What to Expect When Meeting With a Sports Agent for the First Time

Meeting with a sports agent for the first time is a significant moment in any athlete’s career. In my experience, athletes show up to these conversations in one of two states: either completely unprepared — hoping the agent will do all the talking — or so rehearsed they forget to actually listen.

The athletes who get the most out of first meetings are the ones who show up informed, ask real questions, and evaluate the agent just as carefully as the agent evaluates them. Here’s how to do that.

Before the Meeting: Prepare Like You Would for a Big Game

A first meeting with an agent is not a formality. It is an interview — and you are interviewing them as much as they are evaluating you. Come prepared.

Research the agent and their agency. What athletes have they represented? What deals have they brokered? Are they licensed and registered with the relevant bodies — FIFA, for soccer representation? For more on why licensing matters, read our post on what to look for in a sports agent.

Bring documentation. Have your athletic resume ready — stats, game footage links, club history, achievements. If you have existing contracts or agreements, bring copies. The agent will want context on where you currently stand.

Prepare your questions. Don’t walk in hoping they’ll cover everything. Have a list:

• What experience do you have representing athletes in my sport and at my level?
• Who are some athletes you currently represent, and can I speak with them?
• What is your commission structure? Are there any additional fees?
• How do you communicate with clients — how often, through what channels?
• What opportunities do you see for someone at my stage?

During the Meeting: What Actually Happens

Most first meetings follow a predictable pattern: introductions and casual conversation, then the agent’s pitch, then a discussion of your goals and situation, then questions on both sides.

Pay attention to how the agent listens. A good agent asks more questions than they answer in this first meeting. They want to understand your career goals, your timeline, your current situation, and what you’re actually looking for from representation.

Be honest about where you are. If you’re coming off a difficult season, say so. If your fitness is in transition, say so. Agents who are serious about a long-term relationship would rather know the full picture upfront than be surprised later.

Also watch for red flags: vague answers about commissions, reluctance to put anything in writing, pressure to sign immediately, or promises that sound too specific to be realistic.

After the Meeting: How to Evaluate What You Heard

Give yourself time to reflect before making any decisions. Run through these questions:

• Did I feel genuinely heard, or was I being sold to?
• Were their answers specific and grounded, or vague and full of big promises?
• Do their services align with what I actually need right now?
• Are the fees transparent and reasonable?
• Did they provide or offer references from current clients?

If you’re unsure, talk it over with a parent, mentor, or trusted advisor before signing anything. And never feel pressured to decide on the spot — any agent worth working with will respect that.

To understand what a formal agreement typically looks like before you get to that stage, we’ve put together a breakdown of what our representation services cover. If you’re ready to have a first conversation with the Dub Sports team, book a free consultation here — no commitment required.