Joel Bell on How to Launch a Career as an NBA Agent

About Joel Bell

A career basketball agent, Joel Bell of Bell Sports, Inc., has personally negotiated around a billion dollars in contracts for players in the National Basketball Association. He offers advice to aspiring sports agents on what is required to get into the business.

How to Launch a Career as an NBA Agent

Though a specific degree is not mandated for becoming a sports agent, classes in sports management or law can help prepare someone for the types of issues an agent may come across in this line of work. In order to become a certified agent in the NBA, a four-year degree of some type is required in addition to a completed agent application, as well as a $1,500 yearly fee. The NBA has its own list of agent certification requirements and rules, with which any new agent should be familiar.

How to Launch a Career as an NBA Agent

Beyond these qualifications, excellent networking and negotiating skills are mandatory to finding success in this competitive career. An agent must be able to attract promising players, find them satisfying positions on teams, manage their public images, and work sponsorship and endorsement deals. Once an agent has established a successful reputation, finding and keeping clients becomes easier.