Scott Boras: The Man Who Changed The Game

How Much Money Does Scott Boras Really Have?

Scott Boras, the man often called "the most powerful sports agent in the world," has built a staggering net worth of $450 million. His journey to this level of financial success started with the foundation of The Boras Corporation, one of the most successful sports agencies ever. Representing over 175 high-profile athletes, primarily baseball players, Boras has negotiated more than $2.5 billion worth of contracts for his clients, earning his agency around $100 million in annual commissions. With over 30 years in the game, Scott has become synonymous with high-stakes negotiations and groundbreaking deals.

Some of his most notable clients include Stephen Strasburg, Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon, Alex Rodriguez, Matt Holliday, Manny Ramirez, and Jayson Werth. Whether it's securing record-breaking contracts or navigating the complex world of player representation, Boras continues to redefine what it means to be a sports agent.

Early Days: From Dairy Farmer's Son to College All-Star

Scott Boras was born on November 2, 1952, in Sacramento, California, to a family that owned a dairy farm. His journey wasn't exactly a straight line to the top, but it was filled with hard work and determination. Growing up, little was known about his family life, including whether or not he had siblings. What we do know is that Boras was an exceptional baseball player during his time at the University of the Pacific, where he played college baseball with a batting average of .312 in 1972. His skills on the field set numerous records and earned him a place in the university's Hall of Fame.

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After college, Boras continued to play minor league baseball for four years, eventually earning a spot on the Florida State League All-Star team. However, knee injuries cut his playing career short. Instead of letting that setback define him, Boras used his experience in baseball to transition into a career as an agent. He pursued a Juris Doctor degree from McGeorge School of Law in 1982, which equipped him with the legal knowledge necessary to negotiate contracts and defend major pharmaceutical companies against lawsuits.

Rise to Power: Building an Empire

Even before earning his law degree, Boras was already dipping his toes into the world of sports representation. With a background in law, he quickly found himself representing two players: Mike Fischlin of the Cleveland Indians and Bill Caudill of the Seattle Mariners. By the early 1980s, Boras had decided that baseball would be his primary focus. In 1983, he negotiated what was then one of the largest contracts in baseball history, securing a $7.5 million deal for Caudill. That success marked the beginning of Scott Boras' rise to prominence.

From there, the Boras Corporation was born, and with it came a reputation for aggressive negotiations and unparalleled results. Throughout the 1980s, Boras repeatedly broke records by securing massive signing bonuses for his clients. For example, in 1990, he negotiated a $1.2 million contract for high school pitcher Todd Van Poppel, followed by a $1.5 million signing bonus for Brien Taylor in 1991. In 1992, he negotiated a $28 million contract for Greg Maddux, a deal that shattered records and set a new standard for player compensation.

Bending the Rules: Loopholes and Major League Changes

In 1996, Boras began exploiting loopholes in Major League Baseball's rules, allowing him to negotiate even more lucrative contracts for his clients. For instance, he removed Matt White and Bobby Seay from the draft process, enabling them to sign significantly more valuable contracts. This move prompted Major League Baseball to adjust its rules, but it wouldn't be the last time Boras' actions forced the league to rethink its regulations.

In 1997, Boras used another obscure rule to have J.D. Drew leave the MLB, sign with the St. Paul Saints, and then re-enter the draft to sign with the Cardinals for an inflated fee. Once again, MLB changed its rules to close this loophole. But Boras wasn't done yet. In the late 1990s, he negotiated a deal for Greg Maddux that made him the highest-paid player in baseball, breaking the $50 million barrier. Just a year later, he doubled that achievement with a $100 million contract. Over the years, Boras has continued to break his own records, including a $252 million contract for Alex Rodriguez and a $330 million deal for Bryce Harper in 2019.

More Than Just Contracts: The Boras Empire

Branching Out: Subsidiary Companies

The Boras Corporation isn't just about negotiating contracts; it's a full-fledged empire with several subsidiary companies. These include Boras Marketing and the Boras Training Institute, both of which contribute significantly to Scott's income. Boras employs a team of highly skilled professionals, including an MIT-trained economist, an investment team, and sports psychologists. His scouts travel the world in search of new talent, ensuring that the Boras Corporation stays ahead of the curve in player representation.

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Controversy and Criticism: Is Scott Boras Too Powerful?

Despite his undeniable success, Scott Boras has faced criticism throughout his career. As a sports agent, his primary goal is to help his clients make as much money as possible, which sometimes puts him at odds with the perceived "morals" of baseball and the well-being of teams. Fans and baseball officials have often accused Boras of prioritizing money over the game itself. However, his clients would likely argue that securing the best possible deal is exactly what they want and need.

Scott Boras' Earnings: How Much Does He Make?

Scott Boras earns a 5% commission on every contract he negotiates for his clients. Between September 2017 and September 2018 alone, he negotiated $1.88 billion worth of contracts, earning him a commission of $105 million. In just one week in December 2019, Boras negotiated three massive deals:

• $245 million for Stephen Strasburg (Nationals)
• $324 million for Gerrit Cole (Yankees)
• $245 million for Anthony Rendon (Angels)

These deals translated to a $40.7 million "cut" for Scott Boras, showcasing just how much the agent can earn in a single week. His ability to command such high commissions is a testament to his unmatched negotiation skills and the trust his clients place in him to secure their financial futures.