FTC Requests Compliance Data from Universities on Sports Agent Law

USA: FTC probes compliance of sports agents with SPARTA at universities

Twenty universities with NCAA Division I athletics have been asked by the Federal Trade Commission to submit information regarding the compliance of sports agents with the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act (SPARTA). The request, sent in early January 2026, requires responses by March 23, 2026, and aims to assess whether agents are meeting legal disclosure and notification obligations to protect student athletes.

Background on SPARTA

Enacted in 2004, SPARTA mandates that agents provide a written disclosure containing specific language before a student athlete signs a contract. The law also requires agents to notify the athlete’s college within 72 hours of contract execution, or before the athlete’s next eligible competition, whichever occurs first. Additionally, SPARTA prohibits agents from recruiting athletes through false promises, misleading information, or providing any value to the athlete or their associates prior to contract signing.

Information Requested

The FTC’s inquiry seeks details on three key points: the dates agents notified schools of contract signings, the names of the agents involved, and any complaints or reports the schools have received concerning the agents’ relationships with student athletes.

FTC Inquiry Process

Letters were dispatched to the twenty universities, each of which fields a Division I sports program. The correspondence was authored by staff in the FTC’s East Central Regional Office, with Joshua M. Bransford identified as the lead staffer. Schools are instructed to provide the requested data no later than March 23, 2026.

Potential Implications

According to the FTC, gathering this information will help the agency determine the extent to which sports agents are adhering to SPARTA and identify any gaps in student‑athlete protection. Findings could inform future enforcement actions or policy adjustments aimed at strengthening compliance across collegiate athletics.

Reporting Mechanism

Student athletes, their parents, or university officials who have concerns about agent conduct or SPARTA compliance may submit reports directly to the FTC through its online portal.

Official Statement

“Agents that work with student athletes have responsibilities and legal requirements including notifying colleges and universities when their student athletes have signed agent contracts,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

This report is based on information from Federal Trade Commission, licensed under Public Domain (U.S. Government Work). Source: Official U.S. Government release.