April 20 – Casey Wasserman, whose Wasserman Media Group (WMG) represents England stars Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen, has been added to the United States bid committee trying to win the right to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022, it was announced today.
WMG, who also represent former Chelsea and Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko and Los Angeles Galaxy captain Landon Donovan, also negotiated the 15-year £100 million naming rights deal for Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London.
“In a very short period of time, Casey has taken Wasserman Media Group to the forefront of the sports industry, especially in soccer,” said Sunil Gulati, the chairman of the USA Bid Committee and President of US Soccer.
“His passion and knowledge of the game, in addition to the company’s worldwide reach, will be important additions to the USA bid efforts during the upcoming months of our campaign.”
The 36-year-old Californian also represents an impressive roster of other Premiership stars, including Robbie Keane, Jamie Carragher, Tim Cahill, Jonathan Woodgate, Wes Brown, Scott Parker, Park Ji-Sung, Shay Given, Tim Howard and Emile Heskey.
But Wasserman’s close links with English football has not stopped him joining a campaign to which pits it against England, who are also bidding for the 2018 World Cup.
Wasserman joins other US Board members including former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, boxer Oscar De La Hoya, comedian Drew Carey and director Spike Lee.