Leverage Agency Appoints Renowned College Basketball Star and ESPN Analyst Jay Williams as Managing Partner

NEW YORK, July 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Leverage Agency, a leading sports and entertainment marketing firm, announced today that Jay Williams, a top basketball analyst and sports business entrepreneur, has joined the firm as Managing Partner. Williams brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and contacts from his diverse work in the sports industry as a sports broadcaster.

In his capacity as Managing Partner at Leverage, Williams will work closely with CEO Ben Sturner to enhance the agency's sports and entertainment properties as well as to open up new strategic channels of business.  Williams will primarily be based out of Leverage's Los Angeles office, however, he will also spend a substantial amount of time in their New York City headquarters.

"I've known Jay for a long time, and have always respected his leadership skills, positive outlook, and strong business acumen," said Ben Sturner, CEO and Founder of Leverage Agency.  "We also share the same entrepreneurial spirit and passion for taking the company to a new level."

"Under Ben's leadership, Leverage is emerging as a top player in the sports and entertainment marketing industry in the US and globally," said Jay Williams.  "I'm thrilled to join the team, and to work with his talented staff to grow our revenue streams and bring new opportunities to clients."

Excelling at basketball from an early age, Jay earned a scholarship to Duke University, where he was named ACC Rookie of the Year, National Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year. Williams appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2001 after leading Duke to the National Championship in the 2000-2001 season.  The year 2002 was particularly noteworthy as he was selected second overall by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Draft, Duke retired his jersey and he played for the US National Team in the FIBA Championships.

In addition to his strong basketball pedigree, Williams has always held a passion for academics and business.  He earned a bachelor's degree in sociology with a business certificate, and was the first athlete from Duke to graduate in just three years.  After a year in the NBA, Williams entered the sports business world by starting the JW Group which has worked with brands such as Under Armour, JBL Audio, Bank of America and Microsoft.

Williams possesses a plethora of diverse experience, which has contributed to his knowledge of the sports and entertainment industry. He started his broadcast career as a commentator and currently works as an analyst at ESPN.  In addition, he has been the CEO of the "Rising Stars Foundation" since 2006, is a member of the NBA Retired Players Association and sits on the board of USA Basketball.

ABOUT LEVERAGE AGENCY, LLC

Leverage Agency is a full-service sports, entertainment and media marketing company.  Our accomplished staff brings deep expertise in creating 360° marketing partnerships through branded packaging, sponsorship sales, content creation/distribution, public relations, social media, experiential marketing and asset valuation.  Headquartered in New York City, with offices in Los Angeles and Miami, Leverage provides insight-driven strategies and develops customized programs for clients to engage their target consumers through impactful sports and entertainment marketing.  For more information, visit: www.leverageagency.com.

SOURCE Leverage Agency, LLC