MAKE THE SMART MOVE: The Playbook for Better Sports Decisions

Most athletic careers don't fail because of a lack of talent. They fail because of poor decisions made with the wrong information. The sports world today is noisy. Between social media hype, the pressure of elite travel teams, and the complexity of NIL and agents, it's easy for athletes and their families to get pulled off track. Most career setbacks don't happen because of a lack of talent — they happen because of poor decisions made with the wrong information.In Make the Smart Move, attorney and sports agent Mario Iveljic strips away the status-driven distractions to reveal what actually matters for long-term development. Drawing on his experience as a former Division I athlete at Yale University and a professional representative in the boardroom, Iveljic delivers a repeatable system for navigating the most critical choices in an athlete's journey.This playbook gives parents and athletes:The Twin Pillars — why meaningful minutes and role stability are the true engines of growth.The Agent Filter — how to know when you actually need representation, and how to spot the red flags before you sign.NIL Reality — a plain-English guide to getting paid without forfeiting your NCAA eligibility.The Smart Move System — practical checklists to evaluate team changes, college offers, and professional contracts.Plus exclusive technical appendices you won't find in any comparable book:MLS Roster Basics — Designated Players and the U22 InitiativeFIFA Rules — Training Compensation and Solidarity PaymentsMLB Draft Mechanics — Bonus Pools and Service TimeWhether you're a parent navigating a club transfer, an athlete weighing a college commitment, or a family sitting across from an agent for the first time — this book gives you the framework to cut through the noise and make the call you won't regret.Talent gets you seen. Decisions get you signed. Read more