3 Arts Entertainment has hired veteran sports executive and brand strategist Dr. Shey Olaoshebikanto grow its sports footprint.
The move follows 3 Arts Entertainmentexpanding into competitive sports by acquiring AA Management in a major deal by the Lionsgate-controlled company. Olaoshebikan will manage clients as executive vp of 3 Arts Sports as the Hollywood production and management company moves into athlete representation amid an industry-wide convergence of sports, entertainment and business.
Olaoshebikan, formerly of Klutch Sports Group, is a veteran in allowing elite athletes beyond sports competitions to acquire and hold ownership stakes and equity investments. He brings to 3 Arts Sports Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns for off-field representation after the all-pro NFL defensive end became a minority owner of the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023 as part of a deal negotiated by Olaoshebikan. Sheys proven track record embodies our teams fundamental principle of viewing athletes as the dynamic multihyphenates they are and maximizing the infinite potential they have outside of their sport, Aaron and Andre Eanes, 3 Arts Entertainment partners and co-heads of 3 Arts Sports, said in a statement.
Brothers Aaron and Andre Eanes launched AA Management in 2011 to help athletes navigate their careers on and off the field, particularly with sports stars becoming celebrities known worldwide. Its client list includes Travis Kelce and his New Heights podcast.
Ive always believed the modern athlete is more than a stat line theyre entrepreneurs, investors, cultural leaders, and catalysts for progressive change, Olaoshebikan said in his own statement.
3 Arts Entertainment has the scale, creative ecosystem, and cultural reach to sit at the intersection of sport, entertainment, business, and culture creating transformative partnerships, unlocking equity opportunities, and building brands that shape markets and influence culture for years to come, he added.
The drive in sports from 3 Arts Entertainment also follows an Aug. 7 earnings call where Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer talked about potentially bringing in a partner to help run and grow the studios management and production company.
Olaoshebikan will manage his client portfolio while leading athlete recruitment and developing new revenue channels for 3 Arts Sports. His hire aims to drive more athlete branding and entertainment deal-making for 3 Arts to create paths for athletes to get into TV, film, digital media and global brand equity partnerships.
3 Arts already manages major names in entertainment and now pro sports, including clients like Rob Mac, Tina Fey and Mike Judge, and it has produced shows likeIts Always Sunny in Philadelphia,The Mindy ProjectandWelcome to Wrexham, among others. Lionsgateacquired a majority stakein the firm back in 2018.