Full-Service Sports Agencies
16W Marketing – This full-service agency is based in New Jersey. Its athlete representation division specializes in retired legends, managing speaking engagements, endorsements, and appearances. Clients include Cal Ripken Jr., Cris Collinsworth, and Clyde Drexler.
2X Inc – Idaho based agency specializing in female athletes. Currently represents a host of WNBA players, plus athletes in skiing, surfing, and track and field, among others.
Ascend Sport Management Inc. – Based in Vancouver, B.C., this agency provides representation to athletes – primarily race car drivers, equestrian athletes, and golfers – and entertainers.
Assante Corporation – Management group based in Toronto, Canada. Its sports and entertainment division provides business management services, representation, and tax and estate planning services.
Athletes First – Led by industry giant, David Dunn, this agency boasts a list of exceptional clients in several sports, with an emphasis on football. A few more well known names are or have been Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck, Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis, and New York Giants WR Amani Toomer.
Cindrich & Co. – Led by principal Ralph Cindrich, who was recently named to Sporting News‘ “100 Most Powerful.” Based in Pittsburgh, the agency represents athletes such as Chicago Bears QB Brian Griese.
Express Sports Agency – Represents athletes in bull riding and rodeo. Based in Oklahoma.
Entersport Management Inc. – Basketball agency headquartered in Connecticut that specializes in representing international players. It counts Vlade Divac and Tony Parker as two of its numerous clients.
Excel Sports Management – Based in Los Angeles, this basketball focused agency provides the full gamut of services for the likes of Jason Kidd, Emeka Okafor, Paul Pierce, and Jerry Stackhouse.
Flynn Sports Management – This Tennessee based agency specializes in track and field and road racing athletes. Some clients include 2004 Olympic high jumper Amy Acuff, U.S. Olympic Trials marathon record holder, Ryan Hall, and middle distance standout Alan Webb.
Gaylord Sports Management – Most of this agency’s athletes are professional golfers and baseball players. Included in its client list are Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo, White Sox power hitter Paul Konerko, and PGA legend Phil Mickelson. Based in Arizona.
IMG – Globally recognized as an industry leader, this full-service marketing agency got its start back in 1960 when founder Mark McCormack signed golf legend Arnold Palmer with a handshake deal. Palmer later became the first golfer to earn $1 million dollars in endorsements. Today, the company represents a host of athletes, primarily in golf and tennis, including Venus Williams, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Tiger Woods, and Annika Sorenstam.
Leigh Steinberg Enterprises – While the agency does not maintain a website, its presence in the athlete representation world cannot be ignored. Over his 30+ year career, Steinberg has represented over 150 athletes in six sports, although primarily in the NFL. He holds a record for representing the No. 1 overall draft pick in the NFL eight times. Follow the link for more on Steinberg and his agency.
Octagon – One of the largest sports and entertainment marketing firms in the world, Octagon operates several offices in the U.S. and abroad. Its athlete clients run the gamut from the Olympics to track and field, including 14-time Olympic Gold medalist Michael Phelps, NFL Hall of Famer John Elway, and women’s soccer legend Mia Hamm.
Performance PR Plus – Motorsports marketing agency that represents drivers and sponsors alike. The company manages public relations and driver appearances for the likes of Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne. Based in North Carolina.
Premier Management Group – Boutique firm in North Carolina specializing in Olympic and NASCAR athletes, including seven-time Olympic medalist in swimming, Amanda Beard.
Access Group Miami – Miami based marketing firm that brokers deals between athletes and corporations for endorsement deals and promotions. Past and present athlete clients include Emmitt Smith and Barry Bonds.
Progressive Sports Management – A pioneer in representing female athletes with over 16 years of experience. Client list includes softball legends Dot Richardson and Lisa Fernandez, as well as Olympic Gold medal beach volleyball player Misty May-Treanor.
Sports International Group – This full-service basketball and football agency has two office locations and an extensive client list.
Q Sports Marketing – Agency that works to build marketing opportunities for Olympians and hopefuls. Client list includes speedskaters Derek Parra and Joey Cheek. Based in Illinois.
BEST – Another leading talent and marketing agency, with clients in each of the major team sports, but focused primarily on basketball, football, and MMA. The firm’s client list is extensive and notorious, including the NFL’s Reggie Bush and the NBA’s Rasheed Wallace. Seven U.S.-based offices, with five international locations.
Wasserman Media Group Management – Full-service marketing agency with clients in baseball, basketball, soccer, and several action sports. Recently grew in prominence with the addition of basketball superagent, Arn Tellem. Major clients include Tracy McGrady, Chase Utley, and Jason Giambi. Based in Los Angeles.