Science & Technology
The Most Powerful Sports Agents 2025
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, July 31st 2025 at 6:49 GMT by Forbes🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
A string of big deals gives Scott Boras up to $244 million in commissions, but the entire top 20 is swinging for the fences, with a combined $32 billion in contracts under management.
The Most Powerful Sports Agents of 2025: Forbes' Definitive Ranking
In the high-stakes world of professional sports, where billion-dollar contracts and endorsement deals can make or break careers, sports agents stand as the ultimate power brokers. Forbes' annual ranking of the most powerful sports agents for 2025 highlights those elite negotiators who have mastered the art of turning athletic talent into monumental wealth. This year's list underscores the evolving landscape of sports representation, with agents not only securing massive player contracts but also navigating the complexities of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, global endorsements, and even ownership stakes in teams. From basketball superstars to soccer icons and emerging esports talents, these agents represent the pinnacle of influence, collectively managing portfolios worth tens of billions in contract value.
Topping the list for the third consecutive year is Scott Boras, the legendary baseball agent whose Boras Corporation continues to dominate Major League Baseball (MLB) negotiations. Boras, often dubbed the "most feared man in baseball," has a client list that reads like a Hall of Fame roster, including stars like Juan Soto, Bryce Harper, and Gerrit Cole. In 2025, Boras orchestrated Soto's record-breaking extension with the New York Yankees, a 15-year, $765 million deal that shattered previous benchmarks. His approach emphasizes long-term security for players, often holding out for maximum value, which has led to over $10 billion in total contracts under his belt. Beyond baseball, Boras has expanded into advising on international deals, helping clients like Shohei Ohtani leverage their global appeal. His influence extends to labor relations, where he's been a vocal advocate for players' rights amid ongoing CBA discussions.
Close behind is David Mulugheta of Athletes First, who has risen meteorically in the NFL agent ranks. Representing quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson, and Jalen Hurts, Mulugheta secured over $2.5 billion in contracts this year alone. His crowning achievement was Jackson's five-year, $260 million extension with the Baltimore Ravens, which included innovative performance incentives tied to playoff success. Mulugheta's strategy focuses on holistic representation, incorporating mental health support and off-field branding. He's particularly adept at navigating the salary cap intricacies of the NFL, ensuring his clients maximize earnings in a league where guaranteed money is king. With a diverse clientele spanning positions and backgrounds, Mulugheta has become a champion for diversity in sports agency, mentoring young agents from underrepresented communities.
In the basketball realm, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group maintains his stronghold, propelled by his close ties to LeBron James. Paul's agency now boasts a roster including Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and rising star Paolo Banchero. In 2025, he negotiated James' two-year, $104 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his real power play was in the NIL space, where Klutch facilitated multimillion-dollar deals for college athletes transitioning to the pros. Paul's influence has expanded internationally, with clients like Ben Simmons exploring opportunities in European leagues. Known for his player empowerment philosophy, Paul has disrupted traditional agency models by prioritizing athletes' voices in negotiations, leading to more equitable deals and even equity stakes in brands.
Soccer's global stage is dominated by Jorge Mendes of Gestifute, whose client list features Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and emerging talents like João Félix. Mendes orchestrated Ronaldo's move to a Saudi Pro League club in a deal worth over $200 million annually, including endorsements. His network spans Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making him indispensable for players seeking international transfers. In 2025, Mendes brokered Félix's high-profile loan to Barcelona, which evolved into a permanent $100 million transfer. Mendes' power lies in his relationships with club owners and federations, often influencing transfer windows and league policies.
Shifting to women's sports, which have seen explosive growth, Molly Fletcher emerges as a trailblazer. Formerly with CAA, Fletcher now runs her own firm, representing athletes like soccer star Megan Rapinoe and basketball phenom Caitlin Clark. She secured Clark's landmark WNBA contract with the Indiana Fever, valued at $28 million over four years, plus endorsements exceeding $10 million. Fletcher's advocacy for gender equity has led to parity clauses in contracts, ensuring female athletes receive comparable perks to their male counterparts. Her work extends to media deals, with clients appearing in documentaries and podcasts that amplify their platforms.
In the realm of combat sports, Audie Attar of Paradigm Sports Management reigns supreme. Representing Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, Attar negotiated McGregor's crossover boxing match deals and his Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand expansions. In 2025, he facilitated Nurmagomedov's coaching ventures, turning retirement into a lucrative empire. Attar's expertise in pay-per-view events and sponsorships has generated over $1 billion in earnings for clients.
Emerging in the esports and gaming sector is Ryan Morrison of Evolved Talent Agency, who represents top gamers like Tyler "Ninja" Blevins and teams in League of Legends. Morrison secured Ninja's exclusive streaming deal with a platform worth $50 million, blending traditional sports agency tactics with digital rights management. As esports integrates with traditional sports, agents like Morrison are pioneering contracts that include virtual reality endorsements and metaverse appearances.
Other notable figures include Drew Rosenhaus, the NFL's deal-making machine with clients like Tyreek Hill, whose speedster contract with the Miami Dolphins hit $120 million. Rosenhaus is known for aggressive negotiations and media savvy, often turning contract holdouts into publicity wins. In tennis, John Tobias of IMG represents Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka, securing Osaka's $60 million in endorsements amid her mental health advocacy.
The list also spotlights rising stars like Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports, who became the first Black woman to represent a top NFL draft pick, negotiating Jalen Hurts' massive deal. Her focus on community impact includes clauses for charitable foundations. In golf, Casey Muir of Excel Sports Management handles Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, with McIlroy's LIV Golf negotiations highlighting the sport's schisms.
What unites these agents is their ability to adapt to a changing industry. The rise of NIL rights has democratized earnings for college athletes, with agents like Paul and Fletcher capitalizing on this shift. Globalization means agents must navigate multiple leagues, currencies, and cultures—Mendes exemplifies this with his transcontinental deals. Technology plays a role too, with data analytics informing negotiations; Boras uses advanced stats to justify player values.
Moreover, agents are increasingly involved in social issues. Mulugheta and Lynn advocate for racial justice, embedding social clauses in contracts. Fletcher pushes for maternity leave provisions in women's sports deals. This holistic approach extends to mental health, with many agents partnering with therapists to support clients amid the pressures of fame.
Financially, these agents command commissions typically ranging from 3% to 10% of contracts, translating to hundreds of millions in fees. But their power transcends money; they shape league policies, influence drafts, and even affect team valuations. For instance, Boras' holdouts have forced MLB teams to rethink budgeting, while Paul's Klutch empire has made him a de facto advisor to NBA executives.
Looking ahead, the 2025 landscape suggests further evolution. With the Olympics amplifying global sports, agents are eyeing multisport athletes. The integration of AI in scouting could revolutionize how deals are struck, predicting player longevity and market value. Esports' growth points to hybrid agents handling both physical and digital athletes.
In essence, Forbes' 2025 ranking celebrates not just deal-makers but visionaries who elevate sports as a business. These agents don't just represent players—they redefine the game itself, ensuring that talent translates to legacy-defining success. As sports continue to intersect with entertainment, finance, and technology, their influence will only grow, making them indispensable architects of athletic empires.
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[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2025/07/31/the-most-powerful-sports-agents-2025/ ]