Willkie advised REP 1 Football, one of the largest pro football agencies, in its sale to Excel Sports Management, an industry-leading sports agency representing top-tier talent, blue-chip brands and marquee properties.

On November 6, Excel announced that it acquired REP 1 Football to launch Excel Football, one of the largest full-service football practices in the industry. Excel Football will manage draft preparation, contract negotiation, marketing and endorsements, broadcast and speaking opportunities, public relations, social media and post-career planning for National Football League talent, including Jared Goff, Cooper Kupp, Ben Roethlisberger, James Conner, Dallas Goedert, Dawson Knox and Marcus Mariota.

The Willkie team was led by partners Caleb Vesey and Alan Epstein and included associates Bobby Chipman, Carly Trainor and Sabrina Khan.