Rapper Lil’ Wayne has reportedly entered into a business deal with international soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as his first client. Why would such a world renowned star sign with a company that has so little experience in negotiating U.S. business deals for athletes?
That question is best answered by Ronaldo. However, the fact that they are good friends might have something to do with it. Weezy’s as yet unnamed company will work with PolarisSports and Gestifute, a company Ronaldo’s agent operates. Like it or not, capitalism is all about taking the next person’s idea and making it your own—improving upon it if at all possible.
If he can elevate his game to the level of say, Jay Z, then we could be talking about some serious cash. Jay’s Roc Nation Sports has a stable of names like MLB star Robinson Cano, WNBA looker Skylar Diggins, New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith, and reigning NBA MVP Kevin Durant.
However, rappers have tried to segue into the sports business arena in the past and results have been horrible. Back in 1999, No Limit media mogul Master P signed then top NFL draft pick Reggie Williams to No Limit Sports and subsequently signed the running back an incentive laden deal that other sports agents scoffed at. However, with the success of Hov and the failures of Master P, Weezy already has a blueprint as far as good ideas and horrible ones are concerned.
Wayne’s current dealings with Ronaldo, who plays for Real Madrid and Team Portugal, are for U.S. business deals only. But it may only be a matter of time before Wayne tries his hand at negotiating sports contracts as well.
