Line Up Sports, led by David McHugh, and the management firm for many of Ireland’s leading athletes, has been bought by global sports, music and entertainment company Wasserman.
McHugh will join Wasserman as Director, Talent Marketing and Representation, Ireland.
Line Up Sports’ client roster includes some of Ireland’s most prolific athletes, including Josh Van de Flier, James Ryan, Kellie Harrington, Paul O’Donovan, Gary O’Donovan, Fintan McCarthy, Nicole Turner, Conor Murray and Tadhg Furlong. Line Up Sports also manages a number of media and former sportspeople, including Rob Kearney, Jacqui Hurley and GAA star Aidan O’Shea.
The team’s clients will be joining some of the biggest names in sports on Wasserman’s current roster, including Mikel Arteta, Tony Finau, Brittney Griner, Jamie George, Josh Kelly, Nelly Korda, Morgan Lake, Katie Ledecky, Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, Weston McKennie, Richie Mo’unga, Megan Rapinoe, Alessia Russo, Geno Smith, Giancarlo Stanton, Diana Taurasi, Klay Thompson, Federico Valverde and Jamie Vardy.
“We have had a partnership with David for a number of years in the rugby space, so it’s great to have him officially join Wasserman in an expanded capacity,” said Ryan Constable, Wasserman’s Executive Vice President & Managing Executive, Rugby.
“This is a testament to the brilliant reputation David and his team have built over the last 20+ years in the industry. We are proud to expand Wasserman in Ireland, which shows our commitment to this market and aligns with Wasserman’s continued investment in Europe.”
“Wasserman has long been a leader in talent representation and marketing, and we’re proud to become part of Wasserman’s presence in Ireland and further strengthen its presence in Europe,” added McHugh.
“Our commitment to delivering for our clients continues to be at the heart of what we do, and joining the Wasserman business will only bring new and exciting opportunities. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together going forward.”
McHugh founded talent marketing and representation business Line Up Sports in 2006 after his time at Leinster Rugby as Team Manager. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, David has had an illustrious career as an athlete, manager and sports consultant across rugby, sailing, hockey and Olympic sports. He and his team will continue to be based in Dublin, Ireland, where the company was founded.
The opening of a formal office in Ireland continues Wasserman’s ambitious growth strategy over the last 20+ years, demonstrated recently by the acquisition of the UK’s leading women’s football agency, Volante Sports, in April, the launch of Wasserman Cricket in March and the acquisition and ensuing rebrand of CSM Sport & Entertainment in October 2023 and March 2024, respectively.
Sport for Business in partnership with Lidl Ireland and AIG will hold the 2024 Sport for Business Women in Sport Conference on Thursday, November 28th, one of ten events currently planned for the remainder of 2024.
Register your interest to attend a Sport for Business event here.
Line Up Sports and now Wasserman is a full member of the Sport for Business Community.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations including all the leading sports and sponsors, commercial and state agencies.
Find out more about joining us today.
Check out our upcoming events to discover ways of connecting in person with our membership.
