Providence Equity in Support of Wasserman Agency Sale: “We Remain Fully Committed”

Hollywood Reporter

by McKinley Franklin

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Providence Equity has reaffirmed its support for Casey Wasserman's agency amid his announcement to put the company up for sale. In a statement shared with *The Hollywood Reporter*, a spokesperson emphasized confidence in Mike Watts’ leadership and the company’s future, stating, “We remain fully committed to investing in its growth and expanding its capabilities across sports, music, and entertainment.” This decision comes after Wasserman revealed in an internal memo that he has become a distraction due to recent backlash tied to his past associations with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. He announced plans to step aside and focus on organizing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while Watts will take day-to-day control of the business. The sale process was reportedly already underway, with Providence Equity acquiring a stake in Wasserman earlier in 2022. However, internal pressures mounted as artists like Chappell Roan, Orville Peck, and others threatened to leave unless Wasserman stepped down. These concerns were tied to allegations of misconduct linked to Epstein and Maxwell. Despite the backlash, Wasserman has maintained support from the Los Angeles Olympics Committee, which conducted a review of his leadership and found no evidence beyond what was already publicly documented. This situation highlights broader challenges in talent representation and corporate accountability within the entertainment industry. The sale of Wasserman Agency reflects not only internal pressures but also shifts in public perception and ethical expectations. As the company transitions under new leadership, the outcome will be closely watched by those in the entertainment and sports industries, with implications for how talent management evolves moving forward.

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/15/2026