Hearn rejected the suggestion that the agency’s timing was related to those developments, saying the concept was already in development.
“Those conversations have been primarily around football for ages,” Hearn said.
Matchroom Talent Agency becomes part of the company’s existing operations in boxing, darts and snooker, but the new division focuses on representation rather than event promotion. Hearn described it as a management operation designed to help clients with commercial opportunities and public exposure.
“It’s a management company … like any sports agency or athlete representation company that represents fighters, players,” Hearn said.
The agency is not limited to professional athletes. Hearn said the plan is to work with people outside of sports as well, including figures in entertainment.
“We’re not limited to sports … if you’re an actor, if you’re a musician, we want to work with you,” he said.
Matchroom has spent decades promoting events across multiple sports, but the creation of a talent agency moves the company closer to the commercial side of athletes’ careers. Hearn said the move reflected Matchroom’s experience working with broadcasters, sponsors and media partners across various sporting and international events.
The company expects to announce additional signings as the agency begins operations. Hearn said the long-term goal is to represent talent across sports, entertainment and media, while Matchroom’s work continues to promote events in boxing and other sports around the world.
