Basketball Agent FAQ

Becoming a Basketball Agent

How do you become a basketball agent?

Becoming a basketball agent depends on building three things, including industry connections, a solid understanding of what the role actually involves, and, if you want to represent NBA players, formal certification through the National Basketball Players Association. Beyond certification, an effective agent needs to be able to recruit players, market clients to teams and brands, negotiate contracts, and help athletes plan for life after their playing career. Structured training, such as a course led by NBPA and FIBA certified agents, is a common starting point.

How much do basketball agents make?

NBA agents are capped by the NBPA at a maximum commission of four percent on a player's contract value for the first roughly $1.03 million, and two percent on any amount above that threshold, meaning a $40,000 commission on a one million dollar rookie scale contract before the reduced tier applies. Beyond playing contracts, agents typically also earn around a ten percent commission on marketing and endorsement deals, which can meaningfully add to overall earnings for agents representing well known players.

Do you need a degree to become an NBA Agent?

Yes. The NBPA requires a bachelor's degree as part of its agent certification requirements, along with passing a certification exam and a background check.

Can I represent international or FIBA players instead of NBA players?

Yes. Because the course is co taught by a FIBA certified agent alongside an NBA agent, it specifically covers the differences between NBA, G League, and international basketball markets, which gives students a realistic path into representation outside the NBA as well.

About the SMWW Basketball Agent Course

Who teaches the Basketball Agent course?

The course is co taught by Bret Kanis, an NBA certified agent and licensed attorney with more than twenty years of experience representing players in the NBA, G League, and internationally, along with Jan Wieland, a FIBA certified agent. Getting eight weeks of direct access to two working agents at this level is a significant part of what sets SMWW's program apart from generic online courses.

Who is considered the top basketball agent?

Jeff Schwartz is widely regarded as one of the most prominent basketball agents, based on the size of his client roster and the total value of the contracts he has negotiated. His past and current clients have included players such as Blake Griffin, Kemba Walker, CJ McCollum, and Khris Middleton.

What topics does the Basketball Agent course actually cover?

Beyond certification basics, the course covers player and agent contracts and compensation, understanding the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, contract negotiation, NIL opportunities, NBPA regulations, international basketball markets, and marketing and endorsement deals.

What happens after I complete the Basketball Agent course?

Graduates are invited to join SMWW Agency as an Agent Advisor, which gives them a structured path to start building a client roster with the backing of SMWW's network rather than starting completely from scratch.

Why Choose SMWW?

Our 8-week Basketball Agent Course is designed to give you a head start in the competitive world of sports agency. You’ll learn from industry experts, gain insider knowledge, and build a network that puts your career on the fast track.

Stop waiting for your dream career to happen – make it happen! With SMWW, you can become the agent athletes trust to guide their future.
Enroll today and turn your passion for basketball into a thriving career as a basketball agent!

What if I need one on one assistance?

SMWW staff are available by phone throughout the course for one on one help with coursework, live sessions, or career questions. Call 1 877 SMWW NOW in the United States and Canada, +44 0 871 288 4799 in the United Kingdom, or +1 503 445 7105 from anywhere else. Our offices are in Portland, Oregon, and London, England.

Do you have more questions?

Call the office and ask! 1-877-SMWW-Now in the US or Canada. In London at +44(0) 871 288 4799 Everywhere else at +1-503-445-7105