Tampa sports agency acquired by entertainment powerhouse Wasserman

One of the country’s largest sports and entertainment institutions has set up a baseball-focused institution based in Tampa.

With clients such as Byron Buxton, Matt Olson, Chris Sale, Chipper Jones, Corey Kluber of Rays and Mike Zunino, Jet Sports Management is a Los Angeles-based sports and entertainment powerhouse Wasserman. Was acquired by.

Wasserman and Jet’s founder, BB Abbott, refused to disclose the terms and conditions.

Abbott said there have been many offers, including some from Wasserman, since the company was founded 23 years ago. He said he felt it was the right time.

“They have been chasing me for years,” Abbott said. “I’ve been building this stuff for about 20 years and it’s hard to move my arms, but they’re a very good group and I’ve been getting to know them for years. It’s a really good match. . “

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A graduate of Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport and a former lawyer for Tampa’s Foley Andler Donor, Abbott will become Wasserman’s Vice President and Managing Executive of Baseball. Six agents and two staff will also move to Wasserman.

“BB has been running one of the most successful and respected baseball national team businesses for over 20 years in a highly competitive field,” said Wasserman, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Talent. One Jason Ranne said in a statement. “Their approach to expression is consistent with Wasserman’s client-first approach, and our combination of deep industry relationships benefits both agents and clients in every way.”

Wasserman’s baseball client list includes Giancarlo Stanton, Nolan Arenado, Aaron Boone, Rays’ Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot. Other Wasserman athletes include Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson, NHL stars Orston Matthews and Connor McDavid, golfer Tom Watson and British Open Champion Cameron Smith.

However, the company is best known in the global music sector, with clients including Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay and Road.

Being under the same umbrella as some of the world’s most famous celebrities will only help Jet’s clients during and after their careers, Abbott said. For example, Buxton gained national attention this week after home ringing in the Major League Baseball All-Star game on Tuesday. “The news that comes on top of that could be potentially big for him,” Abbott said.

“These young guys are interested outside the game, and that’s what Wasserman opens many doors for us,” he said. “The resources it provides to our clients and potentially new clients are tremendous.”

Other Jet clients include Charlie Morton, Zack Wheeler, Gavin Lux, Logan Gilbert and Brian McCann.

Abbott said he and his staff, divided into the Tampa Bay area and other cities in the southeast, have no plans to relocate as part of the deal.

“I want to never leave Tampa Bay,” he said.