WME has quietly signed a deal to co-represent Magic C Dwight Howard for all of his off-court deals, the third athlete to sign with the Hollywood talent firm in the last few months. WME board member and partner Dave Wirtschafter and WME marketing and sports agent Jill Smoller will co-represent Howard, along with his NBA player agent, Lagardere Unlimited Basketball President Dan Fegan, and Kevin Samples, CEO of Dwight Howard Enterprises. Fegan said, “I believe Dwight has the potential to be an iconic athlete, not just nationally, but globally, and we are broadening and strengthening his marketing team by partnering with WME.” WME has been working for Howard for several weeks, but the relationship has not been announced internally at WME, sources said. Fegan has a long standing relationship with Wirtschafter and Smoller and has worked with WME on marketing for other player clients in the past. The agency has signed Jets QB Tim Tebow and former NFLer Jason Taylor in the last several weeks for marketing and other work. WME will represent Howard for all non-NBA playing opportunities, including marketing, endorsements, speaking engagements, books, television and film.
