Wednesday 1 January, 2025

Show me the money: Jay-Z is trying his hand as a sports agent

The rapper’s Roc Nation has begun his new venture by signing the New York Yankees’ Robinson Cano.

RAP MOGUL JAY-Z is expanding his Roc Nation entertainment company into sports representation and Tuesday announced the signing of New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano.

Cano, set to become a free agent after the 2013 Major League Baseball season, left high-profile sports agent Scott Boras to sign with Roc Nation Sports, founded by rapper Jay-Z.

Roc Nation has partnered with CAA Sports, a division of Creative Artists Agency, to co-represent Cano, a statement on the firm’s website said.

“At this point in my career, I am ready to take a more active role in my endeavors both on and off the field,” Cano said in a statement released through his new agency. “I am confident that the pairing of Roc Nation Sports and CAA Sports will be essential in helping me accomplish my short- and long- term goals.

I am making this important decision now so I can keep my focus on helping the Yankees succeed in 2013, while minimizing any distractions for me and my teammates.”

The Yankees have reportedly been trying to work out a new contract with Cano before he hits the free agent market in November.

Jay-Z, originally Shawn Carter, was head of Def Jam records and has sold more than 35 million albums as a rapper since 1996.

He has a small ownership stake in the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.

“Because of my love of sports, it was a natural progression to form a company where we can help top athletes in various sports the same way we have been helping artists in the music industry for years,” Jay-Z said.