When your child is pursuing college or professional athletics, one of the biggest questions parents face is: Do they need an agent—and if so, when? In this episode, I break down the realities behind that decision from both a legal and practical perspective.

We'll cover the differences between an agent and sports attorney, when it makes sense to bring in an agent/attorney, and the risks of getting it wrong. I'll also explain how NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) has changed the landscape, what role agents can legally play for student-athletes today, and how parents can protect their child. 

Whether your athlete is just starting to get recruited or already competing at a high level, this episode gives you a clear, straightforward framework to make informed decisions—with your child's future in mind.

Beau Elite is a Sports Law firm in Sacramento California guided by Bryan Pritchard, Solina Sanchez and Gary Alvarez analyze the Pavia Case.  Currently, the Diego Pavia v. NCAA case is at the forefront of Sports Law headlines as it calls into question whether an athlete's time at a Junior College should apply when transferring to the University Level. Beau Sports Law analyzes three different perspectives in the ongoing Pavia case and the repercussions they would create for Junior college football athletes. The arguments are as follows:

1. Diego Pavia: The JUCO rule violates the Sherman Anti-Trust Act by restraining competition among athletes and schools. The JUCO rule should not apply because it is in the student's best interest to maintain the status quo for eligibility as it allows players to maintain longevity in their athletic career. Not allowing the JUCO years to apply would adversely affect low income or first-generation students to transition into the NFL, which secures benefits like NIL revenue at the professional level. More time allows student athletes to train longer and gain an advantage when transferring into the university level, securing victories for their team, school and for the possibility of a professional career later down the line. 
2. School:  The eligibility rule restricts economic opportunity in the college athletics marketplace by limiting student athletes' ability to participate and earn NIL money. College sports are currently a real economic market because of athlete's early exposure along with Name, Image and Likeness opportunities. To not count JUCO years falls squarely within the principles of the Sherman Act which protects fair trade by regulating unfair and unreasonable business practices. As it stands currently, the JUCO rule is overly broad and does not serve a clear competitive purpose.
3. NCAA: Eligibility limits are necessary to keep college sports fair and balanced, not to control the labor market. Eligibility caps prevent older players from dominating college rosters and creating an unfair advantage over younger athletes. JUCO seasons still provide a real competitive experience for student athletes allowing room for their physical and professional development. The Sherman Act isn't a business restriction; it is a rule that regulates how the sport functions at the collegiate level.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with former NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith to discuss his new book Turf Wars. We dive into his firsthand experiences negotiating with NFL owners, the battles that shaped player rights, and the high-stakes conflicts that changed the game both on and off the field. De shares behind-the-scenes stories, legal insights, and leadership lessons from his years at the forefront of labor relations in professional football. Whether you're a coach, agent,athlete, or simply a fan of the game, this episode pulls back the curtain on the real power struggles in the NFL. Buy De book at www.turfwarsbook.com

Call Jill to set up a meeting if you need representation. https://calendly.com/jillbaxter/one-on-one-meeting

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I'm resharing an episode that originally aired on Ed Bowers' Sports Career Podcast. We discussed the variety of clients I've represented and why agents need to have a 'value system' before representing elite athletes.

Interested in becoming an agent? Sign up for my Sports Agent Academy: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/sports-agent-academy

Find Ed's podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sports-career-podcast-with-ed-bowers/id1112748277

This week, Grace DeWitt, founder of Douglas Digital - Modern Sports Marketing, joins me to discuss best practices for Clubhouse. If you don't know anything about the app, we explain what it is and how you can use it strategically to network and grow your personal brand.

Find me on Clubhouse @jillmbaxter or Grace @just_DeWitt13

Schedule a one-on-one call with me: http://calendly.com/jillbaxter/one-on-one-meeting

Learn more about my Coach's Career Development Program: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/coaches-program

Coaches Archie McDaniel (Texas State), Van Malone (KSU), and Tremaine Jackson (Colorado Mesa) introduce the MCAA and share how they are supporting coaches in their pursuit of leadership roles in athletics.

Watch my webinar, Three Contract Tips for Coaches: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/coaches-contract-webinar

Schedule a one-on-one call with me: http://calendly.com/jillbaxter/one-on-one-meeting

Learn more about my Coach's Career Development Program: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/coaches-program

Our guests' contact info:

Archie McDaniel

This week, SJSU's Brent Brennan joins me for a conversation about his path to becoming a head coach, SJSU's success & how he rebuilt the program, and what young coaches should do to advance in this profession.

Watch my webinar, Three Contract Tips for Coaches: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/coaches-contract-webinar

Schedule a one-on-one call with me: http://calendly.com/jillbaxter/one-on-one-meeting

Learn more about my Coach's Career Development Program and sign up: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/coaches-program

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/resfyynPY0Y

This week, I give three major contract tips to help you protect your job and salary, especially during the pandemic. A few things I covered: contract clauses, tricky wording, and why having a sports agent is important to protect your career.

Did you miss my webinar during the AFCA Convention? Hear the audio during this week's episode. After listening, schedule a one-on-one call with me to discuss your unique situation: http://calendly.com/jillbaxter/one-on-one-meeting

Learn more about my Coach's Career Development Program and sign up: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/coaches-program

I'm joined by Wilson Alexander, LSU football beat reporter for The Advocate and The Times-Picayune. We talk about LSU's hirings and firings, Title IX issues, and SEC football in a pandemic.

Read his article about the relationship between Kiffin and Orgeron: https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_a50313ee-40dc-11eb-a918-1bd831187b29.html

Sign up for my upcoming webinars for coaches: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/pl/248325

Contact me at 559-250-0151 or jillbaxter@me.com

My father, former Utah and Weber State Head Coach Ron McBride, chimes in on the tension at Utah State, where the players refused to play their final game of the season after comments were allegedly made regarding former interim Head Coach Frank Maile's culture and religion.

Have a coaching situation of your own you want to discuss? Book a free consultation with me: https://calendly.com/jillbaxter/one-on-one-meeting

This episode, I give some tips on what contract clauses coaches should look out for to ensure they don't lose opportunities, especially during a pandemic.

Schedule a meeting with me: https://calendly.com/jillbaxter/one-on-one-meeting

Watch my video on how to become a sports agent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-3cIvTtTLU&feature=youtu.be

Are you following me on social media? Find me on Instagram @agent_mcbridebaxter and on Twitter @J_McBrideBaxter

Former NFL player Matt Stover joined me for a conversation about the Players Philanthropy Fund (PPF), a 501(c)(3) that helps more than 250 charities nationwide with back office administration services. 

Check out the Players Philanthropy Fund website for more info: https://www.ppf.org

Schedule a meeting with me: https://calendly.com/jillbaxter/one-on-one-meeting

Are you following me on social media? Find me on Instagram @agent_mcbridebaxter and on Twitter @J_McBrideBaxter

I discuss name and likeness issues that many athletes and coaches run into, including defining pay, how long your likeness should be used, and where it can be used.

Schedule a meeting with me: https://calendly.com/jillbaxter/one-on-one-meeting

Are you following me on social media? Find me on Instagram @agent_mcbridebaxter and on Twitter @J_McBrideBaxter

In this epidsode of Born to Be a Sports Agent, Jill McBride Baxter sits down with Erin Blecha-Ward, founder of Evolved Experience Solutions, Inc. to discuss how athletic programs and teams can increase revenue by enhancing the fan experience. From game-day atmosphere to long-term fan engagement, Erin shares proven strategies to turn every interaction into a lasting connection-and stronger bottom line. To connect with Erin go to evolvedteam.com or Email Erin. 

IF you need legal representation Set a meeting with Jill https://calendly.com/jillbaxter/one-on-one-meeting

Subscribe to Born to Be a Sports Agent podcast.

Email jill at jillbaxter@me.com

Call 559-250-0151

Patty Luu is the founder of Driven To Peak Consulting and helps high school athletes overcome the mental blocks that prevent them from improving their performance and achieving their goals. She offers her three top tips for peak mental performance in sports.

Email Pattyluu@driventopeakconsulting.com to learn more about her 5 day challenge to stay gameday ready.

Are you following me on social media? Find me on Instagram @agent_mcbridebaxter and on Twitter @J_McBrideBaxter

I discuss the notable coaching changes that have happened in the NFL and NCAA before we've even hit the midway point in season, and the ripple effects it has on the staff and their families.

I reveal what I learned after reading "Good Company," by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank.

Schedule a meeting with me: https://calendly.com/jillbaxter/one-on-one-meeting

I explain how, as a sports agent, my schedule and work has been impacted over the course of the pandemic - from Pro Day all the way through the NFL season.

I also share how the pandemic impacted opportunities for both the 2020 NFL Draft class, this year's high school football recruiting class, and athletes playing spring sports.

Sign up for Your Virtual Sports Agent: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/your-virtual-sports-agent

Sign up for Sports Agent Academy: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/sports-agent-academy

2020 Draft Picks contact me jillbaxter@me.com

Who are you surrounding yourself with? How are you handling your money? I go over the five biggest mistakes NFL players make in their rookie year.

Looking for representation? Download my profile: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/download-fee-structure-profile

Learn about Sports Agent Academy: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/sports-agent-academy

For free agents, get my help as Your Virtual Sports Agent: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/your-virtual-sports-agent

Continuing my conversation with former Asst GM David Turner... we discuss the comeback of the Pac-12 and Big 10, the way finances are influencing football's return to play, the strain on recruiting and scholarships. We also discuss the past and future of developmental leagues in football.

*Apologies for the audio quality*

Find David Turner on social media @mav_sports

Contact me about representation (559) 250-0151 or jillbaxter@me.com

Former Director of Player Personnel for the Edmonton CFL team and current Director of Player Personnel for ANC Combines David Turner joins the podcast to break down the opportunities in football today. An important listen for athletes trying to make decisions about navigating their last season (or two) of college football.

Call or text me at (559) 250-0151 or visit my website www.jillmcbridebaxter.com to check out all my online courses.

Connect with David @Mav_Sports and listen to Mavs Sports Take!

As a former General Manager in the AAF and the Asst Director of Pro Personnel of the XFL's Houston Roughnecks, Will Lewis offers his insight on the opportunities for athletes (and their agents) as the XFL changes hands.

Coaches and athletes can get in touch with me at (559) 250-0151 or jillbaxter@me.com

Download my profile: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/pl/21283

Former player, coach, football executive (and football dad!) Will Lewis takes us inside the mind and process of NFL decision-makers as they cut down their training camp rosters to 53 players.

Lewis gives great wisdom to current and future NFL players trying to make a roster and offers important insight for future contract negotiators.

Coaches and athletes can get in touch with me at (559) 250-0151 or jillbaxter@me.com

Access my profile: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/pl/21283

What do the rules for eligibility, scholarships, and representation look like as college sports shifts its schedule in reaction to the pandemic? With nearly a decade of experience in NCAA compliance, Peter Turney explains how athletes and parents can make an educated decision on whether or not to sign with an agent right now.

Contact me about discussing representation at (559) 250-0151 or jillbaxter@me.com

A candid conversation with my client Sandy Barbour, VP of Intercollegiate Athletics at Penn State, on the behind-the-scenes of the Big 10's decision to postpone fall sports. Get a detailed look at the campus' testing strategy, return to campus, and how it intersects with athletics. She shares information on juggling scholarships and eligibility for athletes who opt-out and/or want to sign with agents, plus how she's thinking through the management of the economic fallout of delayed football.

In this episode, we explore the shifting landscape of college athletics in the wake of the House v. NCAA settlement. From the origins of amateurism to the legal battles that have redefined student-athlete rights, we unpack how and why the traditional model is being challenged — and what might come next. Hosted by Jill Baxter, with insights from law students Lynne Tran, Kristen Root, and Emma Veizaga. You can contact Jill at (559)250-0151 or email jillbaxter@me.com or go to www.jillmcbridebaxter.com 

This week I cover the different opt-out scenarios for NFL players. Who is eligible to claim money when opting-out, and how much? What happens if the season is canceled during camp? What if it's canceled midway through the season?

There are a lot of different circumstances, and I cover them today, one day after the NFL opt-out deadline.

Are you an 2021 draft prospect seeking representation? Contact me on Instagram @agent_mcbridebaxter.

This week I'm joined by Jas Bains, head football coach for Western Colorado University, a Div-II program in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Coach Bains walks us through the recent decisions for D-II's football season, what its like to be a head coach navigating this terrain, and the challenges unique to D-II.

Are you a coach seeking effective, affordable representation? Learn about my flat fee structure: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/coaches-program

FOX LA's Liz Habib and I jump right in talking about Mookie Betts and Patrick Holmes new contracts, what the NFL and the NFLPA have come to an agreement on (and what they haven't), and all the money on the line for athletes and owners as pro leagues project major revenue loss.

Ready to negotiate the next blockbuster deal? Check out my Sports Agent Academy: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/sports-agent-academy

As college football responds to the pandemic, I discuss how the Pac-12 and Big 10's move to conference-only schedules will impact small schools and independents, coaches, student-athletes, staff - athletic programs as a whole.

If you're a coach interested in representation, check out: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/coaches-program 

Today the MLS returns with an Orlando-based tournament. I speak with former collegiate soccer player Logan Agin who describes the COVID testing protocol that'll allow them to pull it off. We also discuss the NWSL's return to play in Salt Lake City, the issues that arise in players being members of multiple teams, and how salaries are complicated by COVID.

Watch Five Worst Mistakes Sports Agents Make: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/register-for-my-free-class-five-worst-mistakes-sports-agents-make

Enroll in my Sports Agent Academy: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/sports-agent-academy

Listen to Logan's podcast: https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/numberten

Today I discuss what college football is up against as they return to play, including student-athlete health and scholarship status, Under Armour's move to end their deal with UCLA, and the repercussions of coaches' racist remarks.

Risk factors for severe COVID: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html

Enroll in Sports Agent Academy: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/sports-agent-academy

After participating in a NFLPA conference call with agents nationwide, I report back to my podcast audience on the challenges of the NFL's return to play.

Watch the replay of my free class, Five Worst Mistakes Sports Agents Make: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/register-for-my-free-class-five-worst-mistakes-sports-agents-make

Enroll in Sports Agent Academy: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/sports-agent-academy

Happy Juneteenth! Today I pass the mic to Towanda Robinson, daughter of Texas A&M RB Coach Tommie Robinson. Towanda addresses everything from using Black Lives Matter instead of All Lives Matter, discrimination in the workplace, "The Talk" and interactions with the police, and what non-Black people can do to contribute to the movement. We also talk about movies and TV shows that are worth watching. Here are some suggestions: 12 Years A Slave, Malcolm X, Selma, Do the Right Thing, Higher Learning, The Color Purple, Mudbound, Detroit, Roots, and Fruitvale Station.

I take questions from aspiring sports agents to help lay out the road map to becoming a successful agent.

Register for my free class, the Five Deadliest Mistakes Sports Agents Make: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/deadliest-mistakes-class

Read a free sample of my book, Born to be a Sports Agent: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/free-book-sample

Get my playlist for aspiring sports agents: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/get-my-playlist

Longtime NFL scout Russell Bolinger, now with the Atlanta Falcons, offers a rich behind the scenes look into the NFL scouting process, and a detailed explanation of how COVID prevented 300 players from NFL opportunities.

Read a free selection of "Born to be a Sports Agent" https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/free-book-sample

Listen to the Aspiring Agent's Playlist
https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/get-my-playlist

College sports are entering a new era. In this episode, we, Jill Baxter, Flavio Rivas and Saphalta Shrestha, dive into how revenue sharing (or lack of it) will impact smaller athletic programs, what athlete pay might look like — including what happens when players lose their spot — and whether college athletics is heading toward full-blown professionalization. With House v. NCAA reshaping the landscape, we explore the legal, financial, and cultural shifts driving the future of college sports.

Call Jill at 559-250-0151 for questionshttps://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com

Email jillbaxter@me.com

Jill's Website

In response to coronavirus, the NCAA has granted waivers to recruiting rules for Division I effective May 11-31 (for now). Learn how the NCAA has, in essence, created the opportunity for virtual unofficial visits. We also discuss how coronavirus is impacting NFL scouts' ability to work towards the 2021 Draft.

Contact David Rosen at (408) 757-3214‬

Read a free selection of "Born to be a Sports Agent"
https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/free-book-sample

Find me on Twitter @J_McBrideBaxter
Find me on Instagram @Agent_McBrideBaxter

In the era of coronavirus, here's how NFL teams and agents are doing their job in the lead up to (and during) the NFL Virtual Draft.

FREE GUIDE:
How the NFLPA recommends you prepare for a work stoppage: bit.ly/WorkStoppageGuide

FREE GUIDE:
Three Things Agents Won't Tell You About the Business
https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/theuglytruth

Read my book, "Born to Be A Sports Agent":
http://www.borntobeasportsagent.com/

Enroll in my Sports Agent Academy: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/offers/996DCUuE/checkout

Iowa State athletics announced they'd be cutting coaches salaries and freezing bonuses for a year. Wondering what the language in your contract says about a work stoppage if your employer follows suit? Listen in!

**FREE INFO GUIDES/WEBINARS**
If your Pro Day was canceled: bit.ly/ProDayWebinar
How to Work From Home with your Children: bit.ly/HowtoWorkFromHomeWebinar
How to hire an agent without spending a whole paycheck: bit.ly/CoachesCareerDevelopment
How the NFLPA recommends you prepare for a work stoppage: bit.ly/WorkStoppageGuide

NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and I review the biggest changes proposed in the new CBA: minimum salary, roster sizes, retirement benefits, and more, PLUS how the coronavirus' effect on the sports world should give players pause before they make their vote!

Find me at @agent_mcbridebaxter or www.jillmcbridebaxter.com
Buy my book at https://borntobeasportsagent.com

Meet long snapper Keegan Firth: a lifelong football devotee, and multi-sport high school athlete with experience at tight end and linebacker. He explains how the mental preparation he developed as a pitcher helps with snapping, why his coverage stands out, his breakdown of college vs pro style, his experience with Gary Zauner, his snapping progression, and more.

Contact: firthk@oregonstate.edu

Learn more about Keegan and watch his film: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/store/oEuWSpeL

David Rosen joins me to give an inside look at what its like to lead recruiting under former LSU and UTSA coach Frank Wilson. Wilson has been named Rivals.com National Recruiter of Year (2011), NFL.com Top Recruiter in College Football (2014) and Scout.com SEC Recruiter of the Year (2015), and Rosen has adopted his masterful approach to recruiting.

Live from AFCA 2020! We talk about the growing rate of QB injuries and Coach Mike Vite's defensive philosophies after 30+ years in the industry.

Back from hiatus!

My ghostwriter Michelle Hill of https://winningproof.com joins the podcast to discuss my book and how she helps her elite clients in sports showcase their expertise, build their legacy and increase their brand strength through book publishing!

Purchase "Born to Be a Sports Agent" at https://borntobeasportsagent.com.

Will you be at the AFCA Convention? Come by my booth 511 and say hi!

Former NFL and college athletics communications director Steve Weakland joins my podcast to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly that could come from the NCAA's move to allow college athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness.

Here's my guide for coaches on three things to consider about the decision: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/nameimagelikeness

NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith joins me to talk about the realities of a possible work stoppage when the CBA expires in 2021, the key divides in the ongoing negotiations, the unfortunate truths of the business of football, and how players should be preparing to protect themselves. To quote 'D', "Our players have to be in a position to go two years without football."

Download the NFLPA's official work stoppage guide here: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/work-stoppage

Join McGeorge Law School students Ricky Moreno and Seth Totten for a 'Backstop Briefing' hosted by the Born to be a Sports Agent podcast. In this episode we break down the formation, function, and friction behind the newly formed College Sports Commission (CSC) — the powerhouse regulator reshaping college athletics following the House settlement. From NIL deal approvals to the fine line between fair pay and pay-for-play, this podcast explores how the CSC, led by ex-MLB enforcer Bryan Seeley, is changing the rules of the game. We examine the legal challenges, shifting power dynamics, and uncertain path forward in the new era of college athlete compensation.

Contact Jill at jillbaxter@me.com

Go to my website https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com

Call Jill 559-250-0151

My final conversation with Liz Habib, a sports anchor for Fox 11 in Los Angeles. As two experienced professionals in sports, we compare perspectives about the opportunities and pitfalls for women in sports.

Interested in being a sports agent? Get "The Ugly Truth" about the business: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/theuglytruth

Find me on social media @agent_mcbridebaxter on Instagram and @j_mcbridebaxter on Twitter

FOX 11 sports anchor Liz Habib passionately shares what she sees as the future of sports. What might sports betting look like in 5 years? What could eSports evolve into? Listen to her predictions and let me know what you think via my social media @J_McBrideBaxter on Twitter, @Agent_McBrideBaxter on Instagram!

Find Liz on social at @LizHabib

For 2020 Draft Picks, get my free Five Questions to Ask an Agent guide here: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/fivequestions

When a player gets handed down a fine for the first time, it can be a shock to them and to their agent. Often there are questions about how best to proceed. On today's episode I share how to handle player fines based on a recent experience with one of my clients.

Get my free guide, 5 Questions to Ask an Agent: https://www.jillmcbridebaxter.com/download-podcast

Follow me on Instagram @agent_mcbridebaxter and on Twitter @j_mcbridebaxter.