The names of the marketing representatives designated on the MRNs will be released by NFL PLAYERS to interested third parties.  It is suggested that all players with exclusive marketing representatives fill out the MRN form and send a completed original to the Player Services department at NFL PLAYERS (NFL PLAYERS, Attn: Dexter Santos, Player Services, 1133 20th St, NW, Washington, DC 20036).  NFL PLAYERS suggests that completed MRN forms be sent by certified mail or overnight delivery.

The MRN form is embedded below.

NFLPLAYERS MRN

NFL PLAYERS Requesting Marketing Representation Notices (MRNs) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Forbes Magazine posted an excellent article last week highlighting the difference between the highest paid athletes of 1991 and today. To say the make up of the list has changed would be an understatement.

The number 1 highest paid athlete in 1991 was a Boxer, Evander Holyfield, making $60 million. In fact, in 2nd place was another boxer, Mike Tyson. Boxers also took up the 4th and 7th places. Compare that to today where not one Boxer falls inside the top 20, with only Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao likely to make the cut in the next year. This highlights two things. First, Boxing’s decrease in popularity. The sport doesn’t have the same clout it used to, with only the aforementioned Boxers bringing in the bucks. Second, it highlights just how much pay-per-view impacted the industry in 1991, which provides hope for the UFC for the future.

Another huge difference is the amount of athletes who play team sports. In 1991 there were only 4 players who played team sports in the top 20, with Michael Jordan at number 3 being the most notable. Fast forward to now and it is an entirely different landscape. With the significant increase in areas such as TV rights and stadium deals, players plying their trade in the big leagues are now coveting most of the top spots. This is also helped by large off-field deals in the endorsement arena. Kobe, Lebron and A-Rod all headline the list of team sport players making the top 20 today.

Following on with team sports, there’s one sport that has seen a meteoric rise by having an abundance of players breaking into the top 10. Possessing no players in the top 20 in 1991, Soccer now occupies three spots in the top 10 with Beckham, Ronaldo and Messi taking those spots. This increase can be attributed to the globalization of Soccer and its players. These players are now household names worldwide, and the increase in audiences in markets such as Asia has helped line the pockets of these stars.

Golfers still rank as high as they did in 1991, with Tiger filling the number 1 spot and Phil Mickelson at 5. Arnold Palmer was the highest paid golfer, and despite the endorsement dollars skyrocketing since 1991, he would not be short of cash with his beverage line of Arizona doing very well. Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman rounded out the golfing fraternity.

Formula 1 drivers remain just as well paid as 1991, with three drivers at each juncture.

With only Federer and Nadal charting this time round, Tennis has lost some steam. In 1991 the likes of Becker, Edberg, Agassi, Seles and Graf were all featured. The endorsement dollar has certainly stagnated since these times, with only the true champions contending with the world’s athletic elite. Is it that companies are losing their luster for Tennis, or is it just other sports have moved ahead?

An alarming stat is that at present there are no female athletes featured in the Top 20. With Tennis and Golf the most likely to appear, Seles and Graf made the cut in 1991, however not even the highly endorsed Maria Sharapova could crack the list this year. Alas, there is some hope for the future. Li Na, the Chinese born Tennis player, has signed a multitude of contracts including a lucrative deal with Mercedes. She is the star that the world’s biggest country has been looking for, and if she has continued success there is no reason why she can’t upset the ‘Boy’s Club’ that has become the top 20.

So what, if any, changes can we expect in the future? With the increased popularity of Soccer worldwide and the subsequent commercialization, there is no reason why in the near future half of this list cannot be Soccer players. Team sports’ athletes in general should steadily increase their rankings as TV rights deals continue to break records. Golfers will always feature heavily due mainly due to it’s popularity. One area that doesn’t feature, which may soon, is the UFC. The sport has exploded over the past few years, and with pay-per-view it is possible it can reach Boxing like levels.
As previously mentioned, Li Na is the best hope for female athletes to crack the top 20. Others that could sneak a place include Danica Patrick (If her move to NASCAR proves successful), Maria Sharapova (By continued growth in endorsements) and Caroline Wozniacki, who at 21 appears to have a long career ahead of her.

1991 To Now – What’s Changed? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Roy Sports Marketing Group (RSMG) is a Brand Development & Sports Endorsement Firm, specializing in maximizing an athletes off the field business opportunities.  The company has just announced the signing of the NFL Linebacker, Zack Follett of the Detroit Lions.  RSMG will be handling the marketing, branding, endorsements, partnerships, sponsorships and other various business opportunities for Follett.

CEO and Founder of RSMG, Gary Roy-Schoonover told Sports Agent Blog, ”The signing of Zack Follett demonstrates the effort of RSMG in further developing the off-the-field business opportunities of our clients. Follett is a faithful, hard working, tough as nails, genuine and charismatic person who can flat out play.  They call him The Pain Train for a reason.  We are excited to have him.”

Follett was drafted in the 7th round (#235 overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft and played his college ball at Cal Berkeley.

Zack Follett Signs With Roy Sports Marketing Group from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Last week, I highlighted a new relationship between two-time Super Bowl MVP Terry Bradshaw and Evolution Management + Marketing.  The two signed an agreement that made Evolution the exclusive marketing agency for Bradshaw.  Evolution has not stopped signing up new, talented clients.  The company also just signed future 2011 NBA Draft pick Enes Kanter to an exclusive marketing arrangement.

Evolution will collaborate with Kanter’s contract agent Max Ergul to strengthen Kanter’s off-court brand.  Specifically, Evolution will focus on beverage, personal care, and electronics categories with respect to Kanter’s marketing endeavors.  Taking the lead for Evolution with regards to Kanter’s representation are Brian Samuels, Joshua Schwartz, and Tom Yaps.

DraftExpress.com current has Enes Kanter as the #6 overall pick, going to the Washington Wizards.  NBADraft.net predicts that the Cleveland Cavaliers will select Kanter with the #4 overall pick.

Evolution Management + Marketing Signs Enes Kanter from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Terry Bradshaw

Taking the lead in Bradshaw’s representation at Evolution are Joshua Schwartz, Ben Litvin, and Brian Samuels.  Evolution was founded in 2005 and is comprised of former executives from the popular SFX Sports Group.  Bradshaw said the following regarding his new relationship with Evolution:

“Evolution’s vast experience in marketing and forward-thinking strategies are a great match with my no-nonsense style and personality.  Their representation will broaden my ability to reach more companies and fortify a number of long-term corporate partners.”

Terry Bradshaw Hires Evolution For Marketing Purposes from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Arian Foster is coming off the best year of production in his short NFL career.  Foster, who went undrafted in 2009, has become the starting runningback for the Houston Texans, and just last season set the rushing record in the entire NFL with 1,616 yards on the ground.  He also led all rushers in touchdowns (18) and was invited to the 2011 Pro Bowl.

Owning rushing records and being recognized for your achievements in the NFL will open up doors off of the field.  To that end, Foster has engaged French/West/Vaughan (FWV) of Raleigh, North Carolina as his new marketing and public relations agency of record.  FWV is the Southeast’s largest public relations, public affairs and brand communications agency.  The company also represents Michael Vick and Simeon Rice with regards to their marketing and public relations campaigns.

Foster’s current off-field work includes a footwear deal with Boombah, sports memorabilia deals, and appearances for FedEx and EA Sports.  FWV hopes to help expand that portfolio with matches that fit Foster’s persona.  FWV also wants to make Foster better known to football fans outside Texas.

Foster said the following regarding his new partnership with FWV:

“They have a very impressive team and client roster and have taken the time to really understand the kind of endeavors I’d like to get involved with from a community and business standpoint.”

Arian Foster Teams Up With French/West/Vaughan (FWV) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

While the action was a huge disturbance and inconvenience for millions of online poker players who had money in their online playing accounts, I wondered if it would affect poker agents who represent the best poker celebrities with regards to their marketing and endorsement opportunities.  People like Lars Kollind.

Kollind has already dealt with government action in the past.  His formerly successful poker club was shut down when Swedish legislation was passed, which disallowed the operation of such establishments.  From there, Kollind went on to start Vegas Group, which began as a small agency for Swedish poker professionals.  Vegas Group turned into Poker Icons, which is now the largest poker agency in Europe.

How will Kollind and Poker Icons adjust to the hit that many poker sites just took via the DoJ?  These sites contribute to a large portion of Poker Icons’ revenues based on the money they pump into the company’s poker clients.  What will fill the gap that will undoubtedly be left when many sites have to spend less on marketing.

How Will Black Friday Affect Poker Agents? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

In 2010, Alex Rodriguez fired Scott Boras.  Boras had been Rodriguez’s MLBPA certified agent; his responsibility was to help Rodriguez choose the teams he would play for and negotiate the terms of his contracts with MLB teams.  However, Rodriguez has always had many other “agents” helping him out off of the field.

In 2007, Rodriguez dropped Boras as his marketing agent and signed Madonna’s agent, Guy Oseary, to negotiate his marketing/business affairs.  In 2008, Rodriguez hired William Morris Agency (WMA) to handle all of his marketing-based initiatives.  In 2009, WMA merged with mega agency Endeavor.

In 2011, Alex Rodriguez has a new marketing agent.  He recently hired Steve Loy of Gaylord Sports Management to work on his marketing deals.  Gaylord has already put up a nice profile page for Rodriguez, and made sure to include that, “In 1999, he was named one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People.”

A-Rod has been around the block went it comes to marketing agents.  I hope that Gaylord is able to have more success with the Yankees slugger than his former marketing reps.

Alex Rodriguez Goes With Gaylord For Marketing from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

I recently stumbled upon an excellent blog written by an up and coming professional golfer named Scott Stallings. Scott’s blog is a little different than most other celebrity blogs in that he blogs for B Net, which is a business and management specific website. In his blog titled “Chief Executive Golfer” Scott gives readers insight on an area that is rarely covered- the business of a player.

Scott extensively covers what it is like being your own business, and there was one post from July of last year that caught my eye. It was the time when Scott was starting out on the Nationwide Tour and looking for investors. He had no agent, and as many of you know, if you don’t make the cut, you don’t get paid.

Scott took it upon himself to find people who were willing to invest in the business of Scott. He created an 8 share LLC at $12,000 per share. He figured he’d need about $96,000 using the worst case scenario of not making any cuts. The returns seemed very attractive to investors offering a return for the life of his career.

Despite things going awry on Scott’s part, it got me thinking, would I invest in a golfer, or even any athlete at the start of his career?

The investment would be quite high risk, as a player who needs no funding would likely be seen as having a high potential of becoming successful and probably get funded by sponsors. A huge risk is that your investment (the “athlete”) gets injured, possibly career ending and you’ve lost your money invested. Also, what would happen if more money was needed for an athlete to sustain his career? Are you liable to put in extra cash? How would this affect your share?

One of the most attractive propositions is that you are involved with the athlete. You’re right there with him as he is going for birdie – his income is your income. People would much rather watch golf then read the Stocks pages every day to see how their investments are doing.

Though not as risky, I would put investing in an athlete in the same ilk as owning a race horse. There may be no prize money, no residual value (“royalties”) and an athlete may be not good enough or just simply decide he wants to end his career.

Thankfully this is not the case for Scott, who has earned his PGA Tour card for this year. Despite making no cuts thus far, things are looking bright as his season progresses. Not to mention the sponsors have started to roll in too.

Would You Invest in a Golfer? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Joel Segal of BEST/Lagardere Unlimited, appears to be the man for the job. Segal represents the likes of Chris Johnson, Reggie Bush, and Michael Vick. So I guess we will have to be on the lookout for Moss on Television. Who knows, maybe he will end up on Dancing With the Stars like other NFL notables, Chad Ochocinco, Emmitt Smith, Warren Sapp, and Lawrence Taylor. Moss is going into his final season with the New England Patriots, and he does not believe that he will be offered an extension. We will also have to pay attention and see how well (hopefully) he negotiates his next contract.

On another note, here is a list of some other athletes who at one point or another, have represented themselves: Dave Stieb, Mike Singletary, Daunte Culpepper, Ricky Williams (we know how that turned out), Curt Schilling, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Greenwell, Ray Allen, Danny Ainge, David Wells, Tom Seaver, Hakeem Olajuwon, Alan Trammell, and Steve Largent. Also, the late NFLPA President Gene Upshaw used to negotiate his own contracts when he played with the Oakland Raiders.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @DouglasVinci

On To The Next One (Kind Of): Randy Moss from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules