LOS ANGELES, LONDON
Wasserman’s Industry-Leading Sports Talent Representation Practice Continues Global Growth with ‘Wasserman Cricket’ Launch
Global sports, music, and entertainment company Wasserman will rebrand Phoenix Management Group as ‘Wasserman Cricket,’ announced today by Wasserman President, Talent Representation, Jason Ranne. Phoenix joined Wasserman as part of the acquisition of CSM Sport & Entertainment, completed on October 3, 2023. As part of the rebrand, Phoenix Founder and Managing Director Neil Fairbrother will continue to lead the division as Executive Vice President and Managing Executive, Wasserman Cricket.
“Cricket is an engaging sport of immense popularity around the world, and Neil and his team built a great reputation in the business over many years,” said Ranne. “They are known industry-wide as an innovative cricket practice representing men and women in all phases of their careers. They are also known for their integrity, and we are thrilled to have them as part of Wasserman’s expansion into the sport.”
“Wasserman has long been home to the brightest and best talent in sport, and we’re proud to be leading its entry into cricket, which marks a huge growth opportunity for the entire business,” said Fairbrother. “Our goal has always been to help our clients reach their full potential, both on and off the pitch. With the launch of Wasserman Cricket, we feel even more empowered to deliver on that promise, and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the future.”
Phoenix’s roster includes some of the world’s most prolific cricketers, including England internationals Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey and Sophie Ecclestone, alongside the recently retired and highly-decorated fast bowler, Stuart Broad, and former Ashes winning captain Michael Vaughan.
They will join Wasserman’s existing roster of some of the biggest names in sports, including Chris Eubank Jr., Tony Finau, Brittney Griner, Alun Wyn Jones, Josh Kelly, Nelly Korda, Morgan Lake, Katie Ledecky, Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Geno Smith, Giancarlo Stanton, Diana Taurasi, Klay Thompson, Federico Valverde, Jamie Vardy, and Anthony Watson.
Phoenix Management Group Limited was formed in February 2018 with Fairbrother, Sarah Harris, Michael Lumb and Helen Clorley forming the management team. Neil has worked in cricket management since his retirement from the professional game in 2002. A former Lancashire CC player, he made his debut in 1982, going on to play in 366 first class matches for the county. During his time at Lancashire, Neil played in 10 Lord’s finals – more than any other player – and also holds the record for most runs scored at Old Trafford. He represented England 85 times, played in three World Cups, and top scored for England in the 1992 final.
Prior to establishing Phoenix Management Group, Fairbrother worked at International Sports Management with Harris and Clorley for more than 10 years. Lumb was a client at ISM, but has since taken up a management role upon retirement as a player. Neil and his staff will continue to be based in Manchester, United Kingdom.
The acquisition of CSM, part of an ambitious growth strategy over the last 20+ years, has positioned Wasserman at the epicenter of the sports, music, and entertainment industries. Wasserman has become the leading global, end-to-end marketing, sales, management and representation business, serving talent, brands and properties globally, with the ability to provide tailored services and an unrivaled network of relationships, skills and specialisms.
About Wasserman
Wasserman is a leading global, end-to-end marketing, management, representation and sales business serving talent, brands and properties. Wasserman operates at the epicenter of sports, music, entertainment and culture, empowering clients, igniting passions and inspiring fans worldwide.
Wasserman works with iconic sports and media figures across the world in every major sport, utilizing our extensive influence to maximize negotiations and create meaningful opportunities for our clients across teams, leagues, brands, content and live events.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman’s presence spans 27 countries and more than 65 cities, including New York, London, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Madrid, Mexico City, Toronto, Paris and Sydney. For more information, please visit www.teamwass.com.
