Professional Agent Perspectives on Representing WNBA Athletes in the United States

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the experiences,challenges, and opportunities faced by professional sports agents in the United States whorepresent professional Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) athletes. Data werecollected using semi-structured interviews with 15 professional sports agents. A thematicanalysis of the data helped identify 11 major themes which included (a)Contract itemsnegotiated, (b)WNBA’s contract negotiations differences from other professional leagues,(c)Contract negotiation Challenges, (d)Level of Branding and Marketing involvement ofProfessional agents, (e)Brand and marketing challenges, (f)Marketing and branding WNBAathletes versus other professional leagues athletes, (g)Branding and marketing opportunities, (h)Experiences with client management, (i)Career needs assessment for WNBA athletes , (j)Client Management Challenges, and (k)Career transition Opportunities for WNBA athletes (i.e. retirement). The study findings have implications for professional sports agents and best practices.