Part 5/7:
Understanding the trend toward deferred contracts requires looking back. The concept isn't new, having started to take shape as early as the 1970s. Notably, agents like the late Tony Ataco pioneered deferred agreements, which provided financial security for players and their families long after their playing days were over. Such deals can reshape the financial landscape for teams and players alike—if structured correctly, they offer teams the necessary flexibility to navigate their budgets in a high-stakes, competitive environment.