It’s early October, and I know some of you are still at home, frustrated that you haven’t landed a contract yet. The title is an exact quote from a player the other day. Trust me, I understand the anxiety. At this point, it’s natural to start pointing fingers—often at your agent. After all, it’s their job to find you a job, right?
But before you hit that panic button and fire your agent, let’s take a step back and assess the situation. Whether you have a top-tier agent or one who’s a little less seasoned, the truth is that they can only work with the profile you’ve given them. Agents aren’t magicians. They can’t conjure up offers out of thin air, especially if you’re lacking experience or your stats don’t stand out. Even the best agents are at the mercy of market dynamics, team needs, and timing. The reality is also that the final decision always lies with the team and not your agent.
But here’s where things get interesting—and this is where your patience might actually pay off.
The Hidden Opportunity: The Replacement Market
I have written before about something many players overlook: the Replacement Market. While most players are focused on landing contracts in the main hiring season, the replacement market can be just as, if not more, lucrative. This market runs from now through January and is driven by players getting fired or injured mid-season. Teams are constantly looking for replacements, and when competition for those slots is lower, salaries can sometimes be higher—especially for players with strong profiles.
So, if you’re still unsigned, don’t lose hope just yet. You might actually be in a better position than you think. Teams will start looking to replace underperforming or injured players, and that could be your window of opportunity.
Should You Fire Your Agent?
If you’re thinking about cutting ties with your agent, hold off for a second. I get it—frustration leads to impatience, and impatience leads to drastic decisions. But firing your agent on impulse might backfire. Here’s why:
- You Chose Them for a Reason: You hired your agent because you believed in their ability to represent you. Give them some time to work. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes that you may never be aware of, so constant texting and calling won’t help. Let them do their job without feeling the pressure of daily check-ins.
- Replacement Market Advantage: As I mentioned earlier, the replacement job market can be even more lucrative than the main one. Your agent might be working to position you for that. Don’t assume that just because you’re still unsigned, they aren’t doing their job.
- Have a Backup Plan: If you’re really set on parting ways, make sure you have another agent lined up first. My advice? Send a notice of termination early, maybe around January, so both you and your agent know the contract is ending but only if you have another agent lined up. You are allowed to have more than one agent, so use this FIBA clause to your advantage.
- Timing Matters: If you do decide to switch agents, timing is crucial. Don’t wait too long into the season to make your move. Between January and March is usually a good time to make a change. That gives your new agent enough runway to build your portfolio and get your name circulating for the upcoming season.
What to Consider Before Changing Agents
If you’re still leaning toward changing agents, here are a few things to think about:
- Is it an emotional decision? Sometimes the frustration of being unsigned clouds our judgment. Be sure that firing your agent is the right move and not a knee-jerk reaction.
- Can you handle having no agent? It’s one thing to be frustrated with your current agent; it’s another to be without representation altogether. Having any agent, even one who isn’t producing immediate results, can be better than having no agent at all. You never know when a job falls into your agent´s lap without having done anything except having a good relationship with a team.
- Legal Notice: Don’t forget to give your agent a 30-day termination notice if that’s the direction you’re heading. This gives you both a professional and respectful way to part ways while allowing your agent time to adjust their client list.
The Replacement Market: Your Hidden Advantage
So why don’t we hear more about the replacement job market? Simple—players who get fired aren’t exactly eager to broadcast it on social media. It’s a quiet shuffle behind the scenes, but make no mistake, those spots are getting filled. And who knows? One of them could fall into the lap of your agent.
This market flies under the radar, but if you stay patient, keep working hard, and let your agent do their thing, you could find yourself stepping into a solid opportunity—perhaps even one that pays more than you expected.
Need help navigating the tricky world of overseas basketball? Whether it’s finding the right agent, knowing when to make a move, or how to market yourself effectively, SJM Consulting is here to help. With our years of experience in overseas markets, we can provide you with the guidance, strategy, and support you need to land that contract. Let´s talk…