Providence Equity Pledges Support for Wasserman Agency Amid Sale Transition

Founder Casey Wasserman to exit after revelations in Epstein files, as agency leadership negotiates with Providence Equity.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Providence Equity, the majority owner of the Wasserman agency, has pledged its support for the company and its leadership team as the firm navigates the transition following founder Casey Wasserman's decision to exit amid controversy over his past relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell. The agency, which includes sports, music, and entertainment management divisions, is considering M&A options to expand its capabilities under Providence's ownership.

Why it matters

The Wasserman agency is a major player in the entertainment and sports representation industry, and Casey Wasserman's departure comes at a critical juncture as the firm looks to chart its future course. The controversy surrounding Wasserman's ties to the Epstein scandal has put pressure on the company's leadership and client relationships, making Providence's commitment to supporting the agency's stability and growth an important development.

The details

Providence Equity became the majority owner of the Wasserman agency in late 2022. Following the revelations about Casey Wasserman's past relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, a key figure in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, Wasserman has decided to step down from his leadership role. The agency's president, Mike Watts, has been named interim leader during the transition. Providence has pledged to remain "fully committed" to investing in the agency's growth and supporting its "exceptional employees, brands and properties." The agency's sports, music, and entertainment management divisions, including the high-profile Brillstein Entertainment Partners, are said to be negotiating directly with Providence to potentially be spun off as a unified entity.

  • In late 2022, Providence Equity became the majority owner of the Wasserman agency.
  • On Friday, February 14, 2026, Casey Wasserman announced his decision to exit the agency he founded.
  • On Saturday, February 15, 2026, Providence Equity pledged its support for the agency and its leadership team during the transition.

The players

Providence Equity

A Rhode Island-based private equity firm that became the majority owner of the Wasserman agency in late 2022.

Casey Wasserman

The founder of the Wasserman agency, who has decided to exit the company amid controversy over his past relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell.

Mike Watts

The president of the Wasserman agency, who has been named the interim leader during the transition.

Jeffrey Katzenberg

The former DreamWorks chief and a member of the LA28 board, who is said to be a strong advocate for Casey Wasserman remaining in his role with the Olympics organizing body.

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What’s next

Providence Equity is expected to consider M&A options to enhance and expand the Wasserman agency's operations as it navigates the transition following Casey Wasserman's departure.

The takeaway

The Wasserman agency's future is uncertain as it grapples with the fallout from the revelations about its founder's past, but Providence Equity's commitment to supporting the company's leadership and growth suggests it sees long-term value in the firm's sports, music, and entertainment management capabilities.