Los Angeles
THE·TEAM’s Industry-Leading Sports Talent Representation Practice Will Launch ‘CYCLING·TEAM’ Division
Global sports, music, and entertainment agency THE·TEAM has acquired Squadra Sports Management and rebranded the practice as ‘THE·TEAM Cycling,’ announced today by Executive Vice President, Action Sports & Olympics, Travis Clarke. As part of the acquisition, Squadra Managing Director Dries Smets has joined THE·TEAM as Senior Vice President, Cycling, along with all former Squadra employees.
“THE·TEAM is very passionate about cycling and Dries is the perfect partner to help us put that passion to work on behalf of his clients and the industry as a whole,” said Clarke. “Dries and his team are known for their innovative and dedicated representation of cycling’s top athletes. We will build on the foundation they created to help all the clients maximize their careers.”
“We are thrilled to announce that Squadra Sports Management will be joining THE·TEAM, marking an exciting new chapter in our agency’s journey,” said Smets. “From the very beginning, our mission has always been to elevate the careers of the athletes we represent, and this partnership will empower us to reach even greater heights together.”
Squadra Sports’ roster includes some of the world’s most prolific riders, whose achievements include five Monuments (Roubaix ‘17, Flanders ‘17, Roubaix ‘19, San Remo ‘19 and ‘21) and two Road World Championships (‘20 and ‘21), with countless more wins and leader jerseys as well. All of Squadra Sports’ clients, including Julian Alaphilippe, Lotte Kopecky, Michael Matthews, Arnaud Démare, Yves Lampaert, Tim Merlier, Jasper Stuyven, Tiesj Benoot, Tim Wellens, Luke Plapp, Ben O’Connor, Pavel Sivakov, Philippe Gilbert, and Greg Van Avermaet will join THE·TEAM’s first-class roster of some of the biggest names in sports, including Leander Dendoncker, Landon Donovan, Chris Eubank Jr., Tony Finau, Brittney Griner, Alun Wyn Jones, Josh Kelly, Nelly Korda, Morgan Lake, Katie Ledecky, Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Geno Smith, Giancarlo Stanton, Diana Taurasi, Klay Thompson, Federico Valverde, Jamie Vardy, and Anthony Watson.
Dries took over Celio Sports & Image in 2017, renaming it ‘Squadra Sports Management,’ and moved the office to Mechelen, Belgium. Dries holds a masters degree from the university of Leuven, and is accredited as a rider agent by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale). He and his staff will continue to be based in Mechelen, Belgium.
The acquisition of Squadra is part of THE·TEAM’s strategy to further invest in the sport of cycling. Earlier this year, THE·TEAM partnered with professional cyclist client and founder of Williams Racing Development Justin Williams to announce the creation of the Circuit Racing International Tour (CRIT). The multi-million dollar investment aims to shape the future of American cycling.
About THE·TEAM
THE·TEAM powers the business of sports, music, entertainment and culture. We serve clients with exceptional insight, influence and creativity, while making a positive impact on our industry and each other.
THE·TEAM represents iconic sports and media figures across the world in every major sport, utilizing our extensive influence to maximize negotiations and create meaningful opportunities for our clients across teams, leagues, brands, content and live events.
Founded in 2002, we operate in more than 45 cities, 23 countries and six continents worldwide. For more information, please visit teamwass.wpengine.com.
