Just for kicks.

With the World Cup throwing the spotlight on soccer, Wasserman Media Group has announced its acquisition of SportsNet, a professional soccer athlete management agency. With the addition of SportsNet to its portfolio, the Los Angeles-based WMG Management now has a large and high-profile roster of athletes across basketball, baseball, soccer and action sports.

The deal marks WMG Management's entry into soccer and comes at a moment of convergence for the sport and its clients. Earlier this year, 13 of SportsNet's clients were named to the 2006 U.S. World Cup Team. They include Landon Donovan, Chris Albright, Pablo Mastroeni, Ben Olsen, Eddie Pope and Josh Wolff. In addition, SportsNet represents U.S. Head Coach Bruce Arenas.

SportsNet has negotiated contracts on behalf of its clients with Major League Soccer and foreign soccer clubs. "The practice complements our existing business on the marketing side of football in Europe, as well as provides a global pipeline of relationships within the world's most popular sport," said WMG President Am Tellem.

SportsNet principals Richard Motzkin and Dan Segal will co-manage WMG's soccer practice. Segal will work in Bethesda, Md., while Motzkin will move to WMG's corporate headquarters in Los Angeles. "Dan and I are extremely enthusiastic to be joining WMG, an organization that shares our vision and strong belief in the long-term prospects for professional soccer in the United States," said Motzkin.

Staff reporter Joel Russell can be reached at [phone], ext. 237, or by e-mail at [e-mail].