Sport for Thought: The Expansion of Roc Nation Sports

It is not everyday when a rap superstar decides to become a sports agent and represent some of the biggest names in sports. When Jay Z announced the launch of Roc Nation Sports in April of 2013 with the acquisition of ex- Scott Boras client Robinson Cano, the entire sports world was shocked. At the time, not many people took the new agency seriously and thought it would turn into another Master P situation and not last. But just last week, company president Michael Yormark announced the agencies interest in expansion through the acquisition of other agencies as well as the hiring of qualified agents.

Sport For Thought: Roc Nations Biggest Success Story Thus Far

Robinson Cano. Kevin Durant. Victor Cruz. Hakeem Nicks. Geno Smith. Skylar Diggins. CC Sabathia. James Young. Everything Jay Z touches turns to platinum, and Roc Nation Sports is no exception.

As Roc Nation Sports just celebrated its one year anniversary following much criticism and hoopla throughout the industry, I thought it would be appropriate to take a look back at their A-list clientele and discuss which star has been their biggest success.

Cano: Bye New York, Hello Seattle

 

This season’s prized free agent and new member of the Seattle Mariners, second baseman Robinson Cano did the unthinkable when he Yankee’d the New York Yankees. It is almost impossible to recall a time in the history of baseball when another team outbid the excessive-paying Yankees. But after many failed signings of exceedingly long contracts with players into their late thirties and forties, it seems as if the Yankees have learned their lesson.

Yankees and Cano at a Crossroads

By: Alexa Fontanella

Robinson Cano, a five-time All-Star, whom many consider the top free agent this offseason was originally looking for a 10-year deal worth approximately $300 million. The Yankees however refuse to land another A-Rod like deal and do not want to go down the same path again. Although Cano’s representatives have lowered their bargaining price, the two sides are still nearly $100 million apart. Many experts and fans believe no player is worth that much money, but the Yankees need Cano more than Cano needs the Yankees. The Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers are also legitimate contenders to land Cano due to their presence in the playoffs the past few years, but this top tier free agent wants to stay in the big apple and remain close to his friend and agent, Jay Z. If Cano really wants to make the big bucks, he needs to sign major endorsement deals, and New York City has the largest market for him to achieve that. Roc Nation Sports has already helped Cano land his first big endorsement with Pepsi this year and as long as he continues to produce on the field, he should have no problem receiving more multi-million dollar deals. In the past, the Yankees would give a player of Cano’s caliber, and whom many consider the best second baseman in the game at the prime of his career, the illustrious contract he is asking for, but not this season.

Roc Nation Sports, the New Kid on the Block

Who will be next to jump ship for rap mogul Jay-Z’s new sports management department? Who knows, but the real question is, why are athletes making this move? Is it because a specific rap icon is the founder of the company, because they are superior in their management abilities, or is it a company that athletes believe will become the next big thing? Whatever the case is other sports agencies are feeling the heat and are trying to keep their clients in their pockets. 

The Empire State of Mind

He once claimed he made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee could; now he is reppin’ them. It was announced on Tuesday that Jay-Z (aka Shawn Carter) has formed his own sports agency, Roc Nation Sports, in conjunction with Creative Artists Agency. It didn’t take long before Mr. Carter found his first client, Yankee standout, Robinson Cano. Cano who had previously been represented by Scott Boras, seized the opportunity to find himself a new representative after some disagreement in their priorities. For Boras it was money, for Cano it was a chance to stay in New York.