Kevin Hart Sells Rights to His Name in Major Brand Deal

Key Takeaways

• Kevin Hart has partnered with Authentic Brands Group to co-manage the “Kevin Hart” brand
• The deal makes Hart a shareholder while expanding his name across products, experiences, and digital platforms
• The move reflects a growing trend of celebrities prioritizing brand ownership and long-term IP control

Kevin Hart Signs Deal to Sell Rights to His Name

Kevin Hart is taking a bold step in brand ownership. The Jumanji actor and comedian has officially sold the rights to his name as part of a new partnership with Authentic Brands Group (ABG), one of the world’s largest brand management firms.

Under the agreement, Hart becomes a shareholder in Authentic Brands Group, with both parties co-managing the “Kevin Hart” brand. The partnership will expand his name into multiple commercial ventures, including:

• Consumer products
• Live entertainment experiences
• Digital and media platforms

Authentic Brands Group already manages branding deals for major names such as David Beckham, Shaquille O’Neal, and the estate of Muhammad Ali—placing Hart among an elite group of globally recognized brands.

Why Kevin Hart Sold the Rights to His Name

In a statement announcing the deal, Kevin Hart emphasized that the move is about long-term growth, diversification, and legacy.

“This partnership is about acceleration, growth and diversification,” Hart said. “I’ve spent years building businesses and creating opportunities, and joining Authentic gives me the platform and global infrastructure to take my brand to the next level.”

By becoming a shareholder, Hart gains partial ownership in Authentic’s portfolio of iconic intellectual property while strengthening control over his own name.

“I want the Hart name to live on for generations to come,” he added, “and be something that my grandkids and their grandkids will be able to be proud of.”

Authentic Brands Group Welcomes Kevin Hart

Authentic executives praised Hart as a visionary entertainer and entrepreneur with unmatched cultural influence.

Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Authentic Brands Group, called Hart one of the most dynamic figures in entertainment today.

“Kevin’s creative vision, business instincts and cultural impact are unmatched. He understands the power of brand ownership and the opportunity to build a global, long-term business.”

Corey Salter, President of Entertainment and International at Authentic, echoed that sentiment, highlighting Hart’s role in shaping the future of entertainment-driven intellectual property.

“Kevin represents the future of entertainment-driven IP, and together we will expand his brand across new categories and geographies.”

A Growing Trend in Celebrity Brand Ownership

Kevin Hart’s decision to sell the rights to his name reflects a larger trend in the entertainment industry. More actors, musicians, and creators are shifting from short-term endorsements to long-term brand ownership and equity-based partnerships.

Instead of simply licensing their likeness, today’s top entertainers are:

• Retaining creative control
• Building scalable global brands
• Turning personal names into lasting intellectual property

For Hart, this move positions his brand beyond film and comedy—creating opportunities that extend into business, media, and future generations.

What This Means for the Entertainment Industry

As the lines between entertainment, entrepreneurship, and branding continue to blur, Kevin Hart’s deal with Authentic Brands Group highlights how personal brands can evolve into global business empires.

With Authentic’s infrastructure and Hart’s creative leadership, the “Kevin Hart” name is set to reach new audiences, platforms, and markets worldwide.