Golf’s most powerful agency hits the market after Jeffrey Epstein files scandal

One of the most powerful agencies in professional golf is up for sale.

Casey Wasserman has begun the process of selling his Los Angeles-based talent company after documents linking him to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were published in the US.

The development carries clear implications in golf. Wasserman represents more than 50 players across the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour and was the most successful agency on the PGA Tour last season, representing more tournament winners than any rival. 

In 2025, its golf clients combined for more than 40 victories across the leading tours.

The Wasserman agency roster includes Rickie Fowler, Cameron Smith, Nelly Korda, Tony Finau, Viktor Hovland and Jason Day — some of the sport’s most commercially valuable names.

In a company-wide email sent on Friday, Wasserman said he had “become a distraction” and confirmed he had started the sale process.

The move follows the release of documents showing he flew on Epstein’s private plane and exchanged flirtatious emails with Maxwell in 2003.

Wasserman has previously said he had no “personal or business relationship” with Epstein.

In the email to the agency’s 4,000 employees, obtained by the BBC, he wrote: “I'm deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort.”

He added: “It's not fair to you, and it's not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about.”

Wasserman also said he “deeply regrets” his discussions with Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for facilitating the sexual abuse of teenage girls by Epstein. 

He said his exchanges with her “took place over two decades ago, long before her horrific crimes came to light”.

Wasserman has not been accused of wrongdoing by any of Epstein's victims and the appearance of his name in the files does not imply criminal activity of any kind.

Professional golfers operate as independent contractors, relying on agents to negotiate endorsement deals, secure sponsorships and manage long-term brand strategy.

An ownership change does not automatically disrupt operations, but stability matters — particularly for players negotiating apparel, equipment or sponsorship renewals. Established stars may feel insulated, yet younger players or those mid-deal could face short-term uncertainty during a transition.

Wasserman will remain chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after LA28 reviewed his past interactions with Maxwell. The board said he and his then-wife flew on a humanitarian mission to Africa on Epstein’s plane in 2003 at the invitation of the Clinton Foundation — long before “Wasserman or the public knew of Epstein and Maxwell's deplorable crimes”.

“This was his single interaction with Epstein. Shortly after, he traded the publicly-known emails with Maxwell,” the statement said.

Outside golf, several clients have cut ties. Singer Chappell Roan announced her departure, stating:

“No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.”

Former US football player Abby Wambach also left the agency, saying: “I know what I know and I am following my gut and values. I will not participate in any business arrangement under his leadership.”

No golfers have publicly departed. But with more than 50 players under its umbrella and a record of leading the PGA Tour in victories, any change at Wasserman will be closely watched across the professional game.