Sports agents are generally categorized by the nature of their work and, in some jurisdictions, by legal certification types. The two primary, distinct types based on focus are contract negotiators (focused on team salary) and marketing agents (focused on off-field revenue), though many agents handle both roles.

Sports Player Agent: These agents focus primarily on negotiating employment contracts with professional teams. They must be certified by the respective players’ associations (e.g., NBPA, WNBPA, NFLPA, MLBPA, ETC. ). 

Sports Marketing Agents: These agents, or managers, focus on securing NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, sponsorships, and endorsements to build the athlete’s brand.

NIL: As an F-1 or E-1 visa holder, you’re generally restricted from engaging in active marketing, promotions, or paid appearances in the U.S. However, with significant and valuable deals, there are exceptions. Consider compiling deals and completing deliverables abroad, such as in Canada or Mexico or perhaps after the season while you’re on vacation in the Caribbean islands to navigate these limitations.

REVENUE SHARE: Simple answer, No!

It’s essential to understand your contractual obligations and options. While you may be signed to an agency for your player contract with your professional team, you have the flexibility to sign with another agency for marketing representation. 

A crucial aspect to recognize is that your agent, including those at Defining Sports, Inc., works for you. We are your employees, and our role is to support you in building a team that benefits your career and prepares you for life after sports.

If you’re currently signed with another marketing agency, please note that you would need to terminate that contract before coming with us. At Defining Sports, Inc., we prioritize transparency and want to ensure that you’re aware of your options and obligations. By understanding these key points, you can make informed decisions about your marketing representation and take control of your career.

We uphold the highest industry standards while offering competitive rates that set us apart from conventional agencies. Our representation agreements are meticulously structured—incorporating deposits, monthly retainers, and performance-based percentages—tailored to each client’s potential, trajectory, and financial position. This refined approach allows us to deliver elite, accessible representation without compromising quality, positioning us as the trusted choice for athletes seeking exceptional guidance and long-term success.

NIL (Name, Image & Likeness)

NIL allows student-athletes to earn income by monetizing their personal brand. This includes endorsement deals, social media campaigns, appearances, camps, merchandise, and partnerships with brands or collectives. Compensation is tied to the athlete’s visibility, influence, and marketability—not directly to on-field performance or school revenue.

In short: NIL is brand-driven income controlled by the athlete.

Revenue Share

Revenue sharing refers to athletes receiving a direct share of athletic department revenue, typically generated from media rights, ticket sales, and sponsorships—most often in high-earning sports like football and basketball. This model is institution-based and distributed according to conference or school policies rather than individual branding.

In short: Revenue share is program-driven income tied to the school’s success.

The Key Difference

• NIL = Athlete as a brand

• Revenue Share = Athlete as a stakeholder in the program

Elite representation understands both—and helps athletes maximize today’s NIL opportunities while positioning them for tomorrow’s revenue-sharing landscape.

Not every athlete needs an agent—but every serious athlete needs expert representation.

A sports agent does more than negotiate contracts. They protect your interests, manage opportunities, and position you for long-term success on and off the field. From navigating NIL deals and revenue-sharing structures to contract negotiations, compliance, and brand strategy, an agent ensures every decision aligns with your career goals.

Without representation, athletes risk undervaluing themselves, overlooking key details, or missing opportunities entirely. With the right agent, you gain a strategic partner—someone who advocates for you, maximizes your earning potential, and allows you to stay focused on performance while your business is handled at the highest level.

While we do not directly secure overseas contracts, we maintain a global network of elite FIBA-certified agents across both the men’s and women’s game. Should an athlete align with an international opportunity, our trusted partners are positioned to lead the next phase of representation. We collaborate with some of the most respected FIBA agents in the world and take great pride in the strength, credibility, and reach of our international network.

While sport remains central to what we do—and we are privileged to represent some of the world’s most recognizable professional athletes—our mission extends beyond the game. We champion legacy, recognizing that while sports have profoundly shaped our lives, they are not the destination. They are a stepping stone, preparing athletes for what comes next—empowering them to redirect their influence, inspire purpose, and motivate the next generation.

That is the essence of Defining Sports: we define sports; sports do not define us. It is the journey from becoming a hero in sport to becoming a legend in life.

While we are not currently hiring full-time staff, we do offer internship opportunities in select waves for students majoring in communications, marketing, sport management, business administration, and related fields. We proudly partner with select colleges and universities to provide accredited internship programs that offer academic credit.

Our interns receive hands-on guidance and real-world experience, with exposure ranging from community engagement to direct interaction with professional athletes. This immersive approach has produced proven results, with former interns and employees advancing into front-office roles within Division I athletic departments, the NBA, WNBA, and NFL, and others launching their own sports agencies.