Chris Rivers formerly with Adidas is a career advisor and brand developer of professional basketball players. Also the Founder of Tribute Sports Management, Christopher Rivers explains in the article below why having adequate business and personal support is so crucial to athletes just breaking into the big leagues.
The decision to “turn pro” after college is one of the biggest thresholds in an athlete’s life. However, professional sports is an extremely competitive industry with a sophisticated business element to it, and having “great talent” is not enough.
Chris Rivers explains that a seasoned sports management team is critical to a good start to a career in professional sports. That team can create opportunities, provide structure and support, and take care of tasks that would otherwise distract the athlete from training.
Chris Rivers: Managers know the right people
Chris Rivers formerly with Adidas explains that a professional sports manager should have a large network of contacts within the sports industry. Their primary role is to connect the dots with all off-court aspects that will affect their client's careers.
Managers know how to showcase unique skill sets
When teams evaluate athletes, they don’t just compare stats. they’re also looking for people who are a good fit for their organization on and off the field. Chris Rivers says that a professional sports manager can see this big picture and can present the athlete’s unique skills and possible contributions to a team scout or club general manager. A seasoned professional sports manager is also experienced in evaluating different offers and making recommendations to their client.
Managers can help with negotiations and contracts
Chris Rivers previously with Adidas notes that contracts are complicated and often difficult to understand. A dedicated business manager can help protect athletes from a bad deal by working with their clients a licensed NBA agent
negotiating for better terms, and then making sure these are clearly stipulated in a contract.
Sports management teams will usually include a legal advisor, who can identify any loopholes or clauses that can affect the athlete down the road.
If there is a dispute down the road, or the athlete wishes to change the terms or end the contract, Chris Rivers says the managers play a vital role in minimizing any negative legal or financial repercussions down the line.
Managers can protect and build the athlete’s image
An athlete is a public figure, and any professional needs to manage their image from the very beginning of their career.
Christopher Rivers learned during his time at Adidas that professional sports managers can provide important guidance and advice and teach skills like learning how to navigate the media, build an authentic social media profile, and stay away from off-court landmines. Too many athletes have had significant errors in judgment that have negatively impacted their personal brands or lost their careers.
Managers are the athlete’s advocate
Athletes can trust their management team to always have their back. Chris Rivers says whatever happens on or off the field, there is someone who will represent their best interests.
This is a role that a sports coach cannot play. Even if the coach and the athlete have a strong bond, the coach has to think about the entire team and the game. In contrast, a manager focuses on his or her client, and how decisions or situations can affect their health, happiness, and career.
Managers provide protection
In sports, defensive players play an important role in winning the game. While they may not score the points themselves, they block opponents and clear the path for the score.
Managers play that role according to Chris Rivers. They block distractions, so athletes can focus on their career development. They troubleshoot situations before they escalate into problems that can affect the athlete’s brand and career.
With managers playing “defense”, the athletes can now fastbreak their career - and win the game that matters most!
