Blacktop Management

With his experience from playing internationally, Jan has a high understanding of the specific needs and concerns that emerging and established basketball players face today, along with the challenges many teams have with bringing in players. During his years as a player, Jan amassed connections on every level. This process he has furthered in his career as an international agent and expanded his global network year by year.

Jan is regularly invited to speak as an industry expert at prominent international basketball career conferences and also teaches a specialized basketball agent course. Beyond his work as an agent, Jan has developed and implemented several nationwide school programs in Finland focusing on anti-racism, discrimination, bullying, psychological well-being, and making successful career choices.

Following his retirement from the game, he went on to garner a reputation for being an agent that cares for the well-being of each and every athlete within the Blacktop family.

Jan is a certified agent by FIBA and the German Basketball Federation. He speaks English, German, and Finnish fluently and holds a business degree in Human Resource Management.

Ville brings over 20 years of professional basketball experience as a player, head coach, and sports director, including coaching national teams in Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. Additionally, he is an expert in the NCAA basketball landscape, specializing NIL strategy and compliance. The extensive knowledge and expertise he has gathered over the decades within the pro basketball world serves as a tremendous resource for all Blacktop clients.

Ville´s reasons to join Blacktop: “I was looking for a way to settle down with the family and stay involved with elite level basketball, so joining Blacktop was the perfect solution. I have respected how well Jan takes care of his players for a very long time and seen from the other side of the table that this is not always the case with all agencies. I’m extremely excited to explore the basketball world from yet another side and believe that we can keep growing Blacktop as an agency while still holding on to our core values.”

Ville is a NBPA certified agent.

Jemal`s thoughts on Blacktop Management: “I am excited to work with the Blacktop family and build on top of what Jan has built over the past decade. I have had the pleasure of working with Jan over my playing career and it is a natural fit to continue this path together. I know we will do great things.”

Bret graduated with a B.S.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, a J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law and a LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law. He received the highest grade in his sports law class taught by prominent sports agents Dan Fegan (Basketball) and Barry Axelrod (Baseball), and has worked with high-round draft picks, Hall of Fame athletes, and Olympic Gold medalists in various capacities as an agent and attorney. Bret is a NBPA certified agent.