Rich Paul Gives Us the Story Behind His 'Unbothered' New Balance Collab

"Calling Rich Paul a busy man isn't technically untrue, but it does understate the issue a bit. The founder and CEO of Klutch Sports Group (not to mention the head of sports at United Talent Agency), the longtime agent of LeBron James and a grip of other top athletes is one of the most influential off-court figures in the sports world. He's been dubbed The Kingmaker by Sports Illustrated and just launched a new podcast alongside former ESPN personality Max Kellerman. Time, for Paul, is of the essence."

"So, when I log onto a video call with Paul earlier this week, it's not exactly surprising that he's multitasking. Hold on, I'm just getting a haircut, he says as the screen flickers over from black to show him sitting in a chair as a barber puts the finishing touches on his hair and mustache. Before long, he's finished up and looking fresh, and we're chatting about yet another project Paul is undertaking: his latest collaboration with Boston-based brand New Balance."

"Even casual sneaker fans might remember the noise that surrounded Paul's New Balance 550 collab a few years back, when he became the first sports agent to enter such a partnership. The shoesand their successorswere a smash hit, selling out everywhere with all due speed. Chalk their popularity up to the fact that Paul isn't just dipping his toes into the sneaker world now that he's reached the requisite level of notoriety; he's been deep in the culture for years."

Rich Paul manages Klutch Sports Group and serves as head of sports at United Talent Agency, representing top athletes like LeBron James. He balances multiple high-profile projects, hosts a podcast with Max Kellerman, and even multitasks on video calls while getting a haircut. Paul previously partnered with New Balance on the successful 550 collab, becoming the first sports agent to do so and selling out models and successors. He now applies that experience to a running-inspired 2010 silhouette in an Unbothered colorway of burgundies, plums, and deep purples, supported by matching apparel and visible at events like a Lakers game.

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