• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Law

Excel Files Claim Against Endeavor for Poaching MLB Agents

  • Excel Sports Management has filed a claim against Endeavor for allegedly inducing two of its MLB agents to breach their contracts.
  • The claim will go through MLBPA’s arbitration system.
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Oct. 4, 2021. Excel has dropped its lawsuit against Endeavor, and filed a claim with the Major League Baseball Players Association against Endeavor, Michael Stival, and James Murray IV.

Major League Baseball teams are gearing up for a star-studded free-agent class, but in the meantime, there’s a tussle over talent between two agencies. 

Excel Management filed a lawsuit against Endeavor, claiming that the UFC owner knowingly induced two MLB agents to breach their contracts by agreeing to join a competitor. 

Michael Stival and James Murray IV both resigned from Excel on Aug. 31 and joined Endeavor’s agency WME shortly after to lead its MLB division with former Los Angeles Angels general manager Billy Eppler.

  • Excel’s legal team wrote that “Endeavor was under enormous pressure to build a baseball division at the risk of losing its sole MLB player — a star player who is up for free agency after this season and who will likely command a contract worth over $200 million.”
  • The lawsuit does not name the player but is almost certainly referring to Carlos Correa, WME’s only MLB client, according to MLB Trade Rumors. 
  • WME told FOS that it also represents MLB players Spencer Turnbull, Chasen Shreve, Garrett Whitlock, and Brady House.
  • Excel’s MLB clientele includes pending MLB free agents Freddie Freeman, Trevor Story, and George Springer, who signed a six-year, $150 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays last offseason.

The legal filing states that “Endeavor repeatedly failed in its efforts” to “build or acquire a baseball agency” and instead poached senior agents at another firm, thus benefiting from the “confidential information, business strategies, and goodwill of their former employer.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Stephen Ross
exclusive

Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross Nears Deal to Buy Nearly Half of Miami..

Ross is set to own a minority stake in the tennis tournament.
Apr 3, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; WWE owner Vince McMahon enters the arena during WrestleMania at AT&T Stadium.

Vince McMahon Has Dumped Close to $2 Billion of TKO Stock in..

The embattled WWE founder is fighting sexual assault allegations in court.
Vince McMahon

Former WWE Exec Flips on Vince McMahon in Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Janel Grant and John Laurinaitis announced their settlement Wednesday.
Vince McMahon

Vince McMahon Could Have to Turn Over Hush Money Documents in Court

Suing shareholders want to know his “state of mind” during UFC merger.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 19, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Rose Bowl Stadium.

John Textor Loses Bid to End $97M Suit Tied to Failed Soccer..

Textor told FOS he intends to appeal; Iconic Sports intends to collect.
Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Chicago Cubs flag sign is seen prior to a game between the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
October 15, 2025

Facial Recognition Tech Suit Against Cubs Dismissed

The Cubs said they don’t use the technology protected by Illinois law.
FBI
October 17, 2025

Former Everton Bidder Indicted for $500 Million Fraud Scheme

777 Partners failed to complete its purchase of Everton in 2023.
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
Feb 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Toronto Raptors forward Jonathon Mogbo (2) chase after a loose ball during the second half at Scotiabank Arena.
October 13, 2025

Knicks, Raptors Agree to Drop Suit Over ‘Mole’ Accused of Stealing

The Knicks had sought more than $10 million in damages.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome.
October 10, 2025

Judge Dismisses Drake’s Super Bowl Defamation Suit

The judge said diss tracks aren’t considered facts.
Oct 7, 2018; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) talk with each other after the Bengals defeated the Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Former Dolphins Safety Lands $9.5M Settlement in Advisor Theft Case

Reshad Jones accused his former financial advisor of stealing almost $2.6 million.
Aug 19, 2022; Delaware, OH, USA; More than 1,700 Olentangy Berlin High School students celebrate being named ‘Most Spirited High School in the Country’ by Varsity Brands. The school celebrated with a pep rally in the auditorium.
October 9, 2025

Varsity Brands, PE Owner Face $200M Suit Claiming Systemic Sexual Abuse

Defendants are accused of a coordinated conspiracy.