Meet Daveed Cohen | NBA Agent at Young Money APAA Sports

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daveed Cohen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daveed, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
When it comes to the concept of success, it’s all relative as everyone has their own definition and ideal meaning of what it truly stands for. Defining success in the eyes of others can be limiting and debilitating to say the least, so in my opinion, the only measure of success that matters is the one you put on yourself. Do what makes you happy and create your own success!

For me specifically, the most important factor behind my professional success is my ability to listen. In an industry where everyone is trying to be the loudest one in the room and braggadocious, I’ve always benefited from listening and understanding a need, want, or concern and then creating a win-win solution. Jay-Z once said, “information without understanding means nothing,” which at its core means the ability to listen and comprehend things is invaluable.

As an NBA Agent, no two days are the same, and you’re constantly moving at a fast pace. One day you could receive feedback from an NBA Executive that you need to relay to your client, the next day being a request from a client’s brand partner or addressing a concern from a client’s family member that requires you to be empathetic. Ultimately, the foundation of success is rooted in one’s ability to listen. Understanding that my efforts can truly make a difference and change the course of a client’s outlook and career is what makes the early mornings and late nights all worth it.

What should our readers know about your business?
Young Money APAA Sports is an industry leader, continually adapting to the ever-changing agency representation game. We were the first to represent multiple athletes in the WNBA and Women’s Softball and the first agency to have a female agent represent a Top 5 NFL draft pick – we represent only the top athletes, artists, and game changers worldwide and have negotiated over $1 Billion in contracts to date. We go beyond the typical agency contact focus – our objective is to create a family legacy and generational wealth for our clients. As a full-service agency, we empower our clients to create a brand, give back philanthropically, and ultimately become role models. Success. Loyalty. Family. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PLAYERS.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Valley of the Sun is a special place, and throughout Phoenix + Scottsdale, there are amazing sports, hiking, restaurants, nightlife, and fun activities to partake in. When I’m not catching a PHX Suns game at the Footprint Center, I can be found at one of my favorite restaurants or local hotspots. Some of my favorites are: Crujiente Tacos, Vecina, Sushiholic, Glai Baan, Steak44, and Maple & Ash.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without my parents’ patience, generosity, empathy, wisdom, and guidance. Additionally, my wife has played a tremendous role in my success, as well as close friends, colleagues, and especially the clients that have trusted me over the years. Specific to the sports management business, a big shoutout goes to Young Money APAA Sports Co-Founder, Adie von Gontard, for the mentorship.

Website: https://www.youngmoneyapaasports.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveed.cohen

Image Credits
Lani Tons, Lanez Photo