Michael Ovitz's Artists Management Group has named former IMG exec Jeff Schwartz to run its newest division, AMG Sports. Schwartz, who currently manages Pete Sampras, Marcelo Rios and Lamar Odom, will head the L.A.-based unit. AMG Sports will focus initially on client management of pro athletes; development and distribution of TV and new media sports programming; merchandising, marketing and sponsorship opportunities for clients and consultation on a variety of sports properties. Schwartz told THE DAILY that the new venture offers "a lot of crossover" opportunities for athletes in entertainment, specifically in TV shows and animated kids shows. Schwartz said that while motion pictures are also a possibility, that is "not the aim" of the venture. He added that AMG Sports will focus on the golf, basketball and "maybe baseball" segments in its athlete representation, but that the agency would "definitely consider other sports." He would not comment on AMG Sports' recruitment of any other athletes. Schwartz added that he faces "no limitations" in marketing Sampras and Rios despite his settlement with IMG (see THE DAILY, 3/25): "We can market them together. We will be marketing [Sampras and Rios]." While he said he is seeking a few other agents to help in the sports unit, he added the division is "not going to get real big" (THE DAILY). NOT AN IMG CLONE: Ovitz tells Liz Mullen in the upcoming issue of the SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL: "We are not trying to be IMG. IMG is a big, fantastic company. We are going to do a very small business." Ovitz added that he will not represent any NFL athletes, because he still plans on becoming an NFL owner (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 9/27 issue). Ovitz established AMG in December and lists Leonardo DiCaprio, Dustin Hoffman, Cameron Diaz and Robin Williams among its clients. The firm also has acquired a stake in the Gotham Animation Group (THE DAILY).
