Jason Lublin has left Endeavor after a two-decade run and will join Patrick Whitesell‘s WTSL as president and partner.
Most recently CFO at Endeavor, Lublin will now work closely with Whitesell to expand WTSL’s investment strategy as it seeks emerging companies to champion across media, entertainment and sports.
Whitesell formed the Silver Lake-backed investment firm after parting ways several months ago with longtime colleague and business partner Ari Emanuel. Whitesell and Emanuel, after building Endeavor into a diversified media and sports conglomerate, shepherded its initial public offering in 2021. Silver Lake earlier this year took Endeavor private. Emanuel remained at TKO Group Holdings as CEO but surrendered the CEO title at Endeavor, which now operates as WME Group. (Emanuel is still executive chairman of WME.)
Prior to becoming CFO of Endeavor, Lublin held the posts of Chief Operating Officer and President of IMG College. During his time at the company, he oversaw and managed more than 30 acquisitions, integrations and partnerships, dating back to Endeavor’s game-changing agency merger with William Morris. Lublin also helped negotiate and execute the acquisitions of IMG, UFC, and On Location Experiences. He would later play a key role in the Endeavor IPO, the merger of the Endeavor-owned UFC with the WWE to form TKO, and the Silver Lake privatization.
Watch on Deadline
“WTSL is uniquely positioned to help define the next chapter of growth and innovation in media, entertainment, and sports,” Lublin said. “I’m excited to join Patrick again in building a firm that can support entrepreneurs, creators, and companies through both capital and operational partnership. These sectors are entering a new era, and we’re committed to working alongside those who will lead it.”
WTSL has thus far announced a strategic partnership with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and a joint venture with Universal Music Group.
“Jason is one of the most experienced and respected dealmakers in our industry,” Whitesell said. “He has spent his career executing some of the most complicated and impactful transactions in media and sports, and his operational expertise across global businesses will be a major advantage as we grow WTSL and work with partners shaping the future of these industries.”
In addition to his WTSL exec post, Lublin will also become President and COO of Win Sports Group, the global professional football firm started by Whitesell to represent NFL athletes, coaches, and leaders.