SPORTICO: Fanatics Hires Klutch’s Wilkes to Head Athlete Relations

Omar Wilkes, one of the NBA’s most prominent agents, is leaving his post at sports agency Klutch Sports Group, founded by super-agent Rich Paul, to join digital sports platform Fanatics Inc. as the head of athlete relations at Fanatics Collectibles, the company’s trading card and collectibles business. The former University of California basketball player served as Klutch’s head of basketball for nearly three years, and his clients included Trae Young and former No.1 overall pick Anthony Edwards.

The move to snag Wilkes from Klutch is the latest example of how Fanatics looks to connect with both pro and student athletes and use influencer marketing to promote collectible products and drive growth throughout its portfolio. Wilkes, who previously repped NBA standouts including Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby and Portland Trail Blazers forward Cam Reddish, brings a deep roster of relationships with him to Fanatics, where he will report directly to Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan…