WME Legends In Worldwide Deal to Co-Represent the Estate of Dr. Charles Sifford
On what would have been Dr. Charlie Sifford’s 99th birthday, WME Legends today announced a worldwide representation deal with JLMP (the management company which handles the estate) to co-represent The Estate of Charlie Sifford, who is commonly referred to as “The Jackie Robinson of Golf.”
Dr. Sifford was the first African American to earn a PGA Tour card and was the first Black golfer to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame (in 2004). WME Legends will co-represent the Estate’s assets including name, likeness, memorabilia, life and IP rights worldwide, with a focus on growing the Estate’s legacy with a new generation.
2022 is Dr. Sifford’s Centennial celebration. WME has already begun working with JLMP and corporate strategic partners to plan and execute a year of recognition and celebration. Several initiatives to celebrate Dr. Sifford’s legacy will include a deal with Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Stanley Nelson to produce and direct a feature length documentary on Sifford’s life, re-releasing Sifford’s autobiography, “Just Let Me Play,” celebrity golf tournaments, scholarships, inner city youth golf programs, traveling memorabilia exhibits, receptions, merchandising, and grassroots activations with corporations and sports leagues.
Dr. Sifford blazed a trail for future generations of Black athletes in the game, including Tiger Woods, who affectionately refers to him as his “grandpa.” While Dr. Sifford became the first non-white golfer to play in a PGA Tour event, he was originally banned from being a PGA Tour Member due to its “Caucasian-only” membership clause. The elite golfer was instrumental in getting the PGA Tour to formally terminate this clause and in 1960, the PGA Tour issued Sifford an “approved player” card, which allowed him to play in tournaments as a rookie at the age of 39. Three years later, Sifford became a full member of the PGA Tour and earned several PGA Tour victories, winning more than $1.2 Million and remaining among the top 60 money winners on the PGA Tour through the 1960’s. His long list of honors also includes 6-time UGA National Negro Open champion, PGA Hall of Fame, honorary doctorate from University of St. Andrews, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.
