Baseball star Alex Rodriguez signed another big-league contract, joining the William Morris Agency in an attempt to extend his brand beyond the diamond.
The New York Yankees slugger signed with the powerhouse talent agency in Beverly Hills, California, and becomes part of a client list that includes some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and business.
“Partnering with William Morris will enable me to broaden the scope of my career in creative and innovative ways,” Rodriguez said in a statement on Tuesday. “I’m excited to see what we will be able to accomplish together, both domestically and abroad.”
Among the star athletes handled by William Morris are Serena Williams and NBA players Kevin Garnett and Dwyane Wade. The agency represents such movie stars as Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
Rodriguez’s decision to join the agency comes at a time when he is a staple of celebrity gossip. His wife has filed for divorce and his relationship with Madonna has generated tabloid headlines and daily fodder for talk-show radio. Reports linked Rodriguez and the pop star, but each denied a romantic relationship.
Rodriguez is drawing an MLB-high US$27 million salary this year and in December signed a record US$275 million, 10-year contract with New York. The deal allows him to make up to US$305 million if he reaches certain milestones.
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