The international management group that represents some of the biggest names in Australian and world sport and entertainment – including NRL star Reece Walsh, golfer Cameron Smith, and former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones – has been forced to rebrand due to its founder’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Wasserman Agency, which is in the process of being sold in the aftermath of founder Casey Wasserman’s presence in the Epstein files, haschanged its name to “The Team”.
Chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Casey Wasserman.Credit: AP
Wasserman’s founder and CEO is Casey Wasserman. He is also the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games organising committee and the grandson of legendary Hollywood mogul Lew Wasserman. A sexually graphic email exchange from 23 years ago between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, the jailed associate of Epstein, was among the millions of files that have been published by the US Department of Justice.
In one exchange, Wasserman – who was married at the time – wrote to Maxwell: “I think of you all the time … So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?”
In a bid to distance itself from Wasserman and as part of a process to sell the company, the firm announced a rebranding to “The Team” within the last 24 hours.
A statement on their rebranded website read: “As of today, Wasserman is rebranding as THE·TEAM and you can now find us at the.team. For 24 years, this company has been shaped by our work, our people and our unifying belief in the power of Sports, Music and Entertainment. That philosophy remains the foundation of who we are – and where we are going. We go forward as we always have: Together.”
Broncos fullback Reece Walsh is a client of Wasserman’s agency.Credit: Getty Images
Wasserman is one of the world’s biggest talent agencies, representing Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Lorde, Australian act Sia, and the winners of more than 200 Emmy Awards. They are also one of the biggest handlers of sports stars worldwide, with more than 30 No.1 draft picks across the NBA, NFL, and MLB. All up, they have brokered more than $5 billion in marketing deals for their athletes.
That representation extends to blue-chip NRL clients, none bigger than Brisbane fullback and reigning Clive Churchill Medal winner Walsh.
Other notable rugby league stars on their books include Kaeo Weekes, Stefano Utoikamanu, Ezra Mam, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and Xavier Coates. They also have one of the world’s biggest rugby union stables, representing more than 100 clients who have played Test rugby in the past 12 months. Other Australian clients include golfer Jason Day and cricketer Josh Phillipe.
There is no suggestion any of the clients listed are in any way connected to the Epstein files.
Abby Wambach, considered one of the greatest female soccer players of all time, cut ties with Wasserman after his name surfaced in the Epstein files.
“I am following my gut and my values,” Wambach wrote on social media. “Casey should resign. He should leave, so more people like me don’t have to.”
Renowned artists Chappell Roan and Laufey also quit the agency following the Epstein links.
Most Viewed in Sport
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
