Founder and CEO of Klutch Sports Group, Richard (Rich) Paul is more than just an agent. His people-first focus, though simple in concept, is powerful in its execution. Driven by the values that Klutch stands for, knowledge, longevity, understanding, trust, communication, and honesty, Paul and the company have disrupted the industry changing the way NBA talent conducts business both on and off the court. With 23 clients including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and John Wall, to name a few, Klutch Sports has become one of the most influential and innovative voices in all of sports.

Paul was the first basketball agent to appear on a Sports Illustrated cover. The periodical described him as “the most discussed, admired, loathed, ridiculed, daring and feared” Agent in the sport. Dubbed a “super-agent” by many, Paul has negotiated more than $4 billion in contracts. However, his focus was not on the money, it was on the well-being of his clients, who he sees as individuals first, and athletes second. Beyond the cash, Paul cares, which is the real currency of Klutch Sports Group.

Coupling business savvy with radical candor, Paul’s commitment to accountability that has made the entire industry take notice. His commentary on the NCAA’s misguided criteria - that only Agents with bachelor’s degrees could represent student-athletes resulted in an immediate reversal. The rule did not impact Paul or Klutch Sports; however, it would have impacted anyone who’s path mirrors his own journey. (He did not complete college.)

Mislabeled the Rich Paul Rule by the media, Rich, although somewhat flattered, called out the NCAA for seeking to enforce this exclusionary rule. He wrote, “…It’s only a matter of time until this idea is socialized, no longer questioned, and then more broadly applied. We all know how this works. “Unfair policy” is introduced incrementally, so people accept it because it only affects a small group. Then the unfair policy quietly evolves into institutional policy. I’m not sure what the technical term is for that because I didn’t finish college, but I know it when I see it.”

Paul is passionate about those coming behind him. He looks forward to the next generation of agents who will achieve even more success than he has. Paul cautions, “You have to earn your stripes. Everyone wants to be Rich Paul in Year 16.” Some don’t understand what it took to be Rich Paul in Year One when success was not guaranteed. Paul speaks to ensure people understand the road to success was not easy and offers the playbook for what it takes to get and stay there.Rich Paul is a product of inner-city Cleveland who proudly started his entrepreneurial journey selling throwback jersey’s out of the back of his car. Paul’s business know-how began under his father’s tutelage when he worked in his store at only 7 years of age. Those early lessons have had a long-lasting impact.

Paul built his career and Klutch from a deep belief that players and their families deserve to be represented by someone who truly understands their experience and needs. Prior to founding Klutch Sports, Paul was with CAA Sports from 2008-2012 and has been a partner in LRMR since 2003. Paul attended Benedictine High School, where he was a standout basketball player and on two state championship teams. He is the father of Reonna, Richie, & Zane and maintains residences in Los Angeles and Cleveland.