From Darren Rovell:
Roc Nation, an entertainment company founded by Shawn Carter, also known as Jay-Z, will announce on Tuesday that it is getting into the sports representation business through a partnership with Creative Artists Agency (CAA).Well, that's interesting. And no, this doesn't appear to be a late April fools joke. Either way, if it ends up making it easier for the Yankees to resign him, I'll be happy.
The company, which will be known as Roc Nation Sports, has signed its first client, the New York Yankees' Robinson Cano. Cano, who has left agent Scott Boras, is in the final year of a six-year, $57 million deal with the team.
"At this point in my career, I am ready to take a more active role in my endeavors on and off the field," Cano said, in a statement. "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."
It remains to be seen whether this alters the trajectory of Cano's talks with the Yankees, who have been trying to sign the star second baseman.
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Sources say Jay-Z himself is planning to be a certified agent, first in baseball and eventually in basketball and football. In order to represent clients in basketball, he would have to give up his small share of the Brooklyn Nets.
