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Overseas Reality

In talking to trusted overseas teams, managers, agents and friends, it is becoming more and more clear that overseas opportunities and salaries could be dramatically different next season. I have never been a "yes" man to any of my clients - my commitment to each of them is to always tell them the truth even if it isn't something they want to hear. It would be irresponsible of me to not have a very direct and honest talk with each of them about what we might face when overseas offers are received for next season. Don't be mistaken, there will still be plenty of agents and teams that will say that the world economy will not impact overseas salaries and they may even go up - while this might be the case in regard to specific teams and specific players, it will likely not be normal. Instead, salaries are likely to stay the same or go down. I want each of my clients to understand this reality and be prepared for the worst - I would rather that we are surprised by a higher salary than horribly disappointed by a lower one.

Many sources have confirmed that sponsorship money should be considerably less. Most overseas teams depend on budgets driven by sponsorship money - payments from local, national and/or international companies. Most of these companies have suffered just like the rest of individuals and corporations throughout the world. We already saw an incredible amount of teams having financial trouble this season. It seems like multiple times each day I hear of a team disrespecting an athlete's contract. I have never been contacted by so many athletes I don't personally represent searching for help. I am disgusted and horrified by the abuse I see so many athletes facing. I will continue devoting my full energy and attention to preventing this from ever happening to any of my clients.

Where does this leave us? As I did this year, I will search for teams that I know will actually pay the money promised in a contract. While accepting the highest offer is always most appealing, it is NOT always the correct decision. This is where agents and clients disconnect the most. Since an agent gets paid a commission based on the amount of their client's salary, many agents push for acceptance of the highest offer. This is especially true because agents are usually paid at the beginning of a client's contract and are not impacted by whether a team is ultimately unable to pay everything owed. Instead, it is critical to accept an offer from a team that WILL actually pay all of the money promised. For example, many times several teams will make an offer to a particular athlete. It is my responsibility to determine which team will ultimately pay the most money - not which team offers the most. For example, a client might get offers from two teams: (1) Team A offers $15,000 per month for 8 months ($120,000 total); and (2) Team B offers $10,000 per month for 8 months ($80,000 total). This would seem like a huge difference. However, my research might indicate that team A can't pay everything they promise and, ultimately, Team B might be the better choice. If Team A can only pay for three month ($45,000) and Team B can actually pay for eight month ($80,000), then Team B is clearly better financially.

Next season will likely be filled with many agents, athletes and teams searching for any way to gain an advantage. It will be critical to not listen to every person speaking into your ear - you must filter who is talking to you, what they are saying and what is their motive. Remember that even athletes you are close to ARE your competitors - for jobs, money and opportunities. Share information VERY carefully. I am ALWAYS exceptionally excited for this time - to see each of my clients travel overseas to work, explore and make money. I want this next season to be as incredible as ever for my clients and will do everything in my power to see that it is.