There are around 100 NBPA agents who have clients under contract for the 2019-2020 season, according to HoopsHype. Only one of those agents is a female, Danielle Cantor. Cantor recently helped her client Malcolm Brogdon sign a new deal with the Indiana Pacers.
The former Milwaukee Bucks guard and 2017 Rookie of the Year played a pivotal role in leading the Bucks to an NBA-best record of 60-22 this past season. Brodgon was a restricted free-agent, but the Bucks opted not to re-sign him.
Brogdon’s new contract with the Pacers is worth $85 million over four years.
Cantor works for the agency F.A.M.E and is David Falk’s lone partner. Falk is best-known for representing Michael Jordan. Cantor and Falk co-represent Otto Porter Jr. Cantor also represents Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Trent Jr.
Although the agent industry is predominately male, there have been a few female agents making a name for themselves in recent years. NFL agent Nicole Lynn represents 2019 No. 3 overall pick Quinnen Williams and NFL agent Kim Miale represents 2018 No. 2 overall pick Saquon Barkley.
While less players get drafted to play in the NBA vs. NFL, 60 vs. 254, hopefully more female agents get a shot at representing NBA players. Lynn recently said she plans on becoming a certified NBPA agent in hopes of expanding her client roster across more sports.
Zion Williamson, who was drafted No. 1 in the 2019 NBA Draft, is co-repped by Austin Brown and Lisa Joseph-Metelus of CAA Sports. Joseph-Metelus is an executive, not a certified NBPA agent, but nevertheless is making huge strides for women in the agency industry.
Michele Roberts has also been executive director of the NBPA since 2014 and has been a huge voice for helping players advocate for mental health, racial injustices, and political activism.