NFL agent Joel Segal, whose clients include Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick and Miami running back Reggie Bush, has signed a long-term deal to stay at Lagardère Unlimited.
Kevin O’Connor, chief operating officer of Lagardère, confirmed the deal but would not disclose financial details. One source said the term of the agreement is more than five years.
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“Joel is one of the cornerstones of our business and is clearly one of the best in the industry,” O’Connor said. “We couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to continue with Joel.”
Segal represents about 65 NFL players, including Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs and Tennessee running back Chris Johnson. “Lagardère Unlimited is reinforcing its commitment of growth, and I am very excited and proud to be a part of it,” Segal said.
Segal’s deal with Lagardère had expired at the end of 2011. He said he never considered going to another agency.
Lagardère Unlimited is a subsidiary of the French conglomerate the Lagardère Group. It became a major player in the U.S. athlete representation business when it acquired the former Blue Entertainment Sports Television in 2010. Earlier this month, it made a move into the golf representation business, announcing that it had acquired Gaylord Sports Management Group, whose clients include Phil Mickelson, Nick Watney and Keegan Bradley.
Segal, who was certified in 1993, had been running his own practice, Worldwide Football, when it was acquired in 2007 by private equity firm Blue Equity. Blue Equity folded Segal’s business together with several other sports practices to create BEST in 2008.
