Bill Duffy began representing basketball players about 30 years ago. He formed his own agency, BDA Sports Management, in 1998. As the agent for Yao Ming, his agency was one of the first to explore the market in China, and it has examined opportunities elsewhere globally as well. Current clients include Joakim Noah, Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo, Goran Dragic and Andrew Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NBA draft.
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China has developed into a viable commercial market for athletes. Whereas before it was just Yao Ming, now you see our mega-stars here having a huge presence there. The shoe companies are deeply rooted in China; they are selling millions and millions of dollars in China, and they are actively marketing their players there. And now you are seeing the emergence of the Chinese shoe companies.”
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Photo by: JESSICA FREELS PHOTOGRAPHY
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On the NBA nearing more lucrative TV deals: It’s consistent with the growth of the game. You are going to have a huge increase in revenue. You are going to see the cap increase. … The owners are making money now. They [lowered the players’ percentage of revenue] in this last collective-bargaining agreement; now it’s time for the players to seize on that, and at this point they can share in the upside.
On new NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts: I think she was an excellent choice. I think her educational and professional pedigree speaks for itself. I think it’s a fresh approach. I think the fact a woman is in that position is very exciting. I think it will bring a different element to the relationship with the league, and I am very, very excited, as are the players.
On the global market for basketball: China is a great, great market for basketball, and I still believe that Africa and India are emerging markets for basketball and in the next 20 to 30 years those markets will mature. … The biggest challenge [in Europe] right now is the economics. There is a model in Europe that is so different because they don’t have huge, international television deals.
On a challenge in his job: One of the frustrating things as an agent is there is so much misinformation out there, and you are in the business of representing an athlete, so their families and the athlete continually hear information and you have to respond to it, regardless of the source. So you have a full-time job just managing misinformation.
