The Team, a major agency in the sports, music, and entertainment sectors, has officially announced the formation of an 11-member board of directors. This new governance structure is designed to steer the company’s future direction following a significant corporate transition that began in July of this year. The agency was rebranded at that time after the sale of Casey Wasserman’s remaining interest in the firm, which he originally established in 2002 as Wasserman Media Group.
The ownership shift was finalized when Providence Equity Partners, a private equity firm, purchased Wasserman’s 40 percent stake. This acquisition completed the firm’s control, as Providence had already secured a majority interest in the company back in 2022. The transition occurred against a backdrop of considerable scrutiny, as the agency navigated a difficult period earlier this year. Public attention intensified due to the pressure placed on Wasserman stemming from his long-standing professional association with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is now a convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision to relaunch the company under the name The Team was first revealed in March. The newly appointed board includes a mix of senior internal executives and external representatives from the private equity investor. Michael Watts, who serves as the CEO of The Team, is a key member of the new board. Other internal leaders joining the group include Elizabeth Lindsey, the global president of brands and properties, and Jason Ranne, who leads global talent representation.
Additional internal board members include Kevin Shivers, co-president of music, and Matthew Vandrau, president of the EMEA and APAC regions. Elena Rochelli, the chief financial officer, also holds a seat on the board. Each of these executives will continue to manage their respective business units while serving in their new governance roles. The board also includes Jon Liebman, chairman and CEO of Brillstein Entertainment Partners, which operates as an autonomous entity under the broader The Team umbrella.
Providence Equity Partners is represented on the board by four senior figures. Davis Noell, a senior managing director and co-head of North America for the firm, is among them. He is joined by Greg Brown, an operating partner, Scott Marimow, a managing director, and Ahana Maken, a senior vice president. The company has indicated that it intends to appoint additional external board members in the coming months to further diversify the group.
Michael Watts described the announcement as a pivotal moment for the organization. He stated that the selected board members possess the qualities the company values most, including a strong embrace of the corporate culture and a commitment to supporting colleagues. Watts emphasized that the group is positioned to build on existing momentum and accelerate growth by focusing on supporting client goals and aspirations.
Davis Noell expressed enthusiasm for the new configuration, describing the leadership team as incredibly talented. He noted that the company welcomes the expertise and fresh perspective the board will bring to the business. Noell added that Providence is excited about the growth opportunities ahead and pledged to continue providing capital and strategic partnership to expand The Team’s capabilities across its core markets in sports, music, and entertainment.
The unveiling of this board marks the next phase in the agency’s evolution. By combining the operational expertise of its long-time leaders with the strategic oversight of its private equity partner, The Team aims to stabilize its footing after the rebranding and ownership changes. The new structure is intended to provide a clear path forward for the agency as it seeks to enhance its service offerings and market position.
The company highlighted that the board members will work closely with the existing leadership team to ensure continuity in operations. This collaborative approach is expected to help the agency navigate the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry. The inclusion of both internal and external voices on the board reflects a balanced strategy aimed at aligning day-to-day management with long-term financial and strategic objectives.
As The Team moves forward, the focus remains on leveraging its diverse portfolio of clients in sports and entertainment. The new board is tasked with guiding the company through this period of transition, ensuring that the cultural values established by the founder are maintained while embracing the resources and opportunities provided by its new ownership structure.
