Rich Paul, born on December 16, 1981, in Cleveland, Ohio, is a prominent American sports agent. He is best known for founding Klutch Sports Group and for his close professional and personal relationship with NBA superstar LeBron James.
Here we have Rich Paul’s net worth, earnings, career, personal details, and more.
About Rich Paul
- Birthdate: December 16, 1981
- Occupation: Sports agent, Founder of Klutch Sports Group
- Years Active: 2003–present
- Notable Client: LeBron James
- Children: 3
Early Life
Growing up in a one-bedroom apartment above his father’s store in Forest Hills, a neighborhood on the east side of Cleveland, Paul was exposed to the realities of entrepreneurship and hard work from a young age.
His father passed away from cancer in 1999. After graduating from Benedictine High School, a private Roman Catholic school, Paul ventured into selling vintage jerseys, leveraging his keen eye for valuable sports memorabilia to build connections within the basketball community.
Career
Paul’s life took a significant turn in 2002 when he met LeBron James at the Akron–Canton Airport. The two bonded over Paul’s authentic Warren Moon throwback jersey, and their relationship quickly evolved from a business transaction to a deep personal connection.
Paul joined James’s inner circle, which also included childhood friends Maverick Carter and Randy Mims, and began working under Leon Rose at Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
In 2012, Paul and James made the bold decision to leave CAA and establish Klutch Sports Group. The agency quickly rose to prominence, representing some of the biggest names in the NBA, including Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, and Ben Simmons, among others.
Klutch Sports Group’s aggressive and player-centric approach to negotiations has reshaped the landscape of sports representation, earning Paul a reputation as a powerful advocate for athlete empowerment.
Rich Paul’s Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2025, Rich Paul’s net worth is $124 million.
His wealth is largely attributed to his successful career as the founder of Klutch Sports Group, where he has represented some of the biggest names in basketball, including his longtime friend LeBron James.
Paul manages over 20 NBA players and has generated over $4 billion in deals for his clients.
He was included in the 2020 “Ebony Power 100 List.” In 2022, Paul was listed fourth on Forbes’ list of the “World’s Most Powerful Sports Agents.”
Contract and Earnings
He has brokered deals worth more than $1.4 billion for his Klutch Sports clients, and he charges a standard 4% commission on each contract.
This commission rate has led to substantial earnings for Paul, with Forbes reporting that he made a staggering $55 million in sports commissions in 2022 alone.
Several notable deals exemplify rich Paul’s ability to negotiate high-value contracts. For instance, in June 2023, he negotiated a three-year, $130 million contract for Fred VanVleet, from which Paul earned a commission of $5.2 million.
Endorsements
He partnered with New Balance for an endorsement deal, launching the New Balance Forever Yours Collection in July 2023.
Real Estate
Rich Paul has also invested in real estate, which adds to his net worth. In 2016, he purchased a home in Beverly Grove for $3 million, followed by a new build in Fairfax for $4.35 million in 2018. In 2019, he bought a home in Beverly Hills for $11.7 million.
Additionally, he and his partner, singer Adele, acquired Sylvester Stallone’s former house in Beverly Hills for $58 million.
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Rich Paul |
| Birth Date | December 16, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Profession | Sports Agent, Author, Founder of Klutch Sports Group |
| Notable Clients | LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine |
| Relationship | Dating Adele since 2021 |
| Memoir | “Lucky Me: A Memoir of Changing the Odds” |
Girlfriend
Paul has three children. In 2021, Paul entered into a relationship with English singer-songwriter Adele.
Age
Born on December 16, 1981, Rich Paul is 42 years old.
FAQs
1. Who is Rich Paul?
Rich Paul is an American sports agent and the founder of Klutch Sports Group. He represents some of the biggest names in professional basketball, including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Draymond Green. Paul is also co-head of the sports division at United Talent Agency (UTA) and a best-selling author.
2. When and where was Rich Paul born?
Rich Paul was born on December 16, 1980, in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in a one-bedroom apartment above his father’s store in Cleveland’s East Side, where he developed a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
3. How did Rich Paul start his career?
Paul began his career selling vintage sports jerseys out of his car. In 2002, he met LeBron James at Akron–Canton Airport, which led to a professional relationship. After gaining experience in sports management, he founded Klutch Sports Group in 2012 to represent NBA players.
4. What is Klutch Sports Group?
Klutch Sports Group is a sports agency founded by Rich Paul in 2012. It represents over 30 NBA players and has negotiated contracts worth billions of dollars. The agency is known for empowering athletes to build their brands both on and off the court.
5. What is Rich Paul’s net worth?
Rich Paul’s net worth is estimated at $120 million. His wealth comes from commissions on player contracts, business ventures, and real estate investments. He has negotiated over $4 billion in deals for his clients.
6. Who are some notable clients represented by Rich Paul?
Rich Paul represents NBA stars such as LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Draymond Green, and Zach LaVine. His agency has also expanded into representing NFL players and other athletes across various sports.
7. What is Rich Paul’s relationship with Adele?
Rich Paul began dating British singer Adele in 2021 after meeting at a mutual friend’s birthday party. The couple got engaged in August 2024, as announced by Adele during a concert in Munich.
8. Did Rich Paul write a book?
Yes, Rich Paul authored a memoir titled Lucky Me: A Memoir of Changing the Odds. The book details his upbringing in Cleveland, his journey to becoming a top sports agent, and the challenges he overcame along the way.
9. What are some of Rich Paul’s achievements?
Rich Paul has been recognized as one of the most influential figures in sports management. He was named GQ’s “PowerBroker of the Year” and featured on TIME’s list of “Most Influential Companies.” He also played a key role in reversing the NCAA’s “Rich Paul Rule,” which initially required agents to have a college degree.
10. How many children does Rich Paul have?
Rich Paul has three children—Reonna, Richie, and Zane—from a previous relationship. Despite his busy career, he has emphasized the importance of family and maintaining close relationships with his children.
