**The Power of the Pen: Scott Boras Tops Forbes’ List of Sports Agents Again**
In the world of sports, contracts are no small matter. They can make or break careers, shape franchises, and even change the landscape of an entire league. At the forefront of these massive deals is Scott Boras, a name that strikes fear into the hearts of team owners and brings joy to players. In 2025, Boras once again claimed the coveted title of the most powerful sports agent in North American team sports, marking his remarkable presence in the industry for nearly a decade.
Boras secured his throne by negotiating a jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million contract for 26-year-old Juan Soto with the New York Mets last December. This monumental deal is not just a record for baseball; it’s the largest contract in professional sports history. But Boras didn’t need to rely solely on this blockbuster agreement to stay at the top. His agency, the Boras Corporation, manages around $4.89 billion in active player contracts, which translates to an astounding $244 million in potential commissions. That’s right—the very mere thought of Boras negotiating a deal sends shivers down the spine of general managers everywhere.
Since the inception of Forbes’ powerful sports agent list in 2013, Boras has claimed the top spot nine times, showcasing his unparalleled ability to navigate the world of sports contracts. The only wrinkle in his impressive streak came in 2019, when he briefly fell behind soccer agent Jonathan Barnett. However, with Barnett’s retirement and various legal troubles, the sport world is mostly free of his influence now. Forbes’ decision to limit its rankings to North America further solidifies Boras’s status as the top dog in this category.
Following closely behind Boras is Jeff Schwarz, the CEO of Excel Sports Management, who ranked second with $13 million in potential commissions from $2.84 billion in active contracts. Rich Paul, another heavyweight basketball agent and founder of Clutch Sports Group, finished third, bringing in maximum commissions of $111 million from estimates totaling $2.77 billion. It’s fair to say that while Boras may be in a league of his own, the competition is still fierce among the remaining agents.
Interestingly, the distribution of powerful agents mirrors the different sports they represent. The list features eight basketball agents, seven from baseball, three from football, and two from hockey. The differences in commission percentages are worth noting too—MLB agents typically charge 5%, while their NBA counterparts take home 4%, and NFL agents manage with a mere 3%. This variation aids in explaining why Boras consistently outranks other agents; if anyone knows how to negotiate for pennies versus dollars, it’s Scott Boras.
As athlete salaries surge due to record league revenues, agents are adapting to meet the growing demands of their clients. Not only do they negotiate contracts, but they also help organize training regimens, invest in businesses, and ensure that their athletes can thrive long after they hang up their cleats. This evolution of the profession reveals just how valuable agents have become in today’s sports landscape.
All in all, the latest Forbes list is a testament to the changing tide in sports management and the significance of agents in the business. With Boras leading the charge, it’s clear that the pen is mightier than the bat—or ball, or puck, depending on the sport. For readers eager to dive deeper into the vast world of sports agency, Forbes.com has the full list and insight into each powerful player. It’s a wild ride through contracts, negotiations, and the next generation of sports management!
