Neb. begins licensing sports agents; aimed at agents who offer inducements to student-athletes

Nebraska begins licensing sports agents

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska has begun licensing sports agents who want to represent student-athletes.

Secretary of State John Gale says the licensing began Jan. 1 after the legislature passed a law last year. Licensing is required for agents who want to represent student-athletes as they consider professional team or endorsement contracts.

It is aimed at agents who offer meals, cash and other goodies to get athletes to sign with them. An agent jeopardizes an athlete’s eligibility and puts the athlete’s school at risk of NCAA sanctions when the agent offers inducements to secure a client.