APRIL FOO…oh, wait. It's April 2. So, that means that while the latest story coming out of Jay-Z's Roc Nation camp does sound slightly unbelievable, it's actually very much true.
According to a new report from ESPN's Darren Rovell, Jigga is planning on launching Roc Nation Sports this week. This isn't some half-assed attempt that Hov is making to try and get more involved in the world of pro sports, either. In an effort to make his new company a success, he's teamed up with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to launch Roc Nation Sports. And, the company has already snagged its first major client by signing Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees, who just left his agent Scott Boras to join Roc Nation Sports. It's a somewhat stunning move considering all the clout that Boras has when it comes to negotiating deals for baseball players. But, Cano sounds confident that Jay & Co. can handle his business affairs moving forward.
"At this point in my career, I am ready to take a more active role in my endeavors on and off the field," Cano said earlier today through a statement. "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."
Snagging Cano away from Boras is just the first of many major moves that Roc Nation Sports is looking to make. According to sources who spoke to Rovell, Jay is also interested in becoming a certified agent at some point in the near future. The plan would be for him to start off by managing the careers of baseball players before moving into other professional sports like basketball and football. That would mean that he would have to give up his small stake in the Brooklyn Nets. But, if he can get enough pro athletes to sign to Roc Nation Sports, there's the potential to make lots and lots (and LOTS!) of money through the company. So, it makes perfect business sense for him to give this a shot, especially given the close ties that Roc Nation Sports will have to CAA.
Let's just hope that this idea turns out a lot better than it did the last time a major rapper tried to get involved in managing the careers of athletes. Sigh.
Click through the thumbs gallery above to see a handful of photos of Jay-Z posing with major athletes. Who do you think Hov should sign to Roc Nation Sports next?
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[via ESPN New York]
