Chairman and Founder
Speaker, Steinberg Sports and Entertainment
Leigh Steinberg, premier sports agent, entrepreneur, and Chairman and founder of Steinberg Sports and Entertainment, is best known for his work building athletes into stand-alone brands. Often credited as the real-life inspiration for the Oscar-winning film Jerry Maguire, Leigh has represented some of the most successful athletes and coaches across football, basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, golf, and more. He holds an unprecedented record of representing the number one overall pick in the NFL draft eight times, along with 64 total first-round picks, and has represented 12 Hall of Famers. Beyond football, his clients include Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis, multiple Olympians, and professional teams. With a history of record-setting contracts, he has secured over $4 billion for more than 300 pro-athlete clients while directing over $1 billion to various charitable causes worldwide.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Leigh’s early life was shaped by his parents—a teacher and a librarian. He earned his B.A. in political science and J.D. from UC Berkeley, where he served as student body president during both degrees. His cultural significance extends beyond the sports world; Leigh has been a trivia question on Jeopardy! and Trivial Pursuit, cementing his iconic status. Deeply committed to philanthropy, Leigh has been recognized for his charitable work with numerous commendations, including honors from Congress, state legislatures, multiple U.S. Presidents, and various civic organizations. His accolades include being named “Man ofthe Year” over a dozen times and receiving “Keys to the City” in several U.S. cities. He also played a pivotal role in saving the San Francisco Giants, earning him the honor of “Leigh Steinberg Day” in the city. In 2017, he was inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame.Throughout his career, Leigh has been a prominent media figure, appearing on programs like 60 Minutes, Larry King Live, The Today Show, CNN, Fox Business, Fox & Friends, Lifestyles of theRich and Famous, and Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. His profile has graced the pages of Business Week, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, GQ, and ESPN The Magazine. As a consultant, he contributed to films and shows such as Jerry Maguire, Any Given Sunday, For Love of theGame, and Arli$$. He also provides expert commentary on sports business through outlets like The Dan Patrick Show and The Herd with Colin Cowherd. A prolific writer, Leigh contributes columns to Forbes, HuffPost, and Daily Pilot and has authored notable works such as Winning with Integrity and The Agent: My 40-Year Career of Making Deals and Changing the Game.
Leigh’s passion for improving athlete health and safety has led him to establish a nonprofit foundation for concussion, traumatic brain injury, and brain health. Leigh hosts annual Brain Health Summits, uniting athletes, medical experts, and researchers to address leading healthissues. These summits focus on advancements in diagnosis, prevention, and mental health support. Additionally, Leigh has championed initiatives in sustainability and communitydevelopment through partnerships with various organizations. His efforts include launching educational programs for underserved communities, promoting clean energy in sports facilities, and developing outreach projects aimed at creating long-term social impact. His multifaceted projects reflect his dedication to driving meaningful change both within and beyond the sports world.
