Ben Shelton, ranked World No. 12 in the ATP and a rising American tennis talent, has transitioned his talent management from Team8 to William Morris Endeavor (WME), as announced recently. This strategic change is a significant step in his career development, placing him among top players represented by WME.
Shelton turned professional in 2022 after winning the NCAA singles title at the University of Florida. Since then, he has rapidly climbed the rankings, reaching career milestones such as semifinal appearances at the 2023 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open. He had been managed by Team8, a boutique sports and entertainment agency created by tennis legend Roger Federer and his agent Tony Godsick in 2013.
Team8 supported Shelton’s rising trajectory, which included winning two ATP Tour singles titles and competing in major Grand Slam semifinals. However, Shelton’s move to WME—an international firm established from the merger of the William Morris Agency and Endeavor in 2009—positions him alongside prominent tennis stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Iga Świątek, as well as tennis icons Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Billie Jean King.
The firm also represents notable athletes including Zheng Qinwen, Jack Draper, Madison Keys, and Matteo Berrettini. Since WME acquired IMG for $2.3 billion in 2014, the agency has bolstered its sports division, enhancing opportunities for athletes through expanded endorsement deals, media exposure, and career management. The consolidation of WME and IMG under a parent company in 2017 allowed WME to focus on entertainment and talent, while IMG specialized in sports and licensing.
The timing of Shelton’s switch, right before the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, suggests a well-calculated approach to optimize his career prospects. It also follows a similar path taken by Coco Gauff, who left Team8 in April 2025 to establish Coco Gauff Enterprises with WME’s backing. Notably, Shelton maintains his relationship with On Running, the Swiss sportswear brand supported by Federer, indicating an amicable transition from his former agency.
Ben Shelton Begins Grass-Court Campaign at the BOSS Open
After completing his clay-court season at Roland Garros, where he was defeated by eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in four sets, Shelton moved to Stuttgart to start his grass-court season at the BOSS Open. Entering the tournament as the third seed, Shelton received a first-round bye.
He advanced by defeating Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-6(4), 7-5 in the second round and is set to face the eighth seed, Jiri Lehecka, in the quarterfinals. This grass season is a crucial phase as Shelton seeks to build momentum heading into Wimbledon.
Implications of Shelton’s New Management Alignment
Joining WME is expected to provide Ben Shelton with broader access to global endorsements and media opportunities, expanding his support network beyond what his previous boutique agency offered. Aligning with a powerhouse representing some of tennis’s biggest names enhances his visibility and career resources. This move coincides with his readiness to compete at the highest level in upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, potentially boosting his profile during the grass-court season and beyond.