Ben Shelton has signed with StarWing Sports, a boutique management agency, ahead of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships. The American tennis player's move has sparked a debate involving Jannik Sinner.
What happened?
Ben Shelton parted ways with William Morris Endeavor (WME) after just one season, joining StarWing Sports, where he will be managed by CEO and founder Lawrence Frankopan.
The agency has a star-studded roster, including Maria Sakkari, Chris Evert, and Stan Wawrinka. Shelton's decision to join StarWing Sports has been met with criticism from journalist Jessica Schiffer, who described the agency as "notorious" for offering lucrative upfront deals but failing to deliver long-term value.
Why the criticism?
Schiffer's comments were in response to Shelton's "shock" move, which she believes may not be in the best interest of the player. However, Maria Sakkari, who has been represented by StarWing Sports for over a decade, dismissed Schiffer's remarks as a "baseless claim".
Sakkari argued that the agency played a major role in building Jannik Sinner's brand, and she has had a positive experience with them. Schiffer pushed back, revealing that she knows of players who later expressed regret about signing with the firm.
What's next for Ben Shelton?
Ben Shelton expressed his excitement about joining StarWing Sports, stating that the agency's experience managing multiple Grand Slam champions and guiding players to world No. 1 "speaks for itself". He also praised the agency's unique vision for helping athletes maximize their potential both on and off the court.
The 2026 Wimbledon Championships are set to begin on June 29, with the draw to be revealed on Friday, June 26. Ben Shelton, Jannik Sinner, and Maria Sakkari will be focused on their preparations for the tournament, which promises to be an exciting event.
Lawrence Frankopan, the CEO and founder of StarWing Sports, will be responsible for managing Shelton's career. Frankopan previously represented Jannik Sinner for five years before the world No. 1 switched to AVIMA Sports & Business Management last year.
Ben Shelton's decision to join StarWing Sports has sparked a lively debate in the tennis world, with some questioning the agency's reputation and others defending its track record. As the 2026 Wimbledon Championships approach, all eyes will be on Shelton to see how he performs under his new management team.