NFLPA, MLBPA and Redbird Capital Launch OneTeam

OneTeam aims to secure athletes right for use of their names, images and likeness.

November 18, 2019

The National Football League Players Association, the Major League Baseball Players Association and RedBird Capital Partners have launched OneTeam, a company to help athletes maximize the value of their name, image and likeness.

RedBird is making a significant capital investment as well as contributing financial and operational expertise; NFLPA and MLBPA are contributing exclusive group rights, operational expertise and personnel.

As part of the company’s formation, OneTeam will manage and further commercialize player intellectual property, beginning with established franchises in video games and trading cards. OneTeam will develop other revenue and licensing platforms that leverage the company’s core competencies to generate commercial opportunities for athletes worldwide. These opportunities will initially include group licensing, player marketing and venture capital.

“I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to lead OneTeam,” says Ahmad Nassar, chief executive officer, NFLPA. “Our

mission is to empower world-class athletes to own their individual and collective intellectual property. We see the opportunity for athlete-centric sports properties around the world to leverage and fully monetize their group licensing rights on an independently capitalized basis. To that end, we will build upon REP Worldwide, the brand management and representation business founded by the NFLPA, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association and the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association. Ultimately, our goal is for OneTeam to work with and support every athlete in every country.”

OneTeam will be headquartered in Washington D.C. and New York, with localized operations in major cities across the United States and select cities around the world.