• Loading stock data...
Saturday, May 31, 2025

Wasserman Makes First Investment in Rugby

  • Wasserman has acquired Esportif, a rugby-focused talent agency.
  • With the acquisition, Wasserman will create its first division dedicated solely to rugby.
Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

Wasserman, one of the largest sports and entertainment agencies in the world, is establishing a presence in a sport with more than 500 million fans. 

Wasserman has acquired Esportif, a rugby-focused talent agency with a global reach across all of the sport’s key territories. 

With the acquisition, Wasserman will create its first division dedicated solely to rugby

  • Esportif has offices in 13 different territories across the world.
  • A team of more than 40 Esportif executives and agents will join Wasserman immediately. 

Wasserman tapping into rugby is the latest evidence of growing interest in the sport among American companies and decision-makers. The World Rugby Council voted last month to give the U.S. bids for the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2033.

The sale of a 5.7% stake in New Zealand Rugby’s commercial rights to California-based private equity firm Silver Lake for $130.6 million is also up against a critical vote to gain approval.

Approval of the sale could value NZR CommercialCo at more than $2 billion.

Growing Business

Wasserman, founded by Casey Wasserman in 1998, has made recent efforts to expand its reach in the sports and entertainment industries. In January, the company agreed to acquire The Montag Group, a talent agency with clients that include Jim Nantz, Mike Tirico, and other high-profile sports broadcasters.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it will require The Montag Group to end its partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

July 9, 2009; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons president Joe Dumars during the press conference to introduce their new head coach John Kuester at their practice facility.

Joe Dumars Leaving NBA League Office to Run Pelicans

Joe Dumars was the architect of the 2004 champion Pistons.
Mar 20, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Karter Knox (11) controls the ball against Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at Amica Mutual Pavilion.

Men’s March Madness Sets Opening-Day Viewership Record

CBS Sports and TNT Sports scored big with Arkansas–Kansas.

Callaway’s LIV Deal Shows How Much Golf Has Shifted

The company has signed a first-of-its-kind club contract.

Featured Today

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.
May 30, 2025

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.
March 4, 2025

Eagles Make Saquon Barkley NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back Ever

Barkley is coming off a historic 2024 season with the Eagles.
February 18, 2025

Tiger Woods Signs First PGA Tour Player to Wear Sun Day Red

Karl Vilips will wear Sun Day Red at his season debut at the Mexico Open.
Teammates embrace during matchup in The Hundred cricket league
February 15, 2025

Google, Microsoft, Adobe CEOs Buy Stakes in Cricket League

The England and Wales Cricket Board raised £520m by selling team stakes.