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former label, Big Machine Records (run by Scott Borchetta), of her first six albums to , who then after Swift began in one of the biggest power moves in music history. Swift was not made aware of the initial deal until the news broke to the public, writing that it was her “” in an emotional Tumblr post. "I learned about Scooter Braun's purchase of my masters as it was announced to the world," she wrote at the time. Three years later, Braun is opening up about the controversial deal in a new interview with NPR's Jay Williams, claiming he was under “a very strict NDA” that made it impossible to warn Swift—or any other Big Machine artist—ahead of time.

The roller coaster of ESPN staffing news continued today, as NFL analyst Mina Kimes is set for what’s reported to be a massive new deal. The agreement is worth more than $1.7 million, according to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, and puts Kimes over seven figures for the first time.

Rob Ninkovich’s ESPN contract won’t be renewed, continuing cutbacks of ESPN’s television and radio teams.

Lots of time thinking. Scooter Braun speaks out about how he handled Taylor Swift’s masters. In a conversation with NPR’s The Limits with Jay Williams, the entrepreneur reveals how he regrets how things went down between him and the Midnights artist.

Scooter Braun wishes he could have done things differently when it came to buying Taylor Swift’s music library.

Scooter Braun learned a big lesson after he acquired Big Machine Records in 2019, resulting in a controversial dispute with Taylor Swift.

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor As has been well documented, the 2018, Scooter Braun-led acquisition of Big Machine Music Group — and the rights to Taylor Swift’s first six albums — caused some controversy. Swift — who had attempted, unsuccessfully, to acquire the rights herself — was outraged, launching not only a global dialog about artists owning the rights to their work, but sticking it to the new owners by beginning a campaign to re-record all of those albums and encouraging her fans to stream the new “Taylor’s Versions” instead of the earlier ones; two such albums have been released to great success. She had few kind words for Braun in the process. Braun bore the substantial wrath of the Swifties for a year or two before selling off the catalog (for a tidy profit) and said he had attempted to speak with the singer about the issue multiple times after the sale was finally revealed, to little avail. He has since sold his own company to the South Korean entertainment powerhouse HYBE, and continues to run it and manage the careers of Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and others.

Thania Garcia WME has elevated Lucy Dickins to global head of contemporary music and touring, where she will steer the respective departments across Beverly Hills, New York, Nashville, London and Sydney.Dickins, who recently re-located to WME’s Beverly Hills office from London, joined the agency in 2019 from ITB (International Talent Booking). Since her arrival, she has helped bring in new clients including Adele, Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling, James Blake and Mabel, whom WME represent globally.“Lucy is a dynamic leader who brings strategic vision, energy and passion to every artist and colleague she encounters,” said Lloyd Braun, chairman of WME and president of Endeavor Client Group. “Lucy is the ideal leader to guide WME’s contemporary music business as we continue to expand our offerings and opportunities for our clients.”

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeInstructional streamer Wondrium has ordered three seasons of “Wondrium Insights,” a new speaker series featuring guests including world champion boxer and Olympic gold medalist Sugar Ray Leonard, swimming legend and host Diana Nyad and singer/songwriter Mary Lambert.The series will be distributed globally on Wondrium later this year. According to the service, “Each speaker will present their personal stories and challenges giving viewers an intimate opportunity to learn and discover tools that can help with perseverance, resilience, and success.”Besides Leonard, Nyad and Lambert, the speakers also include former NBA player Jay Williams, social entrepreneur Shiza Shahid, astronaut/athlete/author Leland Melvin, former NFL linebacker Ryan Shazier, Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, STEM education innovator Knatokie Ford, mentor/entrepreneur Ivy McGregor, rock climber Kevin Jorgeson, science and technology journalist David Kushner, Flickr co-founder/venture capitalist Caterina Fake, AI artist/musician/storyteller Taryn Southern and clinical psychologist Dr.

EXCLUSIVE: Longtime ICM Partners agent Matt Sorger has left to join A3 Artists Agency as senior agent in the Alternative Programming, Digital Media, Licensing and Branding division. He is the latest ICM agent to depart for another agency or management company ahead of company’s pending acquisition by CAA.

Chris Willman Music WriterWhen the entertainer of the year prize is handed out at tonight’s Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, the odds strongly favor a WME Nashville client picking up the climactic trophy. That’s because the agency has four of the five nominees, between Eric Church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton.

ESPN host and analyst Jay Williams has tested positive for Covid-19, and will miss the remainder of the NBA Finals.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorKeyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Zubin Mehenti have a big radio debut on Monday, when they take over ESPN’s national morning slot. But their new jobs started in earnest on Wednesday.The trio met in their studio at ESPN’s New York production facility for the first time, ready to test out their rapport.

Bruce Haring pmc-editorial-managerTurner Sports NBA analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said that sports leagues and players have turned racial injustice issues into a “circus,” and warned that fans could be turned off by too much politics in sports.Barkley, speaking in a phone interview on CNBC, said players are placing more importance on kneeling and messages on their jerseys rather than important change.He echoed criticisms raised by fellow analyst Jay Williams of ESPN, who