and guidance as you navigate your career path.

This network can be vital when it comes to finding job opportunities, understanding the industry’s inner workings, and later on, when negotiating contracts and sponsorship deals for your athletes.

Step 7: Understand Finance and Athlete Marketing

Understanding finance and athlete marketing is crucial when aiming to become an effective Athlete Manager.

You should strive to familiarize yourself with financial management techniques and tools, as your role will involve managing the athlete’s finances, securing sponsorships, and negotiating contracts.

You need to ensure that the deals you strike are beneficial to the athlete and contribute positively to their career and financial stability.

In terms of marketing, you should understand how to effectively promote your athlete to increase their visibility and popularity.

This can involve utilizing different channels such as social media, TV, radio, and even print media.

It’s essential to understand how to create a positive image of your athlete that resonates with fans and potential sponsors.

Courses or training in finance, business management, and marketing can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills.

You might also want to seek mentorship from established athlete managers to gain practical insights into the industry.

Additionally, staying updated on the latest trends and changes in sports, marketing, and finance can help you adapt to the evolving needs of athletes and the sports industry in general.

This can be achieved by regularly reading industry reports, attending sports events, and networking with other professionals in the field.

Step 8: Get Certified if Required

Certain sports management roles, including being an athlete manager, may require specific certification or licensure.

This depends on the country and the specific sport you’re involved in.

For example, in the United States, sports agents are required to be certified by their respective player associations like the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) for NBA agents and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) for NFL agents.

These certifications ensure that you are qualified to negotiate contracts and provide representation on behalf of the athletes.

The certification process typically involves passing a written exam that tests your knowledge of the sport’s collective bargaining agreement, player contract guidelines, and agent regulations.

You may also need to complete a background check and pay a certification fee.

Keep in mind that maintaining your certification usually requires regular renewal and continuing education.

Lastly, some managers choose to become Certified Athletic Administrators (CAA) or Certified Master Athletic Administrators (CMAA) through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).

This certification can give you an edge in the industry by demonstrating your dedication and professionalism.

Make sure to research the requirements for your specific role and region to ensure you’re meeting all legal and professional expectations.

Step 9: Start with a Sports Agency or as a Junior Manager

Starting your career with a sports agency or as a junior manager can provide you with invaluable experience and a solid understanding of the sports industry.

Working for an agency can expose you to the business side of sports, including contracts, sponsorship deals, and media relations.

You may also get the opportunity to work with established athlete managers and learn from their experience.

As a junior manager, you will likely assist in managing athletes’ careers, including arranging training schedules, handling media requests, and liaising with sponsors.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn the role’s responsibilities and understand the challenges and opportunities the industry presents.

Remember, the sports industry is very competitive, and starting at the bottom will allow you to build a strong foundation of knowledge and network of contacts, both of which are crucial for your success as an athlete manager.

As you gain experience, you can progress to managing your own athletes and potentially even starting your own sports management agency.

Step 10: Build a Reputation and Client List

As an Athlete Manager, one of your key objectives will be to establish a strong reputation within the industry and amass a list of reliable clients.

This is a step that requires time, effort, and strategic networking.

Start by establishing connections with athletes, coaches, sports institutions, and other professionals in the sports industry.

Attend sports events, tournaments, and networking gatherings to meet and interact with potential clients.

Always carry your business cards and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to people; remember that every connection could potentially lead to a new client.

The quality of your service will largely determine your reputation in the industry.

Ensure you uphold high standards of professionalism, and always protect your athletes’ interests.

Keep your word, be transparent, and strive for excellence in all your undertakings.

Do not forget to ask for testimonials from your satisfied clients.

Positive testimonials can help increase your credibility and attract new clients.

Additionally, consider utilizing social media and other promotional platforms to showcase your successes and capabilities.

Remember that building a reputation and client list doesn’t happen overnight.

Stay patient, consistent, and proactive in your efforts, and over time, you will be able to establish a solid reputation and a robust client list.

The more successful athletes you manage, the more your reputation will grow, which will, in turn, attract more clients.

Step 11: Stay Informed About Sports Trends and Regulations

As an Athlete Manager, it is pivotal to keep abreast of the latest sports trends and regulations.

This includes understanding the current market trends, new rules of different sports, emerging sports technologies, and changes in sports laws and governance.

You need to regularly read sports journals, magazines, and blogs, and follow sports news on various platforms to stay updated about the latest happenings in the sports world.

Participating in sports conferences and workshops can also be beneficial in this regard.

Understanding the latest sports trends will help you in identifying new opportunities for your athletes and help them to stay ahead of their competition.

Knowledge about the new regulations is also crucial in protecting your athletes’ interests and ensuring that they are not unknowingly breaching any rules.

Moreover, by being informed about the latest sports trends and regulations, you can provide strategic advice to your athletes about their career progression, endorsements, and public image.

Remember, your ability to stay informed and adapt to changes can play a significant role in your success as an Athlete Manager.

Step 12: Focus on Client Relations and Retention

As an Athlete Manager, one of your biggest responsibilities is to foster strong relationships with your clients and ensure their retention.

This involves understanding their needs, career aspirations, and potential challenges.

Establish open and honest communication from the get-go.

This way, your clients will feel comfortable discussing their goals, concerns, and feedback with you.

Regular communication also allows you to keep them updated with important information, such as potential endorsements, contract negotiations, and changes in regulations.

An Athlete Manager also needs to keep their clients satisfied with their services.

Providing reliable support, prompt responses, and professional advice can greatly contribute to client satisfaction.

Remember that retaining a client is often more cost-effective than acquiring a new one, so it’s crucial to keep your clients happy.

Always be available for them, listen to their needs, and act in their best interests.

This includes negotiating the best contracts and endorsements for them, managing their public image, and helping them make informed career decisions.

Lastly, maintain a high level of integrity and professionalism in all your dealings.

Trust is the bedrock of any client-manager relationship in the sports industry.

By demonstrating your commitment to your clients’ interests, you can build lasting relationships that will not only retain your current clients but also attract new ones.

Step 13: Consider Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Sports Management

As you develop your career as an athlete manager, you may want to consider seeking entrepreneurial opportunities in sports management.

This could mean starting your own sports management agency, partnering with other established agencies, or creating a sports-related start-up.

Starting your own sports management agency allows you to have complete control over your business, potentially enabling you to work with athletes you’re particularly passionate about and providing services you think are most important.

However, this route requires significant investment of time and resources and comes with a high level of risk.

Partnering with an established agency can provide you with resources, connections, and brand recognition that can help you succeed.

You’ll likely still have a significant amount of autonomy, but you’ll also have support in areas where you may lack experience.

Creating a sports-related start-up is another route you might take.

This could involve developing a product or service that benefits athletes, teams, or sports fans.

This could range from a new kind of sports equipment to a software platform for managing athlete training and performance data.

Regardless of the entrepreneurial path you choose, you’ll need to develop strong business acumen, learn about fundraising and investment, and be ready to take on the challenges of running a business.

Being an entrepreneur in the sports management world can be a rewarding way to shape the direction of your career and make a meaningful impact on the sports industry.

Athlete Manager Roles and Responsibilities

Athlete Managers play a crucial role in the professional life of athletes.

They manage the business and career affairs of athletes, ensuring they can focus on their sport.

They have the following roles and responsibilities:

Representation

Act as the primary contact for teams, sponsors, and media.
Negotiate contracts and sponsorship deals on behalf of the athlete.
Handle any legal matters pertaining to the athlete’s career.

Public Relations

Manage athlete’s public image and media relations.
Coordinate public appearances and interviews.
Oversee social media and online presence.

Career Management

Strategize and plan the athlete’s career progression.
Identify and secure opportunities for competitions, endorsements, and appearances.
Provide guidance and advice on career decisions.

Financial Management

Oversee athlete’s financial affairs, including budgeting and tax planning.
Manage income from contracts, sponsorships, and endorsements.
Ensure compliance with financial regulations and legal requirements.

Logistics Management

Arrange travel, accommodation, and other logistics for competitions and appearances.
Coordinate with event organizers and sports bodies.

Health and Wellness

Coordinate with medical staff and trainers to ensure athlete’s health and fitness.
Plan and manage athlete’s training and recovery schedule.

Legal Compliance

Ensure athlete’s adherence to rules and regulations of the sport’s governing body.
Handle any legal disputes or issues that arise.

Communication

Maintain open lines of communication between the athlete, team management, sponsors, and media.
Manage any crisis communication.

Continuous Learning

Stay updated on trends and developments in the sports industry.
Attend industry events and networking opportunities.

What Does an Athlete Manager Do?

Athlete Managers, also known as sports agents, are professionals who represent and promote athletes in various sports sectors.

They may work independently or as part of sports management firms.

They work closely with their clients, the athletes, to manage their professional career.

This includes negotiating contracts and endorsement deals on behalf of the athletes, ensuring the terms are fair and in the best interest of their clients.

Athlete Managers also help to plan and manage their clients’ schedules.

This includes arranging training schedules, coordinating with team managers and coaches, and organizing travel for competitions or promotional events.

Aside from the business aspect, Athlete Managers are also responsible for handling the public relations aspect of an athlete’s career.

They oversee media engagements, schedule interviews, and manage the athlete’s image and reputation in the public eye.

They also provide career guidance and advice to athletes, helping them make informed decisions about potential opportunities and navigating the complexities of their professional sports career.

In some cases, Athlete Managers may work alongside financial advisors to help manage the athlete’s finances, ensuring they make sound investment decisions for their future.

Essential Athlete Manager Skills

Communication: An Athlete Manager must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to liaise with athletes, coaches, sponsors, and other stakeholders. The ability to articulate an athlete’s needs and negotiate beneficial contracts is crucial.
Industry Knowledge: An understanding of the sports industry, including its trends, rules, regulations, and key players, is essential. They should be aware of any changes that may impact their athlete’s career.
Negotiation: Athlete Managers often need to negotiate contracts, sponsorships, and partnerships on behalf of their athletes. They need to secure the most beneficial deals possible, requiring strong negotiation skills.
Time Management: Managing an athlete’s schedule, including training sessions, matches, media appearances, and personal commitments, requires outstanding organizational and time management skills.
Problem-solving: An Athlete Manager should be able to identify and address potential issues that could impact an athlete’s performance or career. This includes resolving conflicts, managing crises, and finding solutions to challenges.
Networking: Building and maintaining relationships with key industry figures, such as coaches, sponsors, and media personnel, is crucial. Good networking skills can open up new opportunities for the athlete.
Financial Management: Athlete Managers should have a sound understanding of financial management to manage their athlete’s earnings, investments, and sponsorships effectively.
Leadership: An Athlete Manager needs to provide guidance and direction for their athlete, making key decisions on their behalf. Strong leadership and decision-making skills are necessary.
Marketing: The ability to promote an athlete’s brand and image to attract sponsorships and endorsements is essential. This includes knowledge of traditional and digital marketing strategies.
Empathy: Being sensitive to the athlete’s needs, pressures, and challenges is important. A good Athlete Manager should be able to provide emotional support and guidance when necessary.
Understanding of Sports Law: Knowledge of the laws and regulations surrounding sports contracts, doping, intellectual property, and more, is crucial to protect the athlete’s interests and ensure compliance.
Teamwork: An Athlete Manager needs to work effectively with various stakeholders such as coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, and family members, to ensure the athlete’s overall success and wellbeing.
Resilience: The sports industry can be challenging and unpredictable. The ability to remain resilient during difficult times and bounce back from setbacks is vital for an Athlete Manager.
Adaptability: Sports schedules and conditions can change rapidly. An Athlete Manager should be adaptable and flexible, ready to adjust plans at short notice.
Passion for Sports: A genuine interest and passion for sports can help an Athlete Manager understand their athlete’s motivations, ambitions, and the intricacies of their particular sport.

Athlete Manager Career Path Progression

The Foundation: Entry-Level Sports Manager

The journey usually begins as an Entry-Level Sports Manager or Intern.

At this stage, you soak up knowledge and gain practical experience.

Your responsibilities may include assisting with athlete schedules, communicating with clients, and helping with administrative tasks.

Here are some tips for success in this role:

Network: Establish and grow your network within the sports industry.
Understand the Sport: Learn all you can about the sport your athlete is involved in.
Organization Skills: Work on your organization skills as managing athletes requires meticulous planning and scheduling.

The Ascent: Athlete Manager

With experience and a better understanding of the sports industry, you’ll transition into the role of an Athlete Manager.

You’ll handle contract negotiations, oversee training schedules, and play a crucial role in the athlete’s career.

Here’s how to thrive in this stage:

Negotiation Skills: Hone your negotiation skills as they will be crucial when securing sponsorship deals and contracts.
Communication: Maintain open and effective communication with your athlete and other stakeholders.
Financial Management: Develop a good understanding of financial management to handle your athlete’s earnings responsibly.

Reaching New Heights: Senior Athlete Manager

At this stage, you are recognized for your expertise and leadership.

You may guide younger managers, make critical career decisions for your athlete, and handle high-profile clients.

To excel as a Senior Athlete Manager:

Mentorship: Share your knowledge and help guide budding athlete managers.
Strategic Planning: Develop your strategic planning skills to guide your athlete’s career more effectively.
Relationship Management: Foster strong relationships with sponsors, teams, and other stakeholders.

Beyond the Horizon: Sports Agency Director

As your career progresses, you may choose to become a Sports Agency Director.

This role involves greater responsibilities, including managing multiple athlete managers, handling high-profile athletes, and leading the agency’s strategic direction.

Here’s what to focus on:

Leadership: Develop strong leadership and communication skills to guide your team of athlete managers effectively.
Business Development: Work on your business development skills to attract more athletes to your agency.
Industry Trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the sports industry.

Pinnacle of Success: Sports Agency Owner

The highest echelon in this career path could be becoming a Sports Agency Owner.

At this level, you’ll be responsible for shaping the agency’s strategy, making critical business decisions, and managing a larger team of athlete managers.

Athlete Manager Salary

Entry-Level Athlete Manager

Median Salary: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
Entry-level athlete managers typically have 0-2 years of experience and may hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees in sports management or related fields. They often assist senior managers and handle initial negotiations and contracts.

Mid-Level Athlete Manager

Median Salary: $60,000 – $90,000 per year
Mid-level managers have 2-5 years of experience and often take on more complex responsibilities such as managing multiple athletes, overseeing larger contracts, and coordinating with sports organizations.

Senior Athlete Manager

Median Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 per year
Senior managers possess 5+ years of experience and are responsible for managing high-profile athletes, negotiating substantial contracts, and building relationships with major sports organizations and sponsors.

Lead Athlete Manager / Sports Management Director

Median Salary: $120,000 – $160,000+ per year
These roles come with significant experience and often involve leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making at a high level, managing multiple athlete managers and their respective athletes.

Principal Sports Manager / Sports Agency CEO

Median Salary: $160,000 – $300,000+ per year
These high-level positions require extensive experience and often involve setting strategies for an entire agency or sports management department. They oversee all athlete managers and often negotiate the largest and most strategic deals.

Athlete Manager Work Environment

Athlete Managers typically work in a variety of settings depending on the sport and level of competition involved.

This can range from professional sports teams and college athletic departments to individual athlete representation agencies.

The work environment is often very dynamic and fast-paced, as athlete managers may need to travel frequently to attend games, training sessions, and other events related to their athletes’ careers.

Working hours can be irregular and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate the schedules of the athletes they manage.

This job also requires excellent communication and negotiation skills as athlete managers often interact with team owners, coaches, sponsors, and media personnel.

With a successful track record, an athlete manager may eventually establish their own sports management firm, representing a roster of athletes across various sports disciplines.

FAQs About Becoming an Athlete Manager

What is needed to become an athlete manager?

To become an athlete manager, you typically need a solid understanding of sports, business management, and marketing.

This can be achieved through a combination of formal education (such as a bachelor’s degree in sports management or a related field), internships, and practical experience.

Key skills include contract negotiation, financial management, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving.

Additionally, a passion for sports, the ability to handle pressure, and a strong network within the sports industry can be beneficial.

How long does it take to become an athlete manager?

The time it takes to become an athlete manager can vary.

If you pursue a traditional bachelor’s degree in sports management or a related field, it typically takes four years.

However, practical experience is crucial in this field.

Working in sports-related jobs, internships, or volunteering at sports events can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.

Some athlete managers also start their careers as assistants to experienced managers, gradually taking on more responsibilities and clients.

Can I be an athlete manager without a degree?

While a degree in sports management or a related field can be beneficial, it’s not strictly necessary to become an athlete manager.

Practical experience in the sports industry, strong networking skills, and a good understanding of contract negotiation and financial management can be more important.

Taking relevant courses or gaining certifications in sports management, marketing, or business can also enhance your skills and credibility in the field.

Is being an athlete manager a stressful job?

Being an athlete manager can be stressful at times.

It often involves dealing with high-stakes contract negotiations, managing athletes’ busy schedules, and addressing unexpected issues or crises.

The job may also require frequent travel and non-standard working hours, particularly during sports seasons.

However, many athlete managers find the job rewarding due to their passion for sports and the opportunity to work closely with athletes.

What are the prospects for athlete managers in the next decade?

The prospects for athlete managers are expected to be positive in the next decade.

As the sports industry continues to grow globally, there is a demand for skilled managers to guide athletes’ careers and maximize their potential both on and off the field.

Emerging trends like esports and increasing focus on athlete branding and endorsements also present new opportunities for athlete managers.

Conclusion

There you go.

Setting out on the journey to become an athlete manager is no easy task, but the rewards are undeniably fulfilling.

Equipped with the proper skills, education, and perseverance, you’re already on the path to making a significant mark in the world of sports.

Keep in mind, the route may be challenging, but the opportunities are boundless. Your ability to manage and nurture talent could lead to the next sports superstar who changes how we view athleticism and competition.

So, take that initial leap. Immerse yourself in extensive learning. Connect with industry professionals. And above all, never stop honing your management skills.

Because the sports world is eagerly anticipating the talent you can cultivate.

And if you’re seeking personalized guidance on beginning or advancing your career in athlete management, explore our AI Career Path Advisor.

This complimentary tool is designed to provide tailored advice and resources to help you effectively navigate your career path.

Who Said Work Can’t Be Fun? High-Paying Jobs You’ll Love Waking Up For

The Professional Pessimists: The Most Hated Jobs in the Game

Flex Your Work: Careers That Fit Around Your Lifestyle

Outside the Box Occupations: The World of Unusual Jobs

Less Than Minimum? The Startling Truth About the Lowest Paying Jobs in 2025