Roc Nation Sports has hired a former salary “capologist” for the New York Jets, as well as an NBA agent who worked for Kobe Bryant’s agent.
Ari Nissim, who was the Jets’ director of football operations, has been hired as director of strategy and analytics. Joe Branch, named managing director of basketball, comes from Landmark Sports Group, owned by Bryant agent Rob Pelinka.
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The moves are the beginning of a growth strategy for Roc Nation Sports, which rap mogul Jay Z launched in April 2013. Roc Nation Sports has been interviewing sports agents and looking at sports agencies to acquire.
Nissim was certified by the NFL Players Association this year to represent players in contract talks with clubs, but that will not be his primary job at Roc Nation Sports. Roc Nation, like other sports agencies, wants someone with expertise in salary caps and negotiations to help agents prepare for contract negotiations.
“Ari’s role will be to support our agents and put together a blueprint for our future negotiations,” said Michael Yormark, Roc Nation president and chief of branding strategy.
Nissim initially will help with NFL clients but also will be a resource for agents in other sports. He likely will hire a staff to assist him.
Branch will help Roc Nation build out its basketball representation practice. Before working for Landmark Sports, Branch worked at Nike and the NBA.
Yormark said Branch had not brought any clients with him. Branch had co-represented with Pelinka Miami Heat rookie point guard Shabazz Napier, who was picked No. 24 overall in this year’s draft.
Roc Nation spokesman Ron Berkowitz said the company is not looking to hire people based on client lists. “Our goal is to find the right people who fit with us,” he said.
