Brooklyn rapper Jay-Z has just launched Roc Nation Sports, which announced New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano as its first client Tuesday. The new agency will jointly represent Cano with Creative Artists Agency’s sports division.
“Because of my love of sports, it was a natural progression to form a company where we can help top athletes in various sports the same way we have been helping artists in the music industry for years,” Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, said in a statement.
Cano, a four-time All-Star, parted ways with powerful sports agent Scott Boras in order to “take a more active role in my endeavors both on and off the field.”
Added Cano in reference to his new representation: “I am confident that the pairing of Roc Nation Sports and CAA Sports will be essential in helping me accomplish my short and long-term goals. I am making this important decision now so I can keep my focus on helping the Yankees succeed in 2013, while minimizing any distractions for me and my teammates.”
Boras is widely known for negotiating Alex Rodriguez’s 10-year, $252 million pact with the Texas Rangers following the 2000 season, the three-time MVP’s last with the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez, traded to New York nine years ago, infamously exercised the opt-out clause in his Texas contract during the 2007 World Series, after which Boras negotiated a $275 million deal that will keep the third baseman in pinstripes through 2017.
Barring an in-season extension, Cano will become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2013 campaign.
