LOS ANGELES, 14 February 2026 – Wasserman, the global powerhouse in sports, music, and entertainment representation, is currently navigating a period of intense volatility. While the agency continues its aggressive international expansion through new acquisitions, it is simultaneously facing a high-profile exodus of talent following the recent unearthing of historical communications involving founder and CEO Casey Wasserman.
Recent Developments and Client Departures
As of mid-February 2026, the agency is under significant public scrutiny. The controversy stems from the release of 2003 emails between Casey Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell. While the LA28 Olympic Board has recently affirmed its support for Wasserman following an independent review, the reaction from the agency’s talent roster has been swift.
In the last week, several high-profile figures have severed ties with the firm:
- Abby Wambach: The U.S. soccer legend publicly ended her relationship with the agency on 11 February 2026, calling for Wasserman’s resignation.
- Chappell Roan: The breakout music star announced her departure via social media, stating that artists deserve representation that aligns with their values.
- John Summit & Bbno$: The electronic music producer and rapper are among the latest to join the growing list of artists leaving the music division.
Strategic Acquisitions and Market Expansion
Despite the leadership crisis, Wasserman’s business operations have continued to expand globally. The agency has maintained a “roll-up” strategy, acquiring smaller, specialised firms to bolster its dominance in international football and women’s sports.
Just four days ago, Wasserman announced the acquisition of the football talent division of People in Sport, a Danish agency. This move marks the company’s first major entry into the Scandinavian market. This follows a string of successful acquisitions in late 2025, including Barcelona-based Unik Sports Management, which strengthened the agency’s footprint in Spanish women’s football.
Company Profile and Key Facts
Founded by Casey Wasserman, the grandson of legendary media mogul Lew Wasserman, the agency has grown from a boutique sports firm into a multi-disciplinary global leader. It currently operates across talent representation, brand marketing, and property management.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder & CEO | Casey Wasserman |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California |
| Core Divisions | Sports, Music, Entertainment, Brand Marketing |
| Key Investors | Providence Equity Partners (Significant Stake) |
| Credit Rating | BB- (Assigned by S&P Global, June 2025) |
| Notable Music Roster | Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, Imagine Dragons |
The Future of LA28 Leadership
A major point of contention remains Casey Wasserman’s role as the Chairperson of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While local political figures and some activists have called for his removal, the LA28 board issued a statement two days ago confirming he would remain in his post. The board noted that Wasserman had fully cooperated with an outside counsel review regarding the historical emails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Wasserman?
Casey Wasserman maintains control of the company’s voting shares and serves as CEO. However, Providence Equity Partners holds a significant equity stake in the firm following a strategic investment.
Which athletes have recently left the agency?
Abby Wambach is the most prominent athlete to publicly cut ties as of February 2026. While many athletes remain on the roster, the agency represents thousands of clients across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and global football leagues.
What was the “People in Sport” acquisition?
Announced in February 2026, this deal involved Wasserman acquiring the football representation arm of a Danish firm, allowing the agency to expand its influence into the Nordic regions and Scandinavia.
Is Wasserman Music a separate company?
Wasserman Music is a division of the broader Wasserman agency, formed largely through the acquisition of Paradigm Talent Agency’s North American live music business in 2021. It represents some of the world’s largest touring acts.