W. Jerome Stanley has spent more than two decades helping direct the careers of professional athletes by negotiating contracts and representing their interests as a professional sports agent with a sincere concern for their professional and personal success. Founding his sports management firm, Stanley & Associates, in 1989, Jerome Stanley continues to serve as President of the company now known as SAFE Sports Management. A Los Angeles native and graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law, he headquarters his firm in his hometown and additionally supports the area’s growth and economic development.
Achieving numerous milestones during his 22-year career, W. Jerome Stanley gained experience working with a national sports representation firm while still in college. After earning an undergraduate degree at USC and matriculating to law school, he served a student clerkship with U.S. District Judge Terry J. Hatter. He held positions with the Los Angeles Lakers and served as Assistant General Manager of the L.A. Strings, a member of the World Team Tennis League. In 1989, armed with several years’ experience dealing with high-profile sports figures, he opened his own company and became the first African-American sports agent to represent an NFL draft number 1 pick. Jerome Stanley has negotiated more than $500 million in contracts for National Football League, National Basketball Association, and Women’s National Basketball Association players. His client list includes standouts such as Keyshawn Johnson, Reggie Lewis, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, to name a few.
Additionally, W. Jerome Stanley served at the pleasure of Mayor James Hahn as Vice President of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners, overseeing the three city-owned airports and a budget in excess of $1 billion. Mr. Stanley also accepted a position as Commissioner on the L.A. Board of Recreation and Parks, which manages more than 390 recreational use sites and 8,000 employees.
