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Game Changers

Jessica Holtz, Creative Artists Agency

CAA

Leading the basketball marketing division for CAA Sports seems like a natural fit for Jessica Holtz, who grew up attending New York Knicks games with her dad. Today, she leads the team representing such stars as Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.

Her early interest in basketball led to an internship and a job marketing players at the NBA and later at Excel Sports Management. She joined CAA in 2014.

Jessica Holtz

Co-Head of Basketball Marketing and Servicing, Creative Artists Agency
Born: New York City
Education: B.A., journalism (sports journalism with minors in Spanish and international studies), Penn State University; MBA, Baruch College

“For Jessica, working in service of such high-profile clients isn’t a desk job; it’s an all-encompassing lifestyle, and she embraces it,” said Michael Levine, co-head, CAA Sports. “Her hard work, dedication and impact on our players, as well as CAA Sports, is a reflection of how deeply she cares.”

Holtz oversees Paul’s large endorsement portfolio of blue-chip companies such as Nike and State Farm and was integral in the launch of his independent production company, Oh Dipp Productions.

In addition to orchestrating landmark deals for Embiid and Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, Holtz led marketing efforts for George after an injury many thought would end his career. 

Holtz said her ability to help her star clients deal with the pressure of their careers and to achieve their life goals is what she enjoys most about her job. “What I like to do day to day is making their lives easier off the court, securing partnerships and growing their brand in a way that really matters and is authentic to them and that really moves the needle,” she said.

— Liz Mullen

Getting to know...

Attribute I look for when hiring: Work ethic. 
Networking works best when: I listen more than talk.
I wish I’d known at my career’s start: It’s not what I wish I knew, but rather what I tell those who want to have a career in sports. If you work hard, you will succeed and get where you want to be. The road may not always be straight, and your interests may change, but if you continuously strive to outwork even yourself, you will be successful. Don’t feel entitled, we are all lucky to be working around games for a living.
Role of sports in social issues: Our athletes have such powerful voices and people look up to them. Sports is an equalizer and speaking through that lens about issues that affect our general society is so important. I feel lucky to be connected to so many powerful athletes who are able to effect change and choose to do so.

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