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IMG Is Making Moves (Again)

Post author By Darren Heitner
Post date April 18, 2008
2 Comments on IMG Is Making Moves (Again)

While agencies like BDA, WMG, and CAA are busy trying to make a splash in the 2008 NBA Draft, IMG wants absolutely none of it. The one-time leader of the pack in terms of team-sports representation has dropped that title in favor of dedicating more effort on other parts of its business. IMG’s two newest clients have nothing to do with basketball, but the news will make a splash in another pond.

If there is one music artist who breaks all barriers and has followers in every type of American sub-culture, I would have to say that man is Justin Timberlake. Girls love him, guys admire him, and teenagers swoon over him. The guy has some luck too. He ended his relationship with Brittney Spears just in time. IMG is hoping that it will be starting its relationship with Mr. Timberlake well after he has rebounded from that rough experience. That’s because IMG will represent Justin Timberlake in all of his potential endorsement opportunities worldwide. Included in that package is aiding the development of Timberlake’s charity golf tournament in Las Vegas (hopefully Pacman is far away) and the creation of a golf course in Timberlake’s home of Memphis, Tennessee.

If Justin Timberlake has one crowd that may not favor his music genre, I would guess that it is the motor racing groupies. They like their tractors and they want ’em sexy. That being said, IMG loves that niche as well. In fact, the NHRA, the world’s largest motorsport organization, has signed on with IMG to have the conglomerate handle its sponsorship opportunities, brand analysis, and to provide recommendations on how to enhance the sales, marketing and branding efforts of the NHRA.

J.T. and NHRA, welcome to IMG.

Tags IMG, justin timberlake, nhra

By Darren Heitner

Darren Adam Heitner, Esq., is a preeminent sports attorney and the founder of Heitner Legal, P.L.L.C., a Fort Lauderdale-based law firm specializing in sports law, contract negotiations, intellectual property, and arbitration. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude, from the University of Florida in 2007, where he was named Valedictorian of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Admitted to practice in the state bars of Florida, New York, and the District of Columbia, as well as multiple federal courts, Darren also serves as a certified arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.

As an adjunct professor, Darren imparts his expertise through teaching Sports Law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) at the University of Miami School of Law in the Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law LL.M. program. His scholarly contributions include authoring several books published by the American Bar Association, such as How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know, and numerous articles in prominent publications like Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and Above the Law. His thought leadership in NIL has earned him recognition as one of the foremost experts by The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, and On3, and he has been lauded as a “power player in NIL deals” by Action Network and a “top sports trademark attorney” by Sportico.

Darren’s passion for sports law led him to establish Sports Agent Blog on December 31, 2005, initially titled “I Want To Be A Sports Agent.” The platform, created as a New Year’s resolution, has grown into a cornerstone of the sports agency community, offering in-depth analysis of industry trends, legal disputes, and agent-player dynamics. His commitment to the field is further evidenced by his representation of numerous athletes and sports agents, as well as his prior role as an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University Bloomington, where he developed and taught a course on Sport Agency Management from 2011 to 2014.

Darren’s contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the University of Florida’s 40 Under 40 Award, the University of Florida Levin College of Law’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, and designation as the best lawyer in Fort Lauderdale by Fort Lauderdale Magazine. He remains an active voice in the sports law community, sharing insights through his weekly NIL newsletter and his X posts, engaging a broad audience on legal developments in sports.

2 replies on “IMG Is Making Moves (Again)”

Wow! They were able to pull JT. Not really that surprising seeing that IMG has had a tremendous amount of business restructuring and a change from McCormack’s original vision.

Darren no need for the Pacman stab. He paid he debt to society and the league!

Kenji-

There are 2 types of athletes in my book. Those that recognize their mistakes and apologize immediately (Carmelo) and those like Pacman. No reason not to forgive, but you definitely cannot forget.

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