Career Timeline of Rich Paul: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Rich Paul made an impact.

Rich Paul is a prominent American sports agent, best known as the founder and CEO of Klutch Sports Group. He is also the co-head of the Sports division at United Talent Agency. His most notable client is NBA superstar LeBron James, with whom he shares a long-standing friendship. Paul's influence in the sports world extends beyond representation, making him a significant figure in the business and cultural aspects of professional basketball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2002: Meeting LeBron James

In 2002, Rich Paul met LeBron James at the Akron–Canton Airport. James was impressed by Paul's Warren Moon throwback jersey, leading to an exchange of contact information and Paul selling James throwback jerseys of Magic Johnson and Joe Namath.

2003: Joining LeBron James' Inner Circle

In 2003, Rich Paul joined LeBron James' inner circle after the NBA draft, marking the beginning of his close association with the basketball star.

2006: Working at Creative Artists Agency

In 2006, Rich Paul began working under Leon Rose at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), after Rose negotiated James' extension with the Cavaliers.

2012: Starting Klutch Sports Group

In 2012, Rich Paul and LeBron James left Creative Artists Agency to establish their own agency, Klutch Sports Group, marking a significant step in Paul's career.

2013: Mark Termini Enlisted for Klutch

In 2013, Rich Paul enlisted Mark Termini to handle NBA contract negotiations for Klutch Sports Group.

2017: Robert Sarver's Ultimatum and Earl Watson's Firing

Before the 2017-18 NBA season, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver told Rich Paul to cut ties with head coach Earl Watson (also represented by Klutch Sports Group), or Watson would be fired. Watson was fired on October 22, 2017 after a 0-3 start. This later led to a report on Sarver, his suspension from the NBA and eventual agreement to sell the Suns and Phoenix Mercury.

June 2019: Sports Illustrated Cover

In June 2019, Rich Paul was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which called him "The King Maker".

July 2019: Partnership with United Talent Agency

In July 2019, United Talent Agency (UTA) invested in Klutch Sports Group, appointing Rich Paul to run its Sports division. UTA took a "significant ownership" stake in Klutch, but Paul maintained control as operator.

August 2019: "Rich Paul Rule" Controversy

In August 2019, the NCAA changed its regulations for agents, requiring them to hold a bachelor's degree, in what the media dubbed the "Rich Paul Rule". This was widely viewed as a swipe at Paul for not having graduated from college. The NCAA later backed down from the regulation change.

January 2020: GQ Power Broker of the Year

In the December–January 2020 issue, GQ magazine named Rich Paul "Power Broker of the Year".

July 2020: Appointment to United Talent Agency Board

In July 2020, Rich Paul was appointed to United Talent Agency's board of directors, further solidifying his position in the industry.

2020: Nerlens Noel Signs with New York Knicks

In 2020, Nerlens Noel signed a $5 million deal with the New York Knicks, which later became a subject of legal proceedings that were settled in January 2023.

April 2021: Partnership to Form Adopt

In April 2021, Rich Paul partnered with former Nike executives to create Adopt, a minority-owned marketing and creative agency focused on the sports and wellness sector.

December 2021: Collaboration with New Balance

In December 2021, New Balance and Rich Paul collaborated on a new release of the NB550 sneaker.

May 2022: Investment in Funko and Advisory Role

In May 2022, Rich Paul, along with Bob Iger and eBay, invested in Funko through Peter Chernin's The Chernin Group, taking a 25% stake. He was then appointed advisor to Funko's board of directors.

February 2023: Launch of Klutch Athletics

In February 2023, Rich Paul launched Klutch Athletics, a new sportswear brand, in collaboration with New Balance.

April 2023: Appointment to Live Nation Entertainment Board

In April 2023, Rich Paul was added to the board of directors of Live Nation Entertainment.

November 2023: Resignation from Funko Board

In November 2023, Rich Paul resigned from Funko's board of directors following a wave of departures and a financial loss.

March 2024: Partnership with Robinhood

In March 2024, Robinhood selected Klutch Sports Group as its agency of record for sports and entertainment partnerships, appointing Rich Paul as the company's strategic brand advisor.