Financial Advisors
for Athletes

No matter your sport, you must manage your finances wisely. Athletes have a unique career trajectory. With high earning potential often at a young age, and a career span that may be shorter than in other professions, smart financial planning is crucial.

Introduction

Why Financial Planning is Important for Athletes

Professional athletes often experience a sudden influx of wealth at a young age, which, if not managed wisely, could lead to financial hardship later in life. A dedicated financial advisor can provide the necessary guidance to navigate the complex financial scenarios athletes face.

Whether you are an NBA star, an emerging talent in the MLB, or a minor league athlete playing overseas, managing your wealth effectively is crucial. The journey to financial stability and freedom begins with choosing the right financial advisor who understands the unique financial landscape of professional athletes. In this guide, we delve into the importance of financial management for athletes, what to look for in a financial advisor, and resources available to help you on this journey.

If you are new to AdvisorFinder

Welcome! If it's your first time on AdvisorFinder, you might want to take a look at our blog and subscribe for the Finance 101 course. But first, let's hear from Shaq 🐐 about when he overspent early in his career and quickly realized he needed the help of a financial advisor:

Qualities to Look for in a Financial Advisor

Selecting a financial advisor who has experience working with athletes is important. Here are our top 6 qualities to consider when choosing an advisor​​:

  1. Direct Experience With Professional Athletes: Advisors should have a track record of working with athletes, understanding their compensation structures, and maximizing investment growth potential.
  2. Feeling a Sense of Trust: You should feel comfortable talking to your advisor and being honest with them; it's almost like a doctor/patient relationship. Trust is difficult to define, but you know it when you don't feel it.
  3. Established Name in the Sports Industry: Look for advisors or firms with strong brand recognition and a history in the sports industry, or perhaps you might want to work with an advisor who is also a former athlete.
  4. Strong Network of Specialists: A sports-focused firm should have a network of specialists covering investment strategies, taxation, estate planning, insurance, and income management.
  5. Understanding of Earning Potential: Advisors should comprehend the earning potential and career lifespan of an athlete to provide tailored advice.
  6. Operating on a Fee-Only Basis: Advisors should act in a fiduciary capacity, ensuring that their advice is in your best interests. Basically, your advisor shouldn't earn any 'commissions'.

Here's our full guide on how to choose a financial advisor (it's not specific to athletes).

Resources & Platforms

First, we want to be clear that this article is not sponsored in any way. However, we at AdvisorFinder are naturally biased to suggest that you could use our platform to find an advisor. Nonetheless, we hope you find the best advisor for your given situation.

Below is a list of several platforms and firms specialize in offering financial advice to athletes that we found in our research:

Financial Advisory Firms that Specialize in Athletes

  • Athletes Financial: An advisory firm focusing exclusively on athletes​. (Athletes Financial)
  • Black Mammoth, Inc: Founded by Stoy Hall, four-year letter winner at Drake University. (Black Mammoth, Inc)
  • Mitlin Financial: Former WVU football player, Jorrell Bland now helps athletes make smart money choices. (Mitlin Financial)
  • Pacifica Wealth: A firm specialized in advising athletes, especially those with major contracts. (Pacifica Wealth)
  • TSG Sports and Entertainment: A firm with ~30 advisors around AZ, CA, NV, NM. ​ (TSG Sports & Entertainment)
  • AdvisorFinder: Where Athletes Meet Financial MVPs. Find an advisor who works with athletes. (AdvisorFinder)

*Note: This list is not sponsored.

Why Smart Money Moves Matter for Athletes

Being an athlete is like being on an exciting, fast ride. But this ride can be short. Big paychecks can start coming in while you're still very young. Handling this money the right way is super important.

Here's the deal: having a good money guide, like a financial advisor, is a must. They help you make smart money moves so your cash keeps working for you, even when you're not playing anymore.

AdvisorFinder and resources like the NFL Player's Association are your friends here. They help you find the money pros who know the sports world inside and out.

It's not just about counting dollars; it's about making sure your money is safe and grows, so you don't have to worry about it down the road. With the right help, you can focus on the game you love and a comfy life after the cheers quiet down.

Common Financial Mistakes Made by Athletes

Athletes often face unique financial challenges due to the nature of their careers. Some common pitfalls include overspending, poor investment choices, and inadequate planning for post-retirement income. To avoid these issues, it's essential for athletes to work with experienced financial advisors who understand their specific needs and can help them make informed decisions about their finances. By addressing these potential problems early on, athletes can set themselves up for long-term financial success and stability.

Navigating Endorsement Deals and Contract Negotiations

Financial advisors can play a crucial role in helping athletes secure favorable terms in endorsement deals and contract negotiations. With their expertise in financial matters, they can analyze proposed contracts and endorsements to ensure that the athlete's interests are protected. This includes assessing the long-term revenue potential, tax implications, and any hidden clauses that could negatively impact the athlete's finances. By providing valuable guidance and advice during these negotiations, financial advisors empower athletes to make well-informed decisions that contribute to their overall financial health and stability.

Planning for Retirement and Life After Sports

A financial advisor can help athletes prepare for retirement and life after sports by creating a comprehensive financial plan tailored to their unique needs. This plan may include strategies for budgeting, saving, investing, tax planning, and estate planning. Financial advisors can also help athletes understand the importance of diversifying their income streams and building a robust investment portfolio to ensure long-term financial stability.

In addition, financial advisors can assist athletes in setting realistic goals for their post-career lifestyle and determining the amount of money they'll need to maintain that lifestyle in retirement. By analyzing an athlete's current financial situation and future earning potential, a financial advisor can recommend appropriate savings rates and investment strategies to help them reach their retirement goals.

text reads "its like a game plan". on the left, there is a graphic of a pie chart with a dollar sign, a bitcoin, a stock candle chart, all in different colors. meant to show you that it's a big combination of assets and planning that goes into retirement.

Moreover, financial advisors can educate athletes on the various retirement savings vehicles available to them, such as 401(k) plans, IRAs, and annuities. They can also guide athletes through important decisions related to Social Security benefits and pension plans if applicable.

Lastly, since many professional athletes have relatively short careers compared to other professions, it's crucial for them to start planning for life after sports early on. A financial advisor can help explore options like business ownership or pursuing further education as part of an athlete's overall wealth management strategy. This proactive approach helps ensure that athletes are well-prepared financially once they transition out of their sports career.

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