Signing New York Yankees All-Star baseball player Robinson Canó was Roc Nation’s first major transaction. Then, other big names followed such as Victor Cruz of New York Giants and Skylar Diggins of WNBA. Roc Nation was also interested in signing ice hockey star Seth Jones following the 2013 NHL Draft. Geno Smith of the New York Jets became the second NFL player to sign with Roc Nation in May 2013. In June 2013, Jay-Z was recognized by the NBA and MLB as official sports agent.
Stars in different sporting events also followed like Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma Thunder on June 24, 2013. Also signed with Roc Nation were Hakeem Nicks of the Indianapolis Colts, and James Young of the Kentucky Wildcats.
Jay-Z’s move to sell his interests in NBA’s Brooklyn Nets proved to be an excellent move because it paved the way for the founding of Roc Nation. He was even more praised for snatching some of the most coveted names in major sporting clubs.