LOS ANGELES LAKERS HIRE WASSERMAN FOR EXCLUSIVE INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL REPRESENTATION
July 17, 2024LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers today announced they have engaged global sports, music and entertainment company, Wasserman as their exclusive commercial agency to pursue international sponsorships with world-class global brands.
The engagement will extend the Lakers’ reach, presence and impact worldwide as the organization expands its programming around the world. Brands looking to grow their business globally will have bespoke opportunities to align with the purple and gold, sharing in the rich legacy and collaborating for the future.
“Southern California is the epicenter of the Los Angeles Lakers but Lakers fandom goes far beyond with ninety percent of Lakers fans living outside North America,” said Tim Harris, Los Angeles Lakers chief operating officer and president, business operations. “The Lakers have the largest global fan base in American sports and we have an incredible opportunity to meet people where they are through our international programs. As one of the most respected and globally recognized businesses in the sports industry, Wasserman, which is now home to a dedicated commercial sales division, will help premier global brands looking to drive business in Los Angeles and around the world connect with the Lakers.”
As the result of their acquisition of CSM Sport & Entertainment in 2023, Wasserman is now a worldwide leader in commercial sales. Its dedicated rights sales team boasts an unrivaled global network within the industry, which they will leverage to support the Lakers in building a compelling proposition for global brands outside the U.S.
“We feel honored to be working alongside the world’s most successful and globally recognizable NBA franchise,” said Mike Vandrau, managing director, Wasserman Rights Sales. “The Lakers have been home to the biggest names in basketball and it’s a brand that continues to resonate in every corner of the world. Synonymous with glamor, excellence and star power, we look forward to continuing to build on that purple and gold legacy, ensuring the Lakers reinforce their position as the most popular American team outside of the USA.”
As part of the NBA’s International Team Marketing Program, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to extend their sponsorship opportunities and commercial platform globally, opening more pathways for brands to share in the team’s storytelling across traditional advertising, digital platforms, experiential programming and more.
The Los Angeles Lakers return for their 77th season of competition in 2024-25. The purple and gold have reached the postseason 64 times in franchise history, including 32 trips to the NBA Finals and 17 championships. Before moving to Los Angeles prior to the 1960-61 season, the Lakers played in Minneapolis from 1948-60, winning five championships in 12 seasons. The Lakers play their home games at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles and practice at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, Calif.
About Wasserman
Wasserman operates at the epicenter of sports, music, entertainment and culture, serving talent, brands and properties on a global scale. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman’s presence spans 28 countries and more than 66 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.
About Wasserman Rights Sales
Wasserman operates at the epicenter of sports, music, entertainment and culture, serving talent, brands and properties on a global scale. As a trusted partner to the world’s most iconic teams, leagues, venues and governing bodies, Wasserman Rights Sales leverages our unrivaled network and expertise in the industry to build compelling commercial propositions. We broker effective deals between rights-holders and brands, delivering mutual value for both parties.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman’s presence spans 28 countries and 66 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.
