Name:
Jon Corley

Position:
Writer

About The Author
Jon Corley is a long tenured Team 3D writer who currently heads 3D.NY's Website Staff

Mandatory Jerry Maguire quote aside, sports agents are often times perceived as sleazy and self-orientated businessmen, but they exist solely out of necessity. Some would like to think that they are an unnecessary middleman, but an agent is a must have in today's world. Gamers, like any other athlete walk a fine line. Their future in the sport is very much up in the air and it could end just as quickly as it started. One day they could be CGS World Champs and the next they could be watching the finals from the comfort of their own home, arm-chair warrior style. The CGS has had an extremely high turnover rate in its two years of operation and I've seen a lot of dreams crushed. However, does that mean players should be able negotiate contracts or personal endorsements?

Currently, the league is operated with more emphasis on franchises than individual players. Nearly every player gets paid a flat rate with only a select few franchised players receiving a sizable amount more. This means that unless the league changed the way the players are compensated, an agent would be of minimal effectiveness in this regard.

Agents not only negotiate for big money, but they also negotiate for longevity. Thus far, the CGS has only allowed players to be signed to 1-year deals and for good measure. The league and players are still new to this process and as the league cements its reputation and ensures longevity, we may start seeing long-term relationships.

Changing gears a bit, one thing we have yet to see in the CGS is a player holdout. Last season the ramifications of a hold out were immediately felt when the cameramen decided to go on strike just hours before a live shoot. I'm not sure what their reasoning was, but it happened nonetheless. As with any business, life goes on and eventually their dispute was settled and filming resumed a couple hours later. Although it may seem unrelated, in essence all holdouts are pretty much the same.

Entire seasons have been scrapped and franchises have been ruined by strikes and holdouts. The MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL have all fallen victim to their own success and who's to say that the CGS isn't next? That being said, it is worth noting CGS that the league is in unique position when compared to nearly every other professional sports league. As it sits, the franchises and players are all owned and operated by the league, not a private group. This can either be a good or bad thing depending on your viewpoint, but at the end of the day it gives the league ultimate control. Although I highly doubt we'll ever see gamers holding out, the possibility remains.

Back to the subject on hand, Agents could do a lot for the league and players alike. One of the facets of their job which is often time overshadowed by their negotiating contracts is the exposure which they bring to their athletes. The CGS is constantly looking to expand and gain exposure and what better way to do that then to encourage players to get agents. A good agent puts his or her athlete first and does everything in their power to ensure they are the talk of the town. Whether that is by arranging interviews with newspapers and magazines or simply pushing a player’s brand, agents are responsible for a large portion of every leagues growth and success.

We have a perfect example of what an agent can do for you right here in the CGS Family. Fatal1ty was a well known professional gamer prior to his acquiring an agent, but he has progressed leaps and bounds since then. His personal brand, Fatal1ty Inc. has experienced unbridled growth and tremendous success. He has since been in the pages of some of the nations biggest magazines, on the front of video card boxes, and one of the voices of the CGS. Now, I don't go as far as to attribute all his recent success to his agent, but I can guarantee you that he was a big help in molding the Fatal1ty we know today.

Agents can play a pivotal role in any athletes life and career, for better or worse. Although I doubt we'll see be seeing Ksharp jerseys for sale at your local sporting goods store anytime soon, the fact remains that agents could help to advance the leagues cause further than ever imagined. And who doesn't want that?