Gersh Expands Its Global Influence with Acquisition of You First Sports Agency

In an exciting development within the sports and entertainment industry, Gersh has made a significant move by acquiring You First, a prominent global sports and entertainment agency headquartered in Madrid, Spain. This acquisition marks an important milestone in Gersh's ongoing expansion strategy, effectively doubling the size of the agency to over 600 employees, while establishing a robust global presence with 22 offices sprawled across 14 countries. The move definitively positions Gersh as a key player in the sphere of worldwide sports representation.

With its extensive roster of over 1,000 clients, You First stands strong in the realms of soccer and basketball. The agency boasts notable athletes such as Fabián Ruiz, Alexia Putellas, Milos Kerkez, Christoph Baumgartner, and Luis de la Fuente. Their U.S. basketball division, Tandem, also represents iconic NBA talents including Desmond Bane, Jarrett Allen, Jeremy Sochan, Ray Allen, and legendary Vince Carter.

In addition to its role in talent representation, You First collaborates effectively with leading global corporations and sports leagues. Partnering with brands like Formula 1, Wrexham FC, Samsung, and Starbucks, You First crafts innovative and data-driven marketing campaigns that facilitate brand engagement with fans across various platforms including sports, entertainment, and live events. Following the acquisition, Juan Aísa, the CEO and co-founder of You First, will become part of the Gersh board and will continue to spearhead operations from the agency’s Madrid headquarters.

The strategic acquisition not only expands Gersh's capabilities but also lays the groundwork for the launch of Gersh Sports, a new division dedicated to sports representation and consulting. This new initiative will integrate Gersh's sports initiatives under the leadership of Steve Gersh, aiming to fortify collaboration between the entertainment and sports divisions. This acquisition mirrors the agency’s broader strategy of growth and diversification, having previously acquired the Digital and Alternative departments of the A3 Agency earlier this year. Following an equity investment by Crestview Partners in 2023, the agency has aggressively pursued avenues to amplify its client service capacity across the increasingly dynamic entertainment landscape.

Steve Gersh, managing partner of Gersh, remarked, “The expansion into sports representation is a natural evolution for us as we continue to scale our agency. Our aim in acquiring You First was to partner with an organization that possesses extensive global reach, a diverse approach across multiple sports, and exceptional management talent.” Furthermore, Aísa emphasized, “This partnership enhances our standing in the industry, allowing us to provide superior support to our clients. We're collaborating to create a comprehensive ecosystem that transcends traditional sports and entertainment representation and fosters innovation and global growth opportunities.”

As Gersh continues its exploration of growth avenues, the agency remains dedicated to fortifying its core representation practices while advancing into new areas that afford its clients holistic support amidst the evolving media landscape. While the financial specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed, it is evident that the acquisition is a strategic step forward in enhancing Gersh's service offerings in the realm of sports and entertainment.

Gersh is recognized as a leading global agency in entertainment and sports, representing a diverse array of clients across various sectors, including film, television, theater, and digital media. The agency prides itself on its client-centric approach, leveraging insights and years of experience to empower its clients. The acquisition of You First marks a significant chapter in Gersh's growth trajectory, ensuring that clients are positioned for success in a competitive and ever-evolving media landscape.

For additional information, visit Gersh’s official website or You First’s official website.