Sports-Talent Veteran Josh Pyatt Joins WTSL, WIN Sports Group

Josh Pyatt, one of the industry’s top sports agents, will join WTSL as a partner, bringing his expertise to the firm, founded by Patrick Whitesell and Jason Lubin, and to its WIN Sports Group.

Pyatt, known for his stewardship of the careers of people including LeBron James and Michael Strahan, will lead WIN Artist, a new division. He had previously worked as a senior partner at WME and was co head of the agency’s sports division.

WIN Sports Group was formed out of the former football business of WME Sports, which had to be spun out after Silver Lake took WME parent Endeavor private last year, because Egon Durban, a senior Silver Lake executive, had bought a stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. Under league rules, an NFL team owner cannot have business ties to an entity that represents players. As such, Whitesell inked a deal to take over that department and turn it into a separate entity. WME is still allowed and expected to continue representing retired NFL players and coaches.

Whitesell’s new firm’s clients include Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa.

“WIN Artists is a chance to build something new from the ground up for a reality where artists
and athletes have more influence, ownership, and ambition than ever before,” said Pyatt, in a prepared statement. “Today’s talent is building businesses, IP, and platforms that extend far beyond any single lane,and this firm is designed to support that scale. Working alongside Patrick brings together a
shared belief in talent-first thinking and the experience needed to create a new way to support
transformational artists.”

WIN Artists will work with clients, including Shaquille O’Neal’s Jersey Legends, Peyton
Manning’s Omaha Productions, and Derek Jeter’s Cap 2 Productions, to secure
opportunities across media, commercial, and brand partnerships; and build new
businesses and intellectual properties. Pyatt will represent golfer Bryson DeChambeau at WIN Artists.