Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers announced a partnership with Wasserman, a global sports, music and entertainment company, to serve as their exclusive commercial agent and pursue international sponsorships with world-class global brands. The partnership will enable the Lakers to grow their global presence and influence while expanding their programming around the world.
Wasserman is one of the world’s leaders in commercial sales. The company will leverage its vast global network to help the Lakers connect and collaborate with global brands. Lakers COO Tim Harris noted that 90% of the Lakers’ fan base resides outside of North America and believes partnering with Wasserman is a great opportunity to connect with those fans.
“The Lakers have the largest global fan base in American sports, and through our international programs we have an incredible opportunity to meet our fans wherever they are,” said Harris. “As one of the most respected and globally recognized companies in the sports industry, Wasserman now has a dedicated commercial sales division to help top global brands connect with the Lakers looking to do business in Los Angeles and around the world.”
Mike VanDreau, Wasserman’s managing director of global rights sales, added that it is an honor to work with the Lakers and is excited to grow their brand around the world.
“The Lakers are home to some of the greatest names in basketball, and their brand continues to resonate in every corner of the globe,” Vandreau said. “We look forward to continuing to build on the purple and gold tradition that is synonymous with glamour, excellence and star power, and solidifying the Lakers’ position as the most popular American team outside of the United States.”
Wasserman is headquartered in Los Angeles but has offices in 66 cities around the world, including Paris, London, Sydney, Mexico City and Hong Kong, and will leverage this presence to help the Lakers expand their sponsorship opportunities and commercial platform globally.
Lindsey Harding to join JJ Redick’s Lakers coaching staff
As for the Lakers on the court, new Lakers head coach JJ Redick continues to build out his staff to lead the team. Several former head coaches have already joined the team, and Redick has also added one of the best young coaches around.
Lindsey Harding, who was named G League Coach of the Year last year with the Stockton Kings, is reportedly joining Redick’s staff at the Lakers. The two have a history together, having both been All-Americans at Duke University. Additionally, Harding served as Redick’s player development coach when he was with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Harding will become the second female coach in Lakers history, joining Shea Murphy in 2021. However, she will be the first full-time assistant coach in the team’s history.
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