In April 2023, Jalen Hurts inked a five-year, $255 million extension, including nearly $180 million guaranteed, making it Klutch Sports Group’s first significant quarterback contract, according to Sportico.
Founded by Rich Paul in 2012, the leading sports agency has disrupted the industry ever since.
As Klutch Sports celebrated its 10th anniversary, it was a moment of reflection for Paul.
The Cleveland, OH, native went from once selling sports jerseys out of the trunk of his car to becoming LeBron James’ agent, as previously reported by AfroTech.
Backing his longtime friend, an NBA superstar, was the catalyst for the trajectory of his career, with him eventually running a highly successful agency with over 120 clients.
However, there was a time when Paul was underestimated.
In an interview with “Rap Radar” podcast, the 41-year-old recalled when people in the industry didn’t believe in his vision of where he was headed or in the bigger picture he saw past the money.
“You gotta remember, 10 years prior, it was, ‘This isn’t gonna last. Not to take him serious. It’s only about LeBron so to speak.’ But now, we’re here in a real way,” Paul shared on the podcast.
While he didn’t say the specific number, he confirmed that Klutch Sports has negotiated more than $2 billion in deals.
Now, with 10 years in the game, he says that he and his team are only getting their feet wet.
“I said on my IG post, the good thing is it was a great 10 years and we look forward to 10 more. Just getting better as a company. Me getting better as a leader. ‘Cause we don’t just represent players, we represent their families as well.”
Then he flexed, “And the bad news for the haters is we’re just getting started.”
While Paul is recognized as a sports agent, he’s tapped into other roles as well.
As previously reported by AfroTech, he was appointed to Live Nation Entertainment’s board of directors.
Under the role, Paul aims to bring his dynamic business mindset along for the ride to contribute to the industry “in a new way.”
