Ali Siam is the CEO and founder of Siam Sports Management. He is a certified NFL and CFL agent.
Through his vision, passion and tremendous work ethic, Siam’s unique and personable approach strives not only to meet but surpass his client’s goals and expectations, both on and off the field. Ali’s negotiation and business skills combined with his experience, commitment and personal attention to his clients is what separates Siam Sports Management from other agencies.
Siam Sports Management is a full-service sports agency that provides athletes with unbeatable professional assistance and personal attention. Ali’s clients are his number one priority and can expect to feel the security of the close-knit Siam family. He offers his clients big agency perks with a small agency feel.
Siam Sports Management ensures that every client receives in-depth guidance on all aspects of their career. Ali’s in-depth familiarity of the sports industry combined with his education and proven success in business and negotiations have paved the way for Siam Sports Management to be the ideal choice for representation. From career preparation and management to post-career counseling, the Siam Sports Management family is with his clients every step of the way.
Here is our interview with Ali Siam:
SAB: Did you have prior experience in the sports industry? Why did you decide to become a certified agent?
AS: Although I didn’t have any work experience in the sports industry, I was a devoted athlete my whole life. I had a love for the sports world. I played golf at the University of Southern California. Being on the golf team, I spent time around pro athletes mostly in the golf world. I love business. I love law. I love negotiating. I love sports. My thought process was that if I can’t be a pro athlete, the next best thing to be is to be an agent. I always had a passion to become a certified agent and football was the one sport that I gravitated towards. Beyond the game of football and sports, I’ve always felt that my calling in life was to mentor younger individuals. It is a difficult industry to succeed in but it is important for me to be a well-respected role model to my clients first and foremost.
What is the most difficult part about being an agent?
The recruiting process is a huge part of being an agent. Being able to communicate effectively with prospects and their family members is crucial. How can I differentiate myself from these other agents that I am competing against? Communicating to players and families that I am an honest, accountable, helpful and reliable person that they can lean on not only in their profession but in their lives as well. I strive to go above and beyond for my clients from the very beginning. I am very hands on. I like to be a resource they can rely on to solve any issues they may be having on the field or in their lives. Prior to being an agent, I have my own real estate business so I came into the sports agent industry for the relationship aspect of representing athletes rather being in it just for the money. The most difficult task is to find clients who understand and appreciate the value that I can give to them and their families.
What is a typical day like for you?
As a young father to a 4-year-old, my number one priority is to drop off my son and pick him up at school every day. I go to the gym in the mornings. But, depending upon the time of year, my schedule differs based upon recruiting season or marketing efforts for my clients. I make sure I give my full effort to whatever task I am tackling at that particular time. Giving each of my clients my undivided attention makes them feel as if they are my only client. Right now, I just wrapped up recruiting. Also, I was deeply focused on my social media and PR efforts to attract votes for my client Uchenna Nwosu’s Walton Peyton Man of the Year Campaign. I’m constantly working on marketing opportunities for my clients whether it may be endorsement deals or trading card deals.
What was the first contract you negotiated?
Playing golf at USC, I have spent a lot of time with Trojan football athletes. Early on in my career, I developed a strong relationship with Trojan stars such as Marqise Lee and Josh Shaw. Although they chose larger agencies over myself, my relationships with them led to signing my first drafted client, Kevon Seymour. Kevon was Josh Shaw’s roommate and he saw that the relationship I had developed with Josh was very personable and loyal. Kevon was drafted in the 6th round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Through representing Kevon, my loyalty to him led Kevon to refer me to my current client Uchenna Nwosu. Nwosu was a WPMOY nominee and he was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.
What type of services do you provide your clients at Siam Sports Management?
I provide a family first atmosphere to my clients and their families. I negotiate the contracts. I collaborate with Lauren Walsh of LW Branding on the marketing efforts for my clients. I refer all my clients to Manuel Hernandez, a financial advisor that I work with on a daily basis. I am with my clients every step of their journey that includes their training, contract negotiation, marketing opportunities and their post career endeavors.
Where do you see yourself and the industry heading over the next 5-10 years?
Currently, I have six total clients. Four clients are on active rosters and two clients are on practice squads. My goal is to continue to add to my clientele. Not only am I looking to add great football players but I am looking to add excellent human beings to my family, Siam Sports Management.
What advice would you give aspiring sports business professionals who want to work in the sports agency industry?
It’s not the Jerry Maguire life that you see in the movie. Having experience in the real estate industry, the sports agentry is the most cut throat industry out there. You need to know what you are getting yourself into before you commit to this business. Gain as much experience as possible. Experience is important. Be patient and always be prepared. Never quit and always do it the right way.