MASTRY Ventures and General Catalyst, each a venture capital firm, have jointly acquired a majority interest in Southern California-based sports agency Athletes First. Brian Murphy will remain the CEO of the agency and run day-to-day operations. The venture capital firms hope to create new platforms for Athletes First to find new opportunities and establish enhanced […]
April is a big month of traveling, with stops in New York, Boston and Washington D.C., two of the cities currently having teams in the NBA Playoffs, with Boston hardly counting among them based on their play to date. A trip to Milan could be coming in early May, but that may be derailed by […]
Labor peace in Major League Baseball and now the NBA. It’s a good thing for fans and hopefully works out for owners and players as well. I am taking a real vacation next week, a week-long Celebrity cruise from Saturday through Saturday, so it is very unlikely that you will get a Friday wrap-up next […]
Athletes First agent Brian Murphy represents players whom make up 20% of the cap value on the Minnesota Vikings’ current roster. That is an extremely impressive feat for an NFLPA certified Contract Advisor. Murphy’s latest deal with the Vikings is largely responsible for a lot of the Vikings’ cap commitment. He negotiated the contract extension for […]
Per an SBJ article by Liz Mullen, injured University of Southern California center, Max Tuerk, has decided to sign with Athletes First for his representation in the 2016 NFL Draft. Tuerk becomes the second college football player to give up his eligibility after a season-ending knee injury this fall. Former UCLA linebacker, Myles Jack, signed with […]
De’Anthony Thomas of Oregon has made major headlines since he declared for the 2014 NFL Draft. He has now hired and fired his first 2 agents in only a matter of months. Thomas was first represented by Relativity Sports and most recently James Bryant of The Cochran Firm. Only days before the NFL Draft, Thomas has […]
A few weeks after signing one of the top centers available for the 2014 NFL Draft in Travis Swanson, Athletes First signed top-rated Minnesota All-American senior defensive tackle, Ra’Shede Hageman. Agents Brian Murphy and Joe Panos will represent him. “Athletes First is always thrilled to welcome a great person who is also a great player to […]
A few weeks ago, Sports Agent Blog received an inquiry asking what degree is more beneficial if one wants to pursue a career in the sports agency industry: a JD vs. a dual-degree JD/MBA vs. just an MBA. Instead of writing an opinion piece, we decided to reach out to five agents — both current […]
The following “Six Questions” short interview with President of Athletes First, Brian Murphy, was conducted by Belmont University Law School student and aspiring sports/entertainment agent Mark J. Burns. Connect with Brian Murphy on Twitter. 1. You created Athletes First in 2001. What motivated you to transition away from practicing law and into athlete representation? I grew […]
Last night’s loss to the New York Knicks hurt quite a bit, and I know I am going to be hearing about it all day from select clients. Just remember – it’s only December. What are your thoughts on the Israeli basketball team that suspended its captain for calling another player a Nazi? I have […]