Today we’d like to introduce you to Divine Sports & Entertainment.
Hello Divine Sports & Entertainment, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Michael De Sane and Ryan Williams-Jenkins have a combined 16 years of working experience in professional sports. Throughout this time, they have seen a need in how athletes should be represented. Prior to becoming an NFL Agent Michael was the event coordinator for the New York State Boxing Commission. He was responsible for all medicals and licensing for each boxing match in the state of New York. During that time, he received his Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from Delaware State University, then transitioned to becoming an NFL Agent. As an Agent, he worked with EMG Sports where he represented over 10 NFL Players. Michael has negotiated over $25 million in NFL Player contracts and helped prepare his clients for life after football. He is now the Co-Founder and CEO of Divine Sports & Entertainment.
Ryan started working in sports after playing 4 years of Division 1 football at the United State Naval Academy. He started his career as an Assistant Director of Player Development and Offensive Assistant. He then went on to serve 6 years in the Marine Corps receiving combat awards for his time in Afghanistan. During his service, he remained heavily involved in sports working closely with Georgia Tech’s football team. After completing his military duty as a Captain, Ryan went on to work with the Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants in Player Engagement and Scouting where he worked with hundreds of NFL Players helping them develop professional and life skills. During that time, he received his MBA from Liberty University, then transitioned to becoming an NFL Agent. He is now the Co-Founder and President of Divine Sports & Entertainment.
Divine Sports & Entertainment was launched during a global pandemic. Since then, they have had two successful draft classes with Cameron Kinley signing with the Buccaneers in 2021 and Ethan Fernea signing with the Colts in 2022, totaling in 12 NFL players represented. Divine Sports has made a splash in the first year of Name Image and Likeness (NIL) division, curating over $100,000 in marketing deals for their clients with local brands and notable brands such as Footlocker, Rebook, and Shell. They look to continue helping college and professional athletes on and off the field maximize their full potential as business entities.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Working on the business side of sports is anything but a smooth ride… There are many obstacles that come along the way. You must prove yourself every day with every client and every company. For us, excellence is the standard in everything that we do; that is what it means to be Divine. Two black men breaking barriers as a boutique agency where mega agencies have had a stronghold in that area is not an easy thing. Being qualified isn’t enough and that doesn’t necessarily give you a foot in the door. You need creditability, work ethic, and perseverance to withstand the no’s and roadblocks that come along the way. There may be doubt if you can do the job as well as your counterparts, and sometimes that can come with disrespect. We’ve learned to not take anything personal and understand that our purpose for helping athletes is far greater than someone else’s doubt. God has us on an assignment and will not let roadblocks stop us from reaching our destination.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Divine Sports & Entertainment is a full-service agency that provides elite representation for professional athletes, collegiate athletes, and entertainers. Integrity and excellence is our standard. Our players are their own business entities, and we provide them with tools to leave a legacy.
We specialize in player representation, contract negotiations, marketing, branding, and player development.
Our values and beliefs is our core foundation and this sets us apart from other agencies because to ensure that everyone we work with are aligned with the same vision. Our company was founded on faith, and this is something we do not steer around.
We take pride in giving God all the credit for what we have done and chose the word Divine as a company name which means to be excellent in remembrance of that. Athletes that work with us know that we are true to ourselves, our word, and true to them. What clients receive from us is authentic, and we believe that is what they appreciate most.
We believe there’s a Divine Purpose behind every player. When we say ‘full-service’, we mean just that. Our team is devoted to each player’s priorities while focusing on the bigger picture of their brand. Each decision is made with their best interest in mind; we ensure this by educating each player on how to enhance their brand on a local and global scale.
Our team is our family. We have an open-door policy and pride ourselves in transparent communication with our players and their families. Internally, encouraging diverse thinking and representation. Externally, partnering with non-profits to promote diversity and inclusion in the sports industry.
Strategic business development is a key component of our service. We’re committed to building genuine relationships with our players, ensuring they will be successful on and off the field. We have immense experience in negotiating contracts, advising business ventures, non-profits, foundations, taxes, accounting, and appropriate legal services.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Michael & Ryan grew up playing sports that’s how they developed their love for the game.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.divinesportsent.com
- Instagram: @divinesportsent & @agentdesane & @iam_rwj
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/divinesportsent
Image Credits
Cedric Wooten
