Former Gamecock Jade-Li English to lead Klutch Sports Group's first women’s basketball division
South Carolina has quickly become the Mecca for women’s basketball, but it goes much further than just at the collegiate level.
On Thursday, Klutch Sports Group announced the launch of its women’s basketball division, led by agent and former Gamecock track great Jade-Li English. It will mark the first time that women basketball players will be represented by the sports agency that was founded by Rich Paul, LeBron James agent and childhood friend.
“It’s honestly just nice to see women getting the opportunity and visibility they deserve,” English told Gamecock Central on Thursday night, following attending a South Carolina women’s basketball win. “It’s about true investment that is not performative, pushing the conversations forward, telling their stories and being purposeful in doing so.”
English, the daughter of South Carolina and NBA Hall of Famer Alex English, has quickly made a name for herself as one of the top women’s basketball agents. Her top client, Gamecock and Heathwood Hall legend A’ja Wilson, of the Las Vegas Aces.
“When it comes to Jade, she is shattering the glass ceiling for us,” Wilson told Gamecock Central. “As a client of hers (she’s) continuing to push the needle of the game to expand our sponsorship (and) the brand and that’s what it truly all about. To be her first client where we started to where we are now it’s so great to see the growth.”
In addition to Wilson, her clients also include former South Carolina star and Dallas Wings guard Allisha Gray and Aces Chelsea Gray. English also represents current Gamecock star Aliyah Boston and will represent Sierra Canyon High School (CA) star Juju Watkins, for NIL opportunities.
“Its going to be great for women across all sports, not just basketball,” added, English.
The monumental news even captured the attention of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, hours before the Gamecocks played Auburn. Staley couldn’t help but smile when asked about the positive impact she believes this will have on women’s basketball.
“Jade-Li has been in it for a long time. Our former players have trusted her with their careers,” explained Staley. There aren’t a lot of black women that are agents that have players who are, to me, top tier players. I think it’s an awesome move. I think Klutch has made a ‘clutch’ move in hiring her and I know their families will reap the benefits of all the partnerships and branding and doing what agents do to put their clients in the best possible position to make money.”
A 2003 alum of the University of South Carolina, English’s reputation, along with her ability to get things done, grabbed the attention of Paul, who was determined to create this division when he founded Klutch Sports Group in 2012.
“When I started this agency a decade ago, I envisioned Klutch playing a role in empowering all athletes,” said Rich Paul, Klutch Sports Group founder and CEO, in a press release. “Women are some of the most electrifying and inspiring athletes in the world and Klutch is excited and honored to be a part of that story.”
