Athletes and Entertainers

Let's talk legacy. Now's the time to make your mark.

Incredible financial opportunities come your way. Who can you trust to help you make the right decisions for you, your career and your legacy?

We have the expertise to help you avoid common missteps, so you can pursue what matters most today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

Introducing UBS Sports & Entertainment

Despite undisputed success in the sports and entertainment world, many pros still need guidance in the financial world. That’s why we have a team dedicated to providing exceptional advice and guidance to help agents, managers, owners, executives, and professionals see the big picture.

Exclusive insights

UBS Arena x Hot 97 Summer Jam

UBS Arena was proud to host the 2024 Video Music Awards (VMAs), and serve as the official Wealth Management sponsor of HOT 97’s 2023 and 2024 Summer Jam concerts. Listen to the conversations below to hear how legendary artists are realizing their dreams and forging lasting legacies throughout the music industry.

Method Man

Musician and actor Method Man reflects on his legendary career as a member of the Wu Tang Clan and what legacy means to him. Listen to his full conversation with Wale Ogunleye, UBS Head of Sports and Entertainment to hear more about how he has become a master of his craft, and his advice to aspiring artists.

French Montana

Rapper French Montana reflects on 50 years of Hip Hop at HOT 97’s 2023 Summer Jam with Wale Ogunleye, UBS Head of Sports and Entertainment. Watch their full conversation and find out French Montana’s three keys for success and longevity.

Jadakiss

UBS is celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop and its impact on the music industry and global culture. Hear how Jadakiss—rapper and member of The Lox, approaches entrepreneurship and the legacy he wants to leave behind.

LL Cool J

New York icon and hip hop legend LL Cool J sat down with Ryan Rosegarten from the UBS Katz Wealth Management team to talk about creating lasting impact in his community.

Elmont Memorial High School

UBS Head of Sports and Entertainment Wale Ogunleye surprised a group of high school students with a lesson in financial literacy, tips for money management, and tickets to HOT 97’s Summer Jam at UBS Arena.

UBS x Billboard Music & Money Series

UBS partnered with Billboard to help increase awareness about the financial resources and opportunities available to all entertainers. Check out our Music & Money series where we discussed trends and topics top of mind to individuals in the music industry. 

Sherrese Clark Soares

UBS’ Wale Ogunleye sat down with Sherrese Clarke Soares to explore her role within the world of music finance as the founder & CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners.

Melissa Lilly

In this conversation with UBS Wealth Planning Strategist Melissa Lilly, Wale Ogunleye and Melissa discussed trends in the music industry, her role within the world of music finance, and how entertainers should factor a sale of their music rights into their financial plans.

Dana Droppo

Billboard’s Chief Brand Officer Dana Droppo interviewed Wale Ogunleye about his experience managing personal finances throughout his NFL career and how he transitioned to his role at UBS today.

Larry Mestel and Rob Levine

Primary Wave CEO/Founder Larry Mestel and Billboard Deputy Editorial Director Rob Levine talked with Wale Ogunleye about new technology in the market and how the music licensing market is changing.

Playbooks

Valuable financial tips for every athlete or entertainer.

Questions you should be asking your financial advisor.

Learn the fundamentals for developing a wealth strategy.

Our approach can help you leave a legacy that matters.

PlayersTV

Level Up

Level Up presented by UBS

Watch some of sport’s most successful athletes share their stories on money and listen to our UBS FAs discuss the importance of being financially fit.

E1: AJ Andrews (Pro softball) Why financial literacy matters

E2: Malcolm Brogdon (NBA) The mental game of money

E3: Sofia Huerta (NWSL) Money management 101

E4: Aerial Powers (WNBA) Credit and debt: Understanding credit worthiness

E5: Austin Ekeler (NFL) Navigating big decisions

E6: Hunter Greene (MLB) The art of legacy: Establishing and prioritizing long-term goals

E7: Michael Norman (Olympic Track) Taxes 101

E8: Kristi Castlin (Olympic Track) Relationships and money

E9: Georges Niang (NBA) Buying vs. renting

E10: Adrianna Franch (NWSL) Preparing for financial emergencies

    Long Game

    Long Game presented by UBS

    Exploring the legacies—on and off the playing field—of some of the most decorated athletes in professional sports history.

    E1: Ken Griffey Jr.—Member, Baseball Hall of Fame; 13X All-Star; one of the greatest home run hitters in MLB history

    E2: Nneka Ogwumike—WNBA Champ and MVP, Los Angeles Sparks; President, WNBA Players Association

    E3: Andre Ward—Olympic Gold Medalist boxer; retired with 32-0 record; Sports Illustrated Fighter of the Decade, 2020

    E4: Tamika Catchings—NCAA National Champ; WNBA Champ; Olympic Gold Medalist and FIBA World Cup Champ

    E5: Isiah Thomas—Hall of Famer with Detroit Pistons; 2X NBA Champ; 12X NBA All-Star; NBA Finals MVP

    E6: Jackie Joyner-Kersee—3X Olympic Gold Medalist; first woman to win back-to-back Gold Medals in heptathlon

    E7: Jermaine O’Neal—6X NBA All-Star; youngest player to ever play NBA game; Executive Producer, Netflix’s Malice at the Palace

    E8: Damian Lillard—Portland Trail Blazer; 6X NBA All-Star; All-NBA First Team; Member, NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team

    E9: Cobi Jones—TV Sports Analyst; U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer; Member, 1992 U.S. Olympic Soccer Team

    E10: April Ross—3X Olympic Medalist; 2009 Beach Volleyball World Champion; 2X NCAA Champion

      Front Office season 2

      Front Office presented by UBS

      The world’s top athletes each hear pitches from two companies. Find out who’ll get the funding to take their business to the next level.

      E1: Mookie Betts—Los Angeles Dodger; 2X World Series Champ and MVP (October 25)

      E2: Renee Montgomery—NCAA National Champ; 2X WNBA Champ; part-owner of Atlanta Dream (November 1)

      E3: Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger—NJ/NY Gotham’s FC goalkeeper and defender; Women’s World Cup Champs (November 8)

      E4: Deron Williams—3X NBA All-Star; 2X Olympic Gold Medalist (November 15)

      E5: Thaddeus Young— Power forward for the Toronto Raptors; former 1st round NBA draft pick (November 22)

        Front Office season 1

        Front Office presented by UBS

        The world’s top athletes each hear pitches from two companies. Find out who’ll get the funding to take their business to the next level.

        E1: Travis Kelce—NFL Kansas City Chiefs tight end; Super Bowl 54 Champ

        E2: Michelle Wie West—LPGA Tour Golfer; 2014 US Women’s Open Winner

        E3: Vernon Davis—Retired NFL tight end; Super Bowl 50 winner; TV personality

        E4: Allyson Felix—Most decorated American Track and Field athlete of all time

        E5: Chris Paul—Phoenix Suns point guard; 2X Olympic Gold Medalist; President, NBA Players Association, 2013–2021

          Events

          Highlights from past events

          Lewis Hamilton

          Lewis Hamilton

          For Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, legacy means more than records and world championships. Listen to his talk with Wale Ogunleye, Head of Sports and Entertainment at UBS, about making an impact beyond the racetrack.

          Art Basel

          Let’s talk legacy – A conversation on the art and business of music

          During Art Basel Miami Beach 2023, the Athletes & Entertainers Segment hosted an engaging dinner and conversation with music industry icons Steve Rifkind and Kevin Liles. Moderated by UBS’ Wale Ogunleye, the conversation covered the evolution of the music industry, building an impactful business, and transitioning success and passion into purposeful giving.

          Christian McBride

          A conversation with Christian McBride

          Eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist and composer Christian McBride shares his journey from Philadelphia jazz student to global music phenomenon—and how he is giving back to the world through his legacy.

          Financial lessons & importance of legacy

          In the first video, Christian sits down with Wale Ogunleye, Head of UBS Sports and Entertainment, to share the financial lessons he learned as a young artist, music rights in the jazz industry and the interconnectivity of music and civil rights.

          JAZZ HOUSE KiDS & Newport Jazz Festival

          In the second video, Christian speaks with Duane Hughes, Chair, UBS Americas Advisory Council, about his work with JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, the GRAMMYs, and the Newport Jazz Festival.

          Billboard

          Billboard Music & Money Dinner & Power 100 Events: Presented by UBS

          The UBS Athletes & Entertainers Strategic Client Segment was proud to partner with Billboard to host an exclusive pre-event dinner in addition to the annual Billboard Power 100 event. Attendees at these events included the top players in the industry, many of whom have led nine-figure music publishing deals for GRAMMY award-winning icons.

          Michelle Williams

          Breaking through

          Former Destiny’s Child singer and Grammy Award-winning megastar Michelle Williams talks about overcoming mental health challenges to gain clarity across every aspect of her life.

          Hear some of the powerful and personal insights revealed in her new book, Checking In.

          Her story could help you or someone you know.

          Laura Dern

            Touching audiences, changing Hollywood with Laura Dern

            Oscar Award-winning actor and producer Laura Dern shares how her fight for equal pay is breaking the glass ceiling in Hollywood, and how she talks money with her daughter.

            Allyson Felix

            Stronger voices

            Allyson Felix, the most decorated woman in Olympic Track and Field history, shares her personal story on why women need to make their voices heard to champion their financial value in sports, work and life.

            Wanda Durant

            The MVP of giving back

            Wanda Durant is more than the mother of NBA superstar Kevin Durant. She is a superstar of paying it forward. Drawing on the lessons she learned from her mother, she tells the story of how she’s helping young people find a path forward to success.

            Anthem Video

            Anthem Video

            Legacy isn’t something that’s given, but it’s something that we can start building together. Watch our original Sports & Entertainment anthem video.

            Star power, staying power

            How you manage your wealth has far-reaching effects. In our special white paper, 16 athletes and entertainers share their stories. Some were unprepared for the responsibilities that come with wealth. Others developed a steadfast plan from the start. All eventually went on to great financial success. The common thread? Find the right advisor, get involved and stay involved. Take a look. The lessons these athletes and entertainers learned could be helpful as you navigate your own journey with money.

            Entertainers

            Chamillionaire

            Renowned rapper on overnight success and embracing your entrepreneurial side. “I got into investing by learning," he says.
            Read more.

            Rico Love

            The songwriter and producer openly shares his early missteps to help others.
            Read more.

            Ray Romulus

            This artist explains how costly lessons learned years ago keeps him engaged with the investing process today.
            Read more.

            Michelle Williams

            The Destiny's Child performer talks record contracts and women's empowerment.
            Read more.

            Kamal Gray

            Hear how this GRAMMY® Award winner realized he needed a new money mindset and approach.
            Read more.

            Otis Redding's family

            Heirs have preserved Otis’s legacy for three generations. They tell us now how they did it.
            Read more.

            Joshua Schwartz

            The creator behind the Gossip Girl TV series discusses how managing money well preserves creative freedom.
            Read more.

            Athletes

            Brendon Ayanbadejo

            The Super Bowl XLVII champion explains how to make money outlast playing years.
            Read more.

            Rushia Brown

            The WNBA pioneer says learning about wealth management is key to having checks and balances on your money.
            Read more.

            Norris Cole

            The two-time NBA champion doesn’t invest for the sake of investing. He knows where his money is and what it’s doing.
            Read more.

            Mason Plumlee

            The Detroit Pistons center reveals how he picked up his money management approach at an internship in college and continues to use it today.
            Read more.

            Osi Umenyiora

            Former pro defensive end teaches family and friends how to be responsible with money.
            Read more.

            Robert Bailey

            The challenges of managing wealth at a tender age, from a Super Bowl champ.
            Read more.

            Ben Coates

            Super Bowl champ and New England Patriots star Ben Coates walks through some common mistakes high earners can make.
            Read more.

            Edgerrin James

            The rookie who shaped his first NFL contract shows you can negotiate with your own approach.
            Read more.

            Sage Rosenfels

            Former pro quarterback says it's never too early to think about post-career opportunities.
            Read more.

            Athletes & Entertainers Consultants

            Financial advisors dedicated to serving the sports & entertainment space

            Overview

            Our Athletes & Entertainers Consultants are a select group of UBS Financial Advisors who are accredited and designated to serve athletes, entertainers and those in their ecosystem. Their experience, knowledge and training equip them to provide solid financial advice to help these individuals plan for their legacy.

            Wale Ogunleye

            Head, Sports & Entertainment
            Managing Director
            Wealth Management USA
            Team contact number: 201-352-7766

             

            Meet the team

            Jaclyn Bellino

            Project Manager, Athletes & Entertainers Client Segment

            Pjay Togunde

            Business Strategist, Athletes & Entertainers Client Segment

            A-E

            Private Wealth Advisor Mark Binder

            Financial Advisor Michael Carr

            Private Wealth Advisor Erik Dahlquist

            Private Wealth Advisor Michael Bober

            Private Wealth Advisor Craig Chiate 

            Private Wealth Advisor Craig Dunton

            Financial Advisor Peter Borowsky

            Private Wealth Advisor Brian Corley

            Private Wealth Advisor Jesse Bull

            Financial Advisor Richard Curtis

            F-J

            Private Wealth Advisor Todd Feiereisen    

            Private Wealth Advisor Dan Grover

            Financial Advisor Jim Hart

            Financial Advisor Drew Freides

            Financial Advisor Ken Gunsberger

            Financial Advisor Nolan Hart

            Financial Advisor Daniel Gerschel 

            Financial Advisor Peter Hall

            Private Wealth Advisor Wendy Holmes

            Private Wealth Advisor Rachel Gottlieb

            Private Wealth Advisor John Halperin

            Financial Advisor Matthew Johnson

            K-O

            Private Wealth Advisor Jason Katz

            Financial Advisor Joseph Lembeck

            Private Wealth Advisor Andrew Megee

            Private Wealth Advisor Dan Kilmurray

            Financial Advisor Charles Lovell

            Financial Advisor Sasha Kottmeier

            Financial Advisor Thomas Madigan

            Private Wealth Advisor Andrew Le

            Financial Advisor Diane McMinds

            P-S

            Financial Advisor Michael Poppo

            Financial Advisor Alex Santos

            Private Wealth Advisor Ryan Shuler

            Financial Advisor Barry Porter

            Private Wealth Advisor David Schachter

            Private Wealth Advisor Michael Singh

            Private Wealth Advisor William Rose

            Financial Advisor Stockton Schultz

            Private Wealth Advisor Peter Rukeyser

            Private Wealth Advisor David Selig

            T-Z

            Financial Advisor Ruben Torres

            Private Wealth Advisor Troy Wiebler

            Private Wealth Advisor Alex Williams

            Private Wealth Advisor Eric Wittenberg

            Get in touch

            Together, we can help you pursue what’s important