SSAC15: Show Me the Money: Agents and Negotiations

Panel from the 9th MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, February 27-28, 2015, Boston, MA This session examines all sides of a contract negotiation – the team, the player, the coach and the agent – and how they each prepare for negotiations and how analytics is used in the process. As “gut-feel” negotiation is replaced by fact-based research and decisions, the landscape and manipulation of data is a key driver of defining value. Across contract re-signings, free agent acquisitions, draft pick signings, sponsorship contracts and labor negotiations, all stakeholders are pushing for the best deal. While arriving at the perfect contract is an art, all parties must use science and analytics to make their final decisions. These experts discuss their thought processes, past experiences, and considerations for preserving future negotiations.