Raisel Iglesias

Entertainer Marc Anthony enters MLB player rep biz

Published Nov. 30, 2015 8:00 a.m. ET

Ken Rosenthal

Another entertainment mogul is getting into the baseball business -- and with a splash.

Magnus Media, a company founded by Marc Anthony, announced on Monday the inception of Magnus Sports, a division dedicated to representing major athletes.

The company said in a news release that it will team with a baseball agency, Praver Shapiro Sports Management -- and that the group's first major client will be Reds closer Aroldis Chapman.

Praver Shapiro represents a number of Latin players, including Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, Cubs right fielder Jorge Soler, Reds pitcher Raisel Iglesias and free-agent third baseman Juan Uribe.

Chapman, who previously was represented by Relativity, will be a free agent after the 2016 season.

Anthony, an actor, musician and producer, is following a path similar to Jay-Z, who became certified by both the NBA and Major League Baseball as a player representative through his company, Roc Nation Sports.

Praver Shapiro will handle contract negotiations and other services for players. Anthony and Magnus Sports will attempt to elevate players’ brands through marketing.

"Baseball, like music, is an ingrained cultural passion for many Latinos throughout the world, and there's no shortage of amazing stars of Hispanic origin," Anthony said.

"Despite that, until now there hasn't been an enterprise specifically designed to meet their needs. With Magnus Sports, we are changing the existing dynamics and building a new kind of management company that understands the culture and knows how to build big media brands.

"Beyond the cultural connection, social media also is bringing fans closer to their heroes than ever before. That means that athletes, like other entertainers, need management that can help them with both, managing their career and building a brand."

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