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Endeavor’s WME Sports subsidiary has agreed a deal to acquire the BDA Sports Management basketball agency.
Confirmed:
- BDA founder Bill Duffy to become head of WME Sports’ basketball division
- WME takes on a roster of more than 40 clients including Luka Doncic, RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes
- Deal also brings BDA agents and staff under WME Sports banner
- BDA International (BDAI) will continue to work with WME to recruit clients outside of the US
Context:
In 2020 WME Sports first acquired a minority stake in the basketball agency founded by Duffy in 1998. Across his career, Duffy has represented 30 NBA draft lottery picks, 44 All-Stars, and 15 Larry O’Brien trophy winners.
Comment:
“I feel as motivated as ever for this next chapter of my career leading WME Sports’ basketball division,” Duffy said. “BDA and WME Sports have worked seamlessly together the last two years and I’m eager to formalise this partnership and continue providing the best services and support to our clients throughout their careers.”
Coming next:
The BDA acquisition will be subject to closing conditions and once complete Duffy will continue to work closely with the co-heads of WME Sports Karen Brodkin and Josh Pyatt, as well as WME Sports head of basketball marketing and off-court strategy, Carlos Fleming. Joe Branch, who joined WME Sports last year as head of basketball strategy and business development, will also be working alongside the veteran agent.
