In 2014, one of the biggest stories in tennis representation was Genie Bouchard. Her contract was up at Lagardère, a company that had represented her since she was 14. She eventually signed with powerhouse WME-IMG, where she was managed by power agent Jill Smoller, who lists Serena Williams as one of her clients.
That agreement ended late last year, and despite both parties working towards a renewal, a split was confirmed in April. During WME-IMG’s representation of Bouchard, they managed to negotiate a 5 year, multi-million dollar extension with her apparel sponsor Nike.
Genie and her team then began the search for a new agent. Team8, led by Tony Godsick, was rumoured to be the leader in the race for her signature. The firm, who manages Roger Federer, was said to be keen to add a female player to their roster, but Yahoo! Sports reports their high commission structure may have worked against them.
Bouchard ultimately made her decision, and signed with PRP. The Las Vegas firm is led by Perry Rogers, who is famous for representing Andre Agassi during his career (that relationship has since ended). In the tennis space, they have also added Sam Querrey and highly ranked doubles pair The Bryans in recent times to their roster (both were also once represented by Lagardère).
PRP was formed in 2008 by Rogers, after holding the position of President at PRISM (Premier Integrated Sports Management). Aside from tennis, Rogers and PRP also manage NBA players Kyrie Irving, Dwight Howard and Harrison Barnes. They also represent Shaquille O’Neal.
Genie Bouchard currently holds endorsement deals with a range of companies including Aviva, Babolat and the aforementioned Nike. As per the contract, unless Bouchard negotiated a buyout of fees, the commissions from her Nike deal will go to her previous agent.
(H/T Yahoo! Sports)