IMG-Reliance enters talent management, ropes in Rohit, Pandya

IMG-Reliance Ltd, a joint venture formed between IMG Worldwide and Reliance Industries to develop sports, fashion and entertainment properties in India, have now moved into the business of talent management and roped in cricketers Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya as clients.
The IMG-Reliance (IMGR) Talent Management division has also signed up tennis ace and multiple doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam champion Leander Paes as its client, said a media release from the company today.
"IMGR's unparalleled industry knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit in sports and lifestyle property management led us to foray into talent management. As the first corporate entity to venture into this field, we see tremendous opportunity in this space, and we're very excited to bring this expertise in-house," said a spokesperson of IMG-Reliance.

IMGR is to work closely with the newly signed talents on strategic career management and providing extensive resources and expertise to generate value in all facets and stages of career, except for their individual playing contracts.
The firm will also look into recurring revenue streams via endorsements, appearances and licensing, the release said.
IMGR's entry and expansion into talent management emanates from its strong portfolio of sports and fashion properties in India that includes the Indian Super League football, Asia's only ATP tour competition - Chennai Open - and the bi-annual Lakme Fashion Week, among others.
IMG Worldwide - the global leader in talent management with over the 50 years of experience representing over 1000 elite athletes, coaches, industry executives and prestigious sports organisations across the sports, entertainment, fashion and media industries - would provide direction and growth opportunities for IMGR, the release added.