Wasserman Media Group Acquires SFX Sports Group, Europe

By Liz Mullen, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal

Owen One Of SFX Sports Group’s Soccer Clients

Wasserman Media Group has purchased SFX Sports Group, Europe, one of the largest soccer player representation practices in Europe, in what is the fourth major acquisition of an athlete representation firm this year. WMG Chair & CEO CASEY WASSERMAN said the acquisition of the firm from Live Nation is part of a strategy to expand in the global sports of baseball, basketball and soccer. Wasserman would not reveal the price of the acquisition. London-based SFX Sports Group counts among its clients European soccer players MICHAEL OWEN, STEVEN GERRARD, ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO, ALAN SHEARER, JAMIE CARRAGHER, JERMAINE JENAS, WES BROWN and rugby players JONNY WILKINSON, MARTIN JOHNSON, LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO, and Sir CLIVE WOODWARD. Earlier this year, WMG acquired SportsNet, the largest U.S.-based soccer player representation practice, which counts MLS stars FREDDY ADU and LANDON DONOVAN among its clients. SAM RUSH, who was COO, SFX Sports, Europe, will continue to manage the Europe business, and report to WMG’s US executive team. Earlier this year, L.A.-based WMG acquired the practice of powerful basketball and baseball agent ARN TELLEM, who now serves as President of WMG Management, as well as prominent baseball agents TOM REICH and ADAM KATZ. “Our strategy is ...to be associated with the highest caliber agents in the business, create a world class environment for them to work in, and we think that will attract and keep the best quality clients in the world in those sports and it starts at the top with Arn,” Wasserman said.