Labor and Agents
Excel Sports hires Danny Paiser as VP and Managing Director of International Properties
Excel Sports Management hired Danny Paiser to lead the agency’s growing international property sales business as its VP and Managing Dir of International Properties.
WNBA deadline expires with no deal, leading to uncertain 2026 season
The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement expired Friday night without an extension or deal, meaning a player strike -- more likely than a lockout -- is a realistic possibility in the coming weeks or months if negotiations over revenue sharing continue to stall.
Jaylen Brown advocates for equity access for NBA players
Celtics F Jaylen Brown said that “players should be allowed to build equity alongside owners,” arguing that the NBA’s labor rules “lag far behind the wealth created by the sport,” according to Ryan & Lovinger of BLOOMBERG NEWS. NBA franchise values are continuing to “soar into the billions.” Bro...
Naomi Osaka confirms move to IMG Tennis after Evolve split
Naomi Osaka confirmed she is switching her representation to IMG Tennis, the tennis division of WME, in a co-branded Instagram post with the agency Thursday. WME Sports Head/Client Representation Max Eisenbud, the longtime IMG super-agent and a 2010 SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree, will lead Osaka’s repr...
DOJ accuses former Wasserman agent of stealing money from clients
The U.S. Department of Justice is charging former Wasserman VP/Motorsports & Olympics Lucas Mirtl on four counts of wire fraud for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from two unnamed clients.
Lift Sports Management hires Corey Vann as CMO
N.Y.-based Lift Sports Management has brought on former CAA basketball partnerships executive Corey Vann as its new chief marketing officer. Vann will report directly to Lift co-founder Donnie McGrath and be based out of the Philadelphia area. He will primarily be working remote with weekly touchpoi...
NWSL approves ‘High Impact Player’ rule allowing teams to exceed salary cap to pay stars
The NWSL has created a new roster mechanism called the High Impact Player (HIP) Rule, allowing teams to exceed the existing salary cap to sign players who meet certain criteria outlined by the league. The move, which is aimed at helping teams retain and attract top players amid rising competition fo...
Women’s soccer agency TMJ teams with French agency Elite Athletes ahead of expansion
Fort Worth-based women’s soccer agency TMJ is expanding in Europe through a joint venture with French agency Elite Athletes, which helps young, international athletes access U.S. collegiate opportunities while also managing professional sports careers and international transfers.
Divine Sports and Entertainment adds two new employees
Faith-based talent representation agency Divine Sports and Entertainment has added two new employees. NFLPA certified agent and former NFLer Jovan Barnes joined the agency as its new president of football and partner. Michelle “Shelly” Schmidt, a 30-year industry veteran, will act as Divine’s new he...
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Quote of the Day
Every single race, every single lap will have more importance. I think it’s fun for the drivers to have a more clear objective for how to get to the championship and easier for our fans to follow.-- NASCAR HOFer Dale Earnhardt Jr., on NASCAR changing its playoff format in an attempt to restore tradition.
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