Daniel John Fegan, a prominent NBA sports lawyer of Beverly Hills, CA, died in an automobile accident on February 25 in Aspen, Colorado. He was 56 years old.
The son of Marlene Bendel Fegan and the late Daniel J. Fegan, Dan was born on February 11, 1962 and grew up in North Haven, CT. He attended North Haven High School, where he played on the state championship hockey team. He then went on to Avon Old Farms for a post graduate year before graduating from Connecticut College with a B.A. in Political Science. He received his law degree (JD) from Yale Law School. Prior to becoming an NBA agent he practiced law at the Los Angeles firm of O’Melveny & Myers.
An NBA player representative for over 25 years, Forbes described Dan as ‘one of the industry’s most respected basketball agents,’ and that he had ‘developed an outstanding reputation for his pragmatic approach to contract negotiation.’ Dan was one of the first 3 agents in NBA history to negotiate over $1 billion of player contracts and personally negotiated over $2 billion of player contracts in his career. In 2013, he became the top agent in the NBA after negotiating the most successful NBA Free Agency in league history. He was widely recognized for his innovative approach to contract negotiations and changed the trajectory of player compensation to the benefit of all players by pioneering tactics such as the one year opt-out clause and the frequently used sign and trade provision. He treated his clients like family and worked tirelessly to ensure they received the best care and contracts possible.
Dan’s true love and light of his life was his son Bradyn. There was no greater joy in his life than spending time with Bradyn teaching him the generosity that Dan demonstrated in his daily life towards friends, family and colleagues. Dan was a truly special person who touched many lives as evidenced by the outpouring of love from so many people. He was a loving father, a loyal friend, and an industry giant.
Dan was an avid fly fisherman, chess player, a voracious reader and an outdoor enthusiast.
He is survived by his beloved son, Bradyn John Fegan and Bradyn’s mother Leilani Ishikawa. He is also survived by his mother Marlene Bendel Fegan and his brothers, Edward Fegan and his wife, Mary Jane Fegan of Madison, CT, and Timothy Scott Fegan of New Haven.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT on Wednesday morning, March 7th at 11:30. There will be a celebration of Dan’s life with visiting hours at the church from 9:30 am until time of the mass. Donations can be made in Dan’s honor to: PKD Foundation at pkdcure.org/tribute-donation or PKD Foundation 1001 E. 101st Terrace, Suite 220 Kansas City, MO 64131 or call 1-800-753-2873.
My heart goes out to all the family and friends and my prayers Are with all of you there in Conn.
If there’s anything I can do please let me know.
God bless and welcome you Dan.
the world will miss a truly great man.
My deepest sympathy to the whole family. What a tragic loss.
Mrs. Fegan, Ed & Tim, my deepest cindolences for Dan’s passing. May he RIP.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Fegan family. I will always carry the fondest memories of growing up and playing hockey with Dan. God bless Dan and your family.
May the love and memories that held you close continue bring you strength and comfort during this most difficult time. I truly am sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. My sincere condolences to you Marlene, Ed & Tim and family.
So sorry for your loss. RIP Dan.
My deepest condolences to the entire Fegan family. Dan was a very special friend throughout high school and into our early twenties. Dan played an integral part in my decision to become an attorney and I will always treasure our friendship. May God bless and comfort the Fegan family during this difficult time.
So sad to read of Daniel’s passing, our deepest sympathy to you and your family, regards, Lilian and family
My deepest condolences to the entire family. I am a fellow high school classmate of Dan’s and have wonderful memories of him in school. What a wonderful person. Rest in peace, my friend.
All the peace to Dan’s family – I was a 1980 NHHS class -mate and always had a happy exchange with Dan. He always had a smile to share. I will continue to remember him well. Love and peace to all.
Our deepest Sympathy goes to the entire Fegan family. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Dear Marlene and Family,
So very much saddened by Danny’s death, I really don’t know what to say.
Please know I will keep you all in my mind and heart.
Cling to each other as a Family. I know you will.
I’m in Florida now til May but I’m with you in spirit. If there’s Anything I can do to help ease your pain, please advise.
John O’Shea LO 424 IRONWORKER
Englewood FL
& Branford, CT
There are no words that express how sorry we are for your loss Dan was a great man and will forever be in our hearts
Dear Ms. Fegan, Ed, Tim and extended family,
Word of Dan’s passing has made it to my perch in Dubai, and I imagine that, even a few weeks later, it hasn’t really sunk in yet. Although I hadn’t had contact with him since our mid-20s, I remember his exuberance, wit, intelligence, athleticism and confidence that all served him well. Surely many of the kids in the neighborhood looked up to Dan while growing up engaging in youth league or neighborhood sports or riding the same school bus , including me. My parents, both deceased over the past 16 months, would surely have had the heaviest of hearts for their longtime dear friend Marlene at this time. On their behalf (posthumously) and that of my sister Christine, I extend the most sincere condolences to you and express profound sadness for Bradyn who has been robbed of a dad’s love and guidance.
Graduated with Dan North Haven Highschool 1980. Thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends.
My Deepest condolences to The Fegan Family, especially his Mother Marlene and Son Brandyn.
I knew Dan years ago and meet him when I worked in corporate fitness.
I remember him being witty, determined, hard working/ driven.
I called him Dan The Man as I also was a East Coaster and had not met many East Coasters in the Beverly Hills area.
Im truly sorry for your loss and I hope you can find comfort in knowing that he lived his life to the full.
I will keep you/ Mother Marlene and Son Brandyn in my prayers.
Psalm 46:10.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dan. I knew Dan back in the 90’s when I was living in San Diego – his big bright smile and infectious laugh. He was charming, funny and charismatic – a man of great integrity and honesty.
Many prayers and blessings to Dan and his family.