The Montag Group, the New York-based agency that specializes in broadcaster representation, is launching TMG Speakers, a full-service speakers bureau.
TMG has hired Julie Leventhal, who has 15 years of experience in the speakers space, first at IMG and most recently at WME. She joined TMG Speakers in February and oversees the new division as director.
TMG has long represented clients for speaking and appearance work but recently decided to have a dedicated speakers bureau, TMG CEO Sandy Montag said. “The speakers bureau can maximize income for our clients. We just felt at this point, that is a smart thing to do.”
Although TMG is mostly known as a broadcasters agency, it also represents clients for marketing, public relations and speaking engagements.
“For example, we represent Admiral Mike Mullen, who is the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” Montag said. “We really represent him just for speaking and leadership.”
Julie Foudy is among the speaking clients of the new TMG Speakers division.getty images
Other TMG speaking clients include Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion Julie Foudy, New York Rangers head coach David Quinn, sportscasters Mike Tirico and Jay Bilas, MLB Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig, and baseball hall of famer and MLB Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre.
TMG Speakers will also find speaking engagements for other existing broadcasting clients. Montag said there is also a possibility TMG Speakers could work with clients of other agencies as that line of talent representation is somewhat “agnostic.”
The speaker business is different than the broadcast business in many ways. Broadcasters are hired by networks for long-term deals, whereas speakers are hired by organizations and corporations on a one-time basis. The work can range from a meet-and-greet at a cocktail party to a full-blown speech that can be inspirational, entertaining or both. Generally, speakers can be paid in the range of $25,000 to $100,000 and the agent gets a fee in the range of 15%.
Montag formed TMG in 2015 after working his entire career at IMG, which was sold to WME in 2013. He has worked with Leventhal in the past. TMG talent agent Michael Sones will work alongside Leventhal in developing the new division.
■ SLAVIN’S NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS RISE: Sportstars NFL agent Ron Slavin is representing several draft prospects who saw their stock rise after standout performances at this year’s combine, including Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims and Boise State left tackle Ezra Cleveland.
Mims, who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 207 pounds, ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and Cleveland, who is 6-6 and weighs 311, ran a 4.93 40-yard dash at the combine, and excelled in other drills.
Slavin also represents Boise State linebacker Curtis Weaver, Baylor defensive end James Lynch, Georgia safety J.R. Reed, and TCU guard Cordel Iwuagwu.
Slavin represents some veteran NFL players including Dallas Cowboys linebacker Joe Thomas, who is scheduled to be a free agent, and free agent linebacker Aldon Smith, who is hoping to be reinstated. Slavin signed Washington Redskins wide receiver Darvin Kidsy and Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Dare Ogunbowale.
■ CAA SIGNS RYAN LEAF: Creative Artists Agency has signed former quarterback and current ESPN college football analyst Ryan Leaf for representation.
A team of agents, including David Koonin, Tom Young, Bob Philp and David Larabell, are representing Leaf. He was formerly represented by ICM Partners.
■ CAA SPORTS SIGNS SNOWBOARDER: CAA Sports has signed Australian professional snowboarder Scotty James for representation in all areas.
James, who won a bronze medal in the 2018 Winter Olympics and is a three-time world champion and X Games gold-medal winner, will be represented by agents Roman Di Somma, Nick Thimm and Lowell Taub. He was not previously represented.
Liz Mullen can be reached at lmullen@sportsbusinessjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @SBJLizMullen.
