Wasserman Retains Investment Bank as Sale Process Kicks Into Gear

Hollywood Reporter

by Alex Weprin

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The entertainment industry is abuzz as Wasserman, a leading powerhouse in sports and music management, has retained Moelis & Co. to advise on its sale process. This move comes after Casey Wasserman announced his departure from the company he founded in 2002, citing his focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The sale is expected to attract a host of high-profile bidders, including talent agencies like CAA and WME, as well as private equity firms eager to tap into the lucrative sports business sector. Wasserman’s decision to step down follows a string of challenges, including the loss of several key clients and internal criticism stemming from emails sent by Wasserman to Ghislaine Maxwell, which resurfaced in the Epstein Files. The company’s sports division generated $266 million in revenue in 2024, accounting for nearly 30% of its total income, according to an S&P Global report. This figure places Wasserman just behind CAA in the competitive sports representation space, with a client roster of over 4,500 athletes and professionals. The sale process is already gaining momentum, with Moelis & Co. playing a pivotal role. The investment bank previously advised Wasserman on its acquisition of Brillstein Entertainment Partners in 2019. Now, as the company seeks new buyers, potential suitors include established entertainment players like Patrick Whitesell’s WTSL and private equity firms such as Bruin Capital and KKR’s Arctos, which are looking to expand their presence in sports management. This transaction is significant for several reasons. First, it underscores the dynamic nature of the entertainment and sports industries, where mergers and acquisitions are a common strategy for growth and market dominance. Second, the sale highlights Wasserman’s strategic decision

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/19/2026