Sports agency TLA Worldwide has hired former head of Lagardère tennis John Tobias, who is bringing with him several of his former clients, including Sloane Stephens and the doubles team the Bryan brothers.
Tobias is not charged with starting a tennis division for TLA, which specializes in baseball and golf, but instead will work as a senior vice president in the agency’s talent marketing group.
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TOBIAS
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“His skill set is not limited to tennis,” said Mike Principe, CEO of TLA.
Tobias worked with Principe at Blue Entertainment Sports Television until 2010, when it was sold to Lagardère. Principe soon after helped start TLA, while Tobias remained with Lagardère until 2015, building the practice into one of the top ones in sports. He was dismissed that year, leading to a mass exodus of the tennis talent.
His noncompete deal ended late last year, and he fielded several offers before choosing TLA.
In addition to Stephens, Tobias brings along ATP player Sam Querrey. Querrey and the Bryans were represented by PRP, an agency run by former Andre Agassi agent Perry Rogers. PRP also represents Eugenie Bouchard, and she is expected to join TLA as well.
Former ATP pro Mardy Fish is also making the move from PRP to TLA. Fish plays on the seniors tour and has broadcasting aspirations.
Tobias said he also wants to begin representing NFL players, either for marketing or also contracts. He has his NFLPA agent certification, which he secured while at Lagardère, he said.
