Darren Adam Heitner, Esq., is a preeminent sports attorney and the founder of Heitner Legal, P.L.L.C., a Fort Lauderdale-based law firm specializing in sports law, contract negotiations, intellectual property, and arbitration. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude, from the University of Florida in 2007, where he was named Valedictorian of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Admitted to practice in the state bars of Florida, New York, and the District of Columbia, as well as multiple federal courts, Darren also serves as a certified arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.
As an adjunct professor, Darren imparts his expertise through teaching Sports Law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) at the University of Miami School of Law in the Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law LL.M. program. His scholarly contributions include authoring several books published by the American Bar Association, such as How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know, and numerous articles in prominent publications like Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and Above the Law. His thought leadership in NIL has earned him recognition as one of the foremost experts by The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, and On3, and he has been lauded as a “power player in NIL deals” by Action Network and a “top sports trademark attorney” by Sportico.
Darren’s passion for sports law led him to establish Sports Agent Blog on December 31, 2005, initially titled “I Want To Be A Sports Agent.” The platform, created as a New Year’s resolution, has grown into a cornerstone of the sports agency community, offering in-depth analysis of industry trends, legal disputes, and agent-player dynamics. His commitment to the field is further evidenced by his representation of numerous athletes and sports agents, as well as his prior role as an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University Bloomington, where he developed and taught a course on Sport Agency Management from 2011 to 2014.
Darren’s contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the University of Florida’s 40 Under 40 Award, the University of Florida Levin College of Law’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, and designation as the best lawyer in Fort Lauderdale by Fort Lauderdale Magazine. He remains an active voice in the sports law community, sharing insights through his weekly NIL newsletter and his X posts, engaging a broad audience on legal developments in sports.
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11 replies on “Want To Be A UFL Agent?”
Thanks for the info D. Is this a new development? I was just on their website last week, gathering some info for a player I’m trying to help, and saw nothing about registering… You looking at sending any clients to the UFL?
It is a new development. We are looking to send a few guys (not listed on the website) to the UFL.
Good afternoon. The majority of the information on the agent portal is that which is on the public site. The “Salary Cap” section is still under construction, which to me is the most important section.
The other categories are things that my client and I addressed when we signed (biographical info, medical, benefits, etc…).
Hello Darren,
Do players drafted in the UFL have an opportunity to obtain signing bonuses? How about undrafted free agents? What negotiations are done if contracts are given directly from the league and not the member teams?
Any info is greatly appreciated.
– no bonuses are given to any player, that I know of.
– in the UFL, hardly any contact is negotiated – each player earns a $50K base, with a a $20K bonus for winning the league title and a $10K bonus for runner up. The very few players who were able to negotiate their contracts were “name” NFL vets such as Daunte Culpepper.
Darren,
What are the requirements to become a certified UFL agent? Is the process similar to that of an NFL agent? Thanks for your help Darren, keep up the good work.
http://sportsagentblog.com/2009/09/14/want-to-be-a-ufl-agent/
My fault, I read that. What are the educational requirements? I should have been more specific.
I don’t recall. I do not believe it is nearly as strict as the NFL (requiring education beyond a Bachelors degree). It looks like their Agent Portal is down for the time being. I will email a contact I have with the UFL to see when it will be back up and what the educational requirements are.
Did you get the education and other requirements details yet?
They said they would get back to me on it. I’ll remind them.