Texas Athlete Agent (Sports Agent) Surety Bond
Before recruiting or soliciting college athletes, Texas athlete agents must register with the Texas Secretary of State. As part of that registration, every agent must file a $50,000 surety bond payable to the State of Texas. In addition, agents who provide financial services need a separate $100,000 bond.
$50,000
Standard athlete agent bond
$100,000
Added bond for financial services
$500 / Year
State registration fee
Chapter 2051
Texas Occupations Code
Who Must Register as an Athlete Agent?
Texas regulates athlete agents under Chapter 2051 of the Texas Occupations Code. Specifically, an agent needs a certificate of registration from the Secretary of State before recruiting or soliciting an athlete to sign an athlete agent contract, financial services contract or professional sports services contract.
Individuals Only
Only an individual may register as a Texas athlete agent. In other words, a company can’t hold the registration.
Professional Athlete Agents
Generally, professional athlete agents must be certified by at least one national professional sports association.
Limited Athlete Agents
By contrast, limited athlete agents represent athletes in sports without a national association that certifies agents.
Texas Has Two Different Athlete Agent Bonds
Which bond you need depends on the services you’ll provide. However, every registered agent needs at least the $50,000 bond.
$50,000 Athlete Agent Surety Bond
Before contacting an athlete or signing an athlete agent contract in Texas, you must deposit a $50,000 surety bond with the Secretary of State under Occupations Code §2051.151(a).
$100,000 Financial Services Surety Bond
If you provide financial services or sign a financial services contract with an athlete, you need a separate $100,000 bond. Importantly, it’s in addition to the $50,000 bond, not a replacement.
| Your Activities | Bonds You Need | Total Bond Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Athlete agent services only | Athlete Agent Surety Bond | $50,000 |
| Athlete agent plus financial services | Athlete Agent Bond and Financial Services Bond | $150,000 |
What Does the Athlete Agent Bond Guarantee?
The $50,000 bond is payable to the State of Texas and conditioned on the agent complying with Chapter 2051. Furthermore, it supports payment of administrative penalties and certain damages awarded to a university or an athlete for prohibited conduct, such as offering things of value to an athlete or family member.
In short, the bond protects the public; it isn’t professional liability insurance for the agent. As a result, if the surety pays a valid claim, you’re generally required to repay it.
- Individuals eligible to compete in intercollegiate sports, on a team or individually
- Certain former college athletes who have never signed a professional sports team employment contract
Register Before You Contact an Athlete
According to the Secretary of State, you must register before directly or indirectly contacting an eligible athlete. Likewise, registration is required before signing an agent contract, even after the athlete is no longer eligible.
$500 Annual Fee
The annual athlete agent registration fee is $500.
No Exam Required
There’s no test. Instead, you submit the application, fee and supporting documents.
Serious Penalties
Violations can lead to suspension or revocation, administrative penalties up to $50,000 and, for knowing violations, criminal penalties.
How to Get a Texas Athlete Agent Bond
Determine the Bond Type
First, decide whether you need only the $50,000 bond or the $100,000 financial services bond too.
Start the Application
Next, open our bond portal and select the correct Athlete Agent bond.
Complete Underwriting
Then provide the information the surety requests for review.
File With Texas
Finally, submit the bond with your registration to the Secretary of State.
Texas Athlete Agent Bond FAQs
How much is the Texas athlete agent bond?
The standard Texas Athlete Agent Surety Bond is $50,000. Keep in mind, however, that this is the bond amount, not the premium you pay.
Is there also a $100,000 athlete agent bond?
Yes, but it serves a different purpose. An athlete agent who provides financial services or signs a financial services contract with an athlete must post a separate $100,000 Financial Services Surety Bond.
Do I need both the $50,000 and $100,000 bonds?
Only if you’ll provide financial services. In that case, you need both bonds, for a total of $150,000, because the financial services bond doesn’t replace the $50,000 bond.
Do I have to register before contacting an athlete?
Yes. The Secretary of State says you must register before directly or indirectly contacting an eligible athlete.
Can a company register as the athlete agent?
No. Only an individual may register as a Texas athlete agent.
What is the Texas athlete agent registration fee?
The Secretary of State lists the annual athlete agent registration fee as $500.
Does Texas require an exam for athlete agent registration?
No. Instead, you submit the registration application, filing fee and required supporting documents.
What happens if an athlete agent violates Texas law?
The Secretary of State can suspend or revoke registration and impose administrative penalties of up to $50,000. Moreover, intentional or knowing violations carry criminal penalties.
Is a sports agent the same as an athlete agent in Texas?
Generally, yes. Anyone who recruits or solicits an eligible college athlete to sign an agent, financial services or professional sports services contract is regulated as an athlete agent under Chapter 2051, whatever title they use.
What if I’m unsure which athlete agent bond I need?
First, confirm whether you’ll provide financial services to athletes. If you’re still unsure, call Lavon Insurance before you buy the bond.
Official Resources & Coverage for Agents
Ultimately, the Secretary of State administers athlete agent registrations and bond filings. Therefore, review the current requirements before contacting any athlete.
Texas Athlete Agent Information
Registration details from the Secretary of State.
Texas SOS Athlete Agents →Texas Athlete Agent FAQs
Official answers on bonds, fees and registration.
Texas SOS Athlete Agent FAQs →Professional Liability
E&O coverage for claims that your advice or representation caused a loss.
Professional Liability →License & Compliance Bonds
Other Texas license bonds, including TABC and CSO bonds.
License & Compliance Bonds →Ready to Apply for Your Athlete Agent Bond?
Decide whether you need the $50,000 bond, the $100,000 financial services bond or both, then start your application online.
Bond approval and premium are subject to surety underwriting. Registration and bond requirements are set by Texas law and the Texas Secretary of State. This page is general information, not legal advice.