Within recent years, minority sports agents have dominated news cycles and become a relevant and timely topic of discussion. To provide insight into this expanding career field, Southern University Law Center, in partnership with Diverse Representation, will host its second Sports Agent Bootcamp taking place March 10-11 at the Smith-Brown Student Union on the campus of Southern University Baton Rouge.
“During this year’s Sports Agent Bootcamp, our topics are designed to explore the various facets of effectively representing professional athletes and assorted current industry trends,” says Marla Dickerson, vice chancellor of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives. “The Law Center prides itself on providing students and professionals a space to learn, converse, and network in order to transform themselves into productive and successful professionals.”
The aim of the Bootcamp is to equip participants with the tools to pursue and build careers as successful professional sports agents. The two-day program will feature several panel conversations and fireside chats on topics ranging from Strategies for Agent Exam Studying to Best Practices for Securing a Job in the Sports Industry. Speakers include Kelton Crenshaw, national football league agent at Klutch Sports Group; Joe Branch, head of On-Court Basketball Strategy and Business Development at WME Sports; Josh Beauregard-Bell, basketball sports agent at Octagon Sports; Jovan Barnes, vice president at Independent Sports & Entertainment, and more. The speaker’s agencies represent several athletes ranging from Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), and more.
"Over 70% of players in the NBA are Black. Similarly, over 60% of players in the NFL are Black. However, when you look at the makeup of most certified NFL and NBA agents, there is a glaring lack of diversity," says Jaia Thomas, Esq, founder and chief executive officer of Diverse Representation. “Black sports agents are still grossly under-represented throughout all the leagues. This Sports Agent Bootcamp seeks to close the gap and equip participants with the tools and skill sets to pursue and succeed as professional sports agents."
The event is open to the public; however, it will require registration. Registration fees begin at $75. Participants can register at sulc.edu/sportsbootcamp.
For more information, contact Jasmine D. Hunter, director of external affairs, at jhunter@sulc.edu.