Sports Management Worldwide
The Global Leader in Sports Business Education Sports Management Worldwide
Call US 503 445 7105
Call UK +44 (0) 8712 884799
Learn Salary Cap, Contracts & CBAs from Front-Office Insiders
Taught by Former NFL Executive & Veteran Sports Agent
If you want to work in a front office or represent athletes as an agent, you need to speak the language of money. Salary caps, player contracts, and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs — the rules that govern leagues and labor negotiations) drive every decision in pro sports—whether it’s the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, or international leagues with financial regulations like La Liga.
In just 8 weeks, you’ll learn how teams and agents use cap space, contract structures, and roster rules to gain a competitive edge—knowledge that will set you apart in any sports career.
Want to analyze player contracts and salary cap implications for your team?
Need to understand new collective bargaining agreements across all sports?
Are you an agent negotiating on behalf of clients and want the confidence of knowing their market value?
Does your league or organization require deeper salary cap knowledge?
A deep understanding of salary cap analysis and contract negotiation gives you a distinct advantage whether you want to work in a sports front office, become a sports agent, or strengthen your role as a journalist, coach, or scout.
NEXT START DATE: September 29 Weekly Live Interactive Zoom Chats with Joel Corry and Nick Polk
NEXT START DATE: September 29 Weekly Live Interactive Zoom Chats with Joel Corry and Nick Polk
What You’ll Learn in the Salary Cap & Contract Negotiation Course
At the highest levels of sport, contracts, collective bargaining agreements, and salary cap management drive every decision. Draft negotiations, contract structures, trade valuations, and compliance with complex league rules determine which organizations win — and which fall behind.
In this one-of-a-kind course, you’ll gain insider knowledge from both sides of the table:
Salary Cap & CBA Mastery – Learn how league rules, exceptions, and minimums impact every roster decision.
Contract Analysis – Break down player contracts, draft negotiations, and proposals with confidence.
Front Office Strategies – Explore how executives evaluate trades, transfers, and cap space.
Agent Tactics – Use market value analysis, negotiation leverage, and salary cap knowledge to better represent your clients.
Accounting & Compliance – Understand procedures and computations that keep teams cap-compliant.
Career Versatility – Speak the language of contracts and salary caps in roles from agent to scout to journalist.
This training positions you alongside the true decision-makers of sport — from agents to GMs to sporting directors — and even members of the media who cover contracts and cap implications. Many of these professionals have already taken this course to sharpen their expertise. You’ll graduate with the same tools they use to negotiate, evaluate, report on, and lead at the professional level.
Sports Agents & Team Executives in all Sports Need this Course!
The simple truth is this: you cannot be a responsible sports agent or front office executive if you don’t understand salary cap analysis and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in the leagues where your athletes play.
How can you negotiate for your player without knowing how to structure a deal that fits within a team’s salary cap?
How can you use leverage without understanding the CBA and analyzing cap space?
How can you claim to represent your client’s best interests if you don’t know how to establish their true market value in a salary-capped system?
You can’t. And that’s exactly why this course exists.
The SMWW Salary Cap Analysis Course has already been taken by successful sports agents who now use cap mastery to win negotiations, strengthen client trust, and expand their representation portfolios. It’s also been a career accelerator for team executives — from NFL front office staff to an MLS Sporting Director — proving the content applies across every major sport.
This course will vault you into a more powerful negotiating position as an agent or executive. It’s the expertise you need to compete — and win — at the highest level.
Weekly Breakdown
Week 1: Introduction to salary cap analysis and its role in sports Week 2: How salaries, bonuses, and incentives are determined Week 3: Cap ceilings, floors, and team payroll obligations Week 4: Contract breakdowns — guarantees, escalators, and proration Week 5: Accounting procedures — cap hits, dead money, rollovers Week 6: Signing rights for drafted/undrafted players and free agency Week 7: Renegotiations, extensions, and managing cap impact Week 8: Player valuation, market assessments, trades, and free agency strategies
What Alumni Are Saying
“This course gave me the confidence to negotiate contracts at the highest level.” – NFLPA Certified Agent
“As an MLS Sporting Director, I found the salary cap lessons directly applicable to roster building and negotiations.” – MLS Executive
“The insights on CBAs and cap compliance were exactly what I needed to strengthen my player representation.” – NBA Agent
“Enrolling in the Capology course was a key factor in helping me land my role with the AFL Head Office in the Total Player Payments (salary cap compliance) team.” – TPP & List Management Advisor, Australian Football League
“As a journalist, this course gave me the depth to analyze contracts and explain cap moves with authority.” – Sports Media Professional
Mentors: Negotiating the Deal — A View from Both Sides of the Table
Nick Polk
Nick Polk, is the current Associate Athletic Director and General Manager of the University of Florida Football program, where he oversees the team’s front office, roster management, NIL revenue share, and more.
Before joining Florida, Nick spent 17 seasons as the Atlanta Falcons’ Director of Football Operations, where he managed every aspect of salary cap strategy — including draft negotiations, player and coach contracts, trade analysis, CBA compliance, budgets, and daily cap monitoring. He has sat across the table from hundreds of agents, giving him rare insight into what works — and what doesn’t — in negotiations.
Nick’s career also includes experience in NCAA coaching (Divisions I–III), NFL Europe, and the Arena League, making him one of the most versatile voices in football operations. If you want to work on the team side, Nick shows you the path forward. If you’re an agent, he’ll give you the dos and don’ts of effective contract negotiations.
Joel Corry
Joel Corry spent 16 years as a sports agent, representing elite NFL and NBA players including Ronnie Lott, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, John Randle, Keenan McCardell, Jimmy Smith, and Eric Allen.
Since 2013, Joel has been a salary cap and contracts columnist for CBS Sports, writing the popular “Agent’s Take” column. Drawing on his deep knowledge of NFL salary cap rules, CBA structures, and real-world negotiation strategies, Joel provides unmatched perspective on player salaries, deals, and the business of professional football.
Graduates receive an SMWW Certificate of Accomplishment, proof of both your achievement and your commitment to advancing in the sports industry. You’ll also gain a resume-ready reference from Dr. Lynn Lashbrook and your course mentors, strengthening your credibility with employers.
SMWW goes a step further with a Resume Redesign Service. We’ll update your resume to highlight your new salary cap expertise, include a reference from Joel Corry, Nick Polk, Dr. Lashbrook, and optimize it to get noticed by hiring managers.
Our goal is simple: to make you the next SMWW success story.
Weekly Interactive Zoom Video Chats- A unique aspect of each 8-week course is the opportunity for students to participate in weekly, interactive zoom video chats with fellow students, mentors Nick Polk & Joel Corry and Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, and guest speakers. This is a tremendous opportunity to network within a professional arena by getting to know your instructors and fellow students personally via the internet. This is available via any online computer with a microphone.
Online Education - This innovative academic course is facilitated through a web-based educational delivery system. You will enjoy the online discussion boards, weekly readings, weekly quizzes, course projects, and interaction amongst fellow sports business-minded students and faculty. All course materials and textbooks are included in the course.
Global Participation - SMWW students participate from over 162 countries. Courses have an international influence and instructors will cater assignments to specific countries or leagues. Countries with economic challenges are eligible for economic discounts.
University Credit Available: For additional fees to Fort Hays State University in Kansas, you may receive graduate or undergraduate university credit for Sports Management Worldwide's courses. Click here for more information.
Sports Career Conferences: Throughout the year, Sports Management Worldwide hosts Sports Career Conferences at a variety of sporting events. These are fabulous networking events that put SMWW alumni in the heart of the action. Opportunities to meet head coaches, gm's, player personnel, scouts, and fellow sports agents are facilitated. Visit SMWW Sports Career Conferences to learn more. SMWW alumni receive discounts.
Advanced Certificates: Want to take your career to the next level? Our Advanced Certificates have been hand-selected by our team of sports industry experts to put you on a path to success. These bundles allow you to take advantage of our biggest discount available, by bundling multiple courses and becoming an expert in that field. Learn more about our Advanced Certificates here.
Military Discount - For those individuals who represent their country in military service, (active, reserve, or retired) we offer a discount. Thank you for serving your country! For more information on the Military Discount please Click Here.
Tax Write Off (For USA Citizens) SMWW course tuition, books and supplies can be used for education tax credits. Save your receipts and consult with your tax advisor on how this applies to you.
Includes all course textbooks and access to a web-based classroom. Shipping is additional.
PRICE IN
APPROXIMATELY $1195
If we offer an economic discount in your country, it is included in the estimate above. Exact pricing including the discount is shown before you complete checkout. Payment plan options are provided during checkout.
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Prerequisites: Must be 18 or older to participate and have a passion for sports.
CALL TODAY: 1-877-SMWW-NOW
(In the UK: 087 12884799)
SMWW’s Industry Leading Courses Featured In:
Success Stories
Raymond Haija
NFL & CFL Agent
Melissa Forge
Australian Football Leagues Head Office Total Player Payments - Salary Cap Compliance
Ayden Bible
University of Maryland Football Scouting Assistant
Cole Waggoner
Middle Tennessee State Football Recruiting & Scouting Intern
Head of Analysis and Assistant Director of Player Personnel
Sports Capology was a great experience. The chats were excellence and they taught me so much. The instructor treats you like a friend instead of a student which helps in your learning. He takes the time to explain things as well as listens to what you have to say. If your interested in the salary cap of any sport, this is the course that can teach you all about it.
Head of Analysis and Assistant Director of Player Personnel
Sports Capology was a great experience. The chats were excellence and they taught me so much. The instructor treats you like a friend instead of a student which helps in your learning. He takes the time to explain things as well as listens to what you have to say. If your interested in the salary cap of any sport, this is the course that can teach you all about it.
The course makes students go through a very thorough analysis of the salary cap rules of all major sports. The reading material covers everything you need to know about the salary cap, and I even learned a few things from my fellow students on the discussion board.
The course makes students go through a very thorough analysis of the salary cap rules of all major sports. The reading material covers everything you need to know about the salary cap, and I even learned a few things from my fellow students on the discussion board.
If you need hands on experience scouting, including feedback and formatting reports, then NetScouts has an ideal option, with their in-depth scouting program. Having spent a full NCAA season scouting for them across the US, I had support the whole way. Entry into games, great seats and excellent advice. Now, with NetScouts teaming up with SMWW, they've gone to a new level. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to start out in the basketball industry.
If you need hands on experience scouting, including feedback and formatting reports, then NetScouts has an ideal option, with their in-depth scouting program. Having spent a full NCAA season scouting for them across the US, I had support the whole way. Entry into games, great seats and excellent advice. Now, with NetScouts teaming up with SMWW, they've gone to a new level. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to start out in the basketball industry.
I loved the class and the ethical compass of Dr. Lashbrook and the staff of SMWW. The class was informative, interactive and fun. The course gave me the basic tools to feel comfortable working with athletes. I would advise this class for anybody with a passion for sports. The cost of the class is minimal compared to knowledge and contacts you will get in return.
I loved the class and the ethical compass of Dr. Lashbrook and the staff of SMWW. The class was informative, interactive and fun. The course gave me the basic tools to feel comfortable working with athletes. I would advise this class for anybody with a passion for sports. The cost of the class is minimal compared to knowledge and contacts you will get in return.
It's just a great program. It's the most convenient way to gain an edge in the field of sports agency, & it's effective. Looking back, I would have to say that it was a wise investment.
It's just a great program. It's the most convenient way to gain an edge in the field of sports agency, & it's effective. Looking back, I would have to say that it was a wise investment.
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Weekly Interactive Zoom Video Chats- A unique aspect of each 8-week course is the opportunity for students to participate in weekly, interactive zoom video chats with fellow students, mentors Nick Polk & Joel Corry and Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, and guest speakers. This is a tremendous opportunity to network within a professional arena by getting to know your instructors and fellow students personally via the internet. This is available via any online computer with a microphone.
Online Education - This innovative academic course is facilitated through a web-based educational delivery system. You will enjoy the online discussion boards, weekly readings, weekly quizzes, course projects, and interaction amongst fellow sports business-minded students and faculty. All course materials and textbooks are included in the course.
Global Participation - SMWW students participate from over 162 countries. Courses have an international influence and instructors will cater assignments to specific countries or leagues. Countries with economic challenges are eligible for
University Credit Available: For additional fees to Fort Hays State University in Kansas, you may receive graduate or undergraduate university credit for Sports Management Worldwide's courses. 
Sports Career Conferences: Throughout the year, Sports Management Worldwide hosts Sports Career Conferences at a variety of sporting events. These are fabulous networking events that put SMWW alumni in the heart of the action. Opportunities to meet head coaches, gm's, player personnel, scouts, and fellow sports agents are facilitated. Visit 
Advanced Certificates: Want to take your career to the next level? Our Advanced Certificates have been hand-selected by our team of sports industry experts to put you on a path to success. These bundles allow you to take advantage of our biggest discount available, by bundling multiple courses and becoming an expert in that field. Learn more about our 
Military Discount - For those individuals who represent their country in military service, (active, reserve, or retired) we offer a discount. Thank you for serving your country! For more information on the Military Discount please 
Tax Write Off (For USA Citizens) SMWW course tuition, books and supplies can be used for education tax credits. Save your receipts and consult with your tax advisor on how this applies to you.
Raymond Haija
Melissa Forge
Ayden Bible
Cole Waggoner
Dan Gould
Travis Cisneros
John Oluyole
Marwan Awar
Ryan Latham
Doris Walkins
Shane Brady
