Wasserman Agency to Be Renamed After Founder's Exit

Casey Wasserman sells his stake in the sports and talent agency following fallout from 2003 emails

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Wasserman Agency, a prominent sports and talent representation firm, will be renamed after its founder Casey Wasserman divests his roughly 40% stake in the company. Discussions are underway at majority owner Providence Equity Partners to rebrand the agency following Wasserman's announced departure from day-to-day operations amid fallout from controversial emails from 2003.

Why it matters

The Wasserman Agency is one of the leading sports and entertainment representation firms, managing high-profile clients across the worlds of sports, music, and Hollywood. Wasserman's exit and the agency's rebranding represent a significant shift in the industry, as the company looks to move past the founder's personal controversies and chart a new course under new leadership.

The details

Providence Equity Partners, which holds over 60% of the Wasserman Agency, is leading discussions to rename the firm after founder Casey Wasserman sells his roughly 40% stake. Wasserman announced plans to step down and sell his ownership following backlash over emails from 2003 that suggested a sexual relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, years before her sex trafficking conviction. The revelations prompted walkouts from high-profile clients like pop star Chappell Roan and soccer player Abby Wambach. Providence said it remains committed to the agency and supports the leadership transition, with company president Mike Watts taking over day-to-day control.

  • In late 2022, Providence Equity Partners became the majority investor in the Wasserman Agency.
  • On February 16, 2026, Casey Wasserman announced plans to step down and sell his stake in the company.
  • On February 17, 2026, Mike Watts was named interim leader of the agency as Wasserman departs.

The players

Casey Wasserman

The founder and former owner of the Wasserman Agency, a prominent sports and talent representation firm.

Providence Equity Partners

A Rhode Island-based private equity firm that became the majority investor in the Wasserman Agency in late 2022.

Mike Watts

The president of the Wasserman Agency, who was named interim leader of the company following Wasserman's departure.

Chappell Roan

A pop star who was a client of the Wasserman Agency and walked out following the revelations about Wasserman's emails.

Abby Wambach

A soccer player who was a client of the Wasserman Agency and walked out following the revelations about Wasserman's emails.

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What they’re saying

“I believe that I have become a distraction. That is why I have begun the process of selling the company, an effort that is already underway. During this time, Mike Watts will assume day-to-day control of the business while I devote my full attention to delivering Los Angeles an Olympic Games in 2028 that is worthy of this outstanding city.”

— Casey Wasserman, Founder, Wasserman Agency (Internal memo)

What’s next

Providence Equity Partners is expected to oversee the rebranding of the Wasserman Agency in the coming months as Casey Wasserman completes the sale of his stake in the company.

The takeaway

The Wasserman Agency's rebranding and leadership transition represent a significant shift in the sports and entertainment representation industry, as the firm looks to move past its founder's personal controversies and chart a new course under new ownership and management.