CSE is a full-service, industry-leading sports and media talent representation agency with offices in Atlanta, New York and Richmond, VA.
A pioneer and visionary in the agency world, Lonnie Cooper originally founded Career Sports & Entertainment—now known as CSE—in 1986, and it has since developed into a leading firm in the representation of athletes, coaches, front office executives and news and sports media talent.
Over the course of more than 30 years, we have built relationships with and helped guide the careers of the world’s most recognized talent. We are here to build your brand image and maximize your potential for success. From contract negotiations and career development to marketing partnerships, publicity, and endorsement opportunities, we’ll take care of everything you need to succeed.
Company Background
1986
An endorsement deal negotiated by Lonnie Cooper between Spud Webb, Coca-Cola and Church’s Chicken led to birth of CSE. Through this partnership, Spud introduced Lonnie to Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Fratello. Lonnie secured multiple marketing deals for Mike with brands such as Coca-Cola and Toyota, which at the time was breaking new ground for coaches and their potential in the market.
1989
CSE negotiated Lenny Wilkens’s contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers which led to negotiating contracts for Chuck Daly in New Jersey as well as Lenny’s move to the Atlanta Hawks.
1991
The agency signed John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves.
1996
During the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, CSE negotiated and secured a marketing partnership between BellSouth (now AT&T) and CSE client Lenny Wilkens, the Dream Team head coach. This deal was the start of the agency’s corporate marketing division.
2005
After Georgia Tech men’s basketball head coach Paul Hewitt led the Yellow Jackets to a 2004 NCAA Final Four championship game appearance, the agency secured him an unprecedented six-year automatic rollover contract.
2006
CSE began providing talent-sourcing services on behalf of the Kellogg Company, securing talent for national consumer campaigns and brand endorsements.
2008
The agency negotiated a deal for Clark Kellogg to become the CBS lead basketball analyst beginning in the 2008-2009 college basketball season, where he called the 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship with Jim Nantz.
2010
CSE orchestrated John Smoltz’s transition from Hall of Fame pitcher to Emmy-nominated sportscaster.
2011
The agency negotiated Doc Rivers’s contract which, at the time, was the largest contract for an NBA head coach.
2012
CSE negotiated a deal with NBC Sports for Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward to be a football analyst, including his role on Sunday Night Football’s pregame show, Football Night in America.
2015
CSE negotiated and locked in the contract for Mike White to become the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Florida.
2017
The agency signed White House Correspondent April Ryan and transitioned her to CNN as a Political Analyst.
2019
After representing Mark Richt throughout his coaching career, CSE then launched his broadcasting career as an ACC Network lead analyst.
2019
The agency signed Nicki Collen, current Head Coach of Baylor Women’s Basketball.
2020
CSE negotiated a deal for Doc Rivers to become the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.
2021
Signed James Wade, 2021 WNBA Championship General Manager and Head Coach of the Chicago Sky.