• Loading stock data...
Thursday, June 26, 2025

CAA Adds to Sports Portfolio, Buying ICM

caa_headquarters_building
CAA/Design: Alex Brooks

The number of major Hollywood talent agencies is on track to fall from four to three as Creative Artists Agency reached an agreement to acquire ICM Partners on Monday.

If the deal is approved, it would be the largest agency deal since William Morris and Endeavor, though industry sources anticipate antitrust scrutiny from federal regulators. The companies say a merger would drive more representation as their clients, work, and brands “shape culture.”

CAA says it was the first major talent agency to build a sports business, and the ICM merger would further pad its portfolio.

  • In 2019, ICM’s founder, Jonathan Barnett, was named the most powerful sports agent worldwide by Forbes. The same year, it sold a one-third equity stake to Crestview Partners for $150 million.
  • In 2020, ICM acquired sports agency Stellar Group, which works with over 800 athletes. At the time, Stellar managed almost $3 billion in contracts.
  • Stellar Sports made its first acquisition in July, purchasing Select Sports Group, an agency representing NFL coaches, players, and executives.
  • ICM’s TV literary department includes “Ted Lasso” co-creator Bill Lawrence as a client.

The combined company could have exposure to public markets soon, too. TPG Capital, the majority owner of CAA, is reportedly exploring a $10 billion public offering, which would make CAA the second Hollywood agency with public access — Endeavor went public in April.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal is expected to close later this year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.

Featured Today

Jan 24, 2017; Davidson, NC, USA; The Davidson Wildcats student section cheers during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes at McKillop Court at John M. Belk Arena. Davidson defeated Duquesne 74-60.

Every College Wants a Flashy Basketball GM Hire Right Now

The role is more important than ever, and the definition is ever-evolving.
August 31, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The Goodyear blimp flies over Ohio Stadium during the first half of Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game between the Akron Zips and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
June 6, 2025

Why the Goodyear Blimp Is at Every Major Sports Event

The airship wasn’t built to cover sports. Now it’s a regular presence.
May 27, 2015; Paris, France; Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO) knocks the clay off her shoe during her match against Simona Halep (ROU) on day four of the French Open at Roland Garros
June 4, 2025

Roland-Garros’s Iconic Red-Clay Surface Is a Precise Alchemy

The exact science behind maintaining the French Open’s red clay.
Alex Jensen introductory press conference on Monday, March 17, 2025.
June 3, 2025

Alex Jensen Started Utah Utes HC Job While Still Coaching the Mavs

How Jensen began building an NCAA program while patrolling the Dallas sideline.
Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) celebrates a 3-pointer Tuesday, June 3, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

DeWanna Bonner May Clear Waivers After Being Cut by Fever

The Fever signed her to a one-year unprotected contract just four months ago.
June 24, 2025

Tight End U Has Sponsors, Golf, and Taylor Swift. Travel Could Be..

The annual summit is hosted by Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Greg Olsen.
June 24, 2025

NBA’s French Revolution Set to Continue With 2025 Draft

Four French players are expected to be drafted Wednesday.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) dribbles in front of New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
June 24, 2025

Celtics Trade Jrue Holiday Back to Portland As Salary Slashing Begins

Holiday helped the Celtics win the 2024 NBA Finals against the Mavericks.
June 23, 2025

Ryder Cup Gets Wilder As Bradley Could Play Dual Role

The biggest Ryder Cup ever might have another first.
Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
June 23, 2025

Multiple NBA Title Contenders Will Reckon With Achilles Injuries Next Season

The NBA has seen its highest number of Achilles tears since 2014–15.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (13) during the first half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
June 20, 2025

Pacers’ Tony Bradley Has Made Just $330K This Year Despite Finals Run

Bradley was signed by the Pacers on March 2 to a 10-day contract.