Mega sports agencies form partnership
Well, if Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro quarterback Patrick Mahomes ever wants to become a two-sport athlete and play baseball, too, he won’t have to worry about finding a baseball agent.
Steinberg Sports & Entertainment announced Thursday that it is forming a partnership with Reynolds Sports Management to create Equity Baseball.
It will be the baseball division of Steinberg Sports, led by chairman Larry Reynolds, who was the founder and president of Reynolds Sports Management. Terry Jones will be president of the agency’s baseball operations.
“My goal was to take a very special model, a true hybrid of resources, and bring in a unique mix to that,” said Steinberg Sports & Entertainment CEO Chris Cabott, who negotiated Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million contract extension. “There was only one baseball group we thought of to support that vision, and that was with Larry Reynolds.”
The Steinberg agency, which was founded by high-powered NFL agent Leigh Steinberg, has long represented NFL players and NBA players, but it now adds baseball players into its company.
There will now be about 125 MLB, NFL and NBA players under one umbrella at Equity Baseball.
“We all rely on referrals from someone you love and trust, and this was a simple decision for us,” said Reynolds, who started his company in 1997. “Its like we were cut out for each other, sharing ideas and having a kindred vision. It just felt comfortable. …
“Chris and his colleagues have not only been very successful, but they have done so with a high degree of integrity.”
The relationship began with the simple introduction from former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, who was represented by Reynolds throughout his 21-year career.
Hawkins also happens to be Mahomes’ godfather, becoming close friends with his father, Pat Mahomes, when they played together with the Minnesota Twins.
“We’re really thankful it all came together,” Cabott said. “We think it’s a unique hybrid. … This partnership reflects years of admiration and respect for the core values and family-oriented approach of Larry Reynolds, his staff, and their clients.”
Reynolds has represented the likes of All-Stars Torii Hunter, Justin Upton, Tim Anderson, Howie Kendrick, Kenny Hill and Matt Kemp.
Steinberg Sports & Entertainment has represented 12 Hall of Famers and 64 first-round selections, including Steve Young, Howie Long, Troy Aikman, Edgerrin James, Kenny Easley, Drew Bledsoe, Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas and Tony Gonzalez.
Mahomes, a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback who led Kansas City to two Super Bowls and one championship, could also be headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day.
Mahomes also is part-owner of the Kansas City Royals, and considering his baseball skills in high school, where he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers, he could have perhaps been a major league pitcher, too. He was a threesport star in high school, and once threw a no-hitter, striking out 16 batters.
“We’re all excited about this,” Reynolds said. “Two groups with the same integrity and same vision.”