It is no secret that professional sports players are some of the world’s highest-income earners. From basketball to soccer to American football, these athletes earn a top dollar through highly negotiated contracts to play the game they love. But who are the people who ensure these massive deals are secured?
Agents have been on the front lines of deals and negotiations to ensure their clients receive the “big bucks” and contracts that reflect their skillset and worth. One of the more prominent firms involved in some of sports’ largest deals is Klutch Sports, led by founder Rich Paul.
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According to an AFROTECH™ profile, Paul built his career without attending college. After high school, he started reselling vintage jerseys, which led to a chance meeting with LeBron James in 2002. At the time, James, a 17-year-old basketball phenom, admired Paul’s powder blue Warren Moon Houston Oilers throwback jersey in an airport, sparking a conversation that would eventually lead to Paul becoming James’ agent. This relationship became the foundation for Paul’s agency, Klutch Sports Group, which represents numerous athletes like Anthony Davis, John Wall, Ben Simmons, and Draymond Green.
Today, Paul is one of the most influential sports agents in the industry. His impact has expanded beyond basketball to football and baseball, completing nearly $4 billion in deals, based on Boardroom TV data. Here are the top five largest sports deals Klutch Sports negotiated, as confirmed by Spotrac.
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Jalen Hurts
As the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Hurts is represented by Nicole Lynn – Klutch Sports Group’s first president of football. Hurts is currently on a five-year, $255 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, which includes a $23.3 million signing bonus and $179.4 million guaranteed.
Zach Lavine
Lavine is represented by Paul and is on a five-year deal with the Chicago Bulls. The 29-year-old’s contract is worth $215.2 million, fully guaranteed, and has an average annual salary of $43 million.
Tyrese Maxey
Paul and Mark Murray represent Maxey, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. His current deal is also a five-year term worth $203.85 million, fully guaranteed, with an average annual salary of $40.77 million.
Darius Garland
Garland is another Paul client. He is on a five-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His deal includes a fully guaranteed contract of $197.2 million and an average annual salary of $39.5 million.
Anthony Davis
A veteran player with the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis is currently signed to a guaranteed three-year deal worth $175.4 million, with an average annual salary of $58.5 million.
