Report: Ace Bailey Parts Ways With Manager Omar Cooper
Sep 24, 2025, 2:05 PM | Updated: Sep 25, 2025, 10:24 am
Ace Bailey celebrates with family after being drafted fifth overall by the Utah Jazz (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey has reportedly parted ways with manager Omar Cooper.
The Athletic’s Tony Jones reported that the 19-year-old was looking for new representation before the first-year wing opens training camp next week.
“Utah Jazz first-round pick Ace Bailey is parting ways with manager Omar Cooper, League Sources tell The Athletic,” Jones wrote. “Bailey, who was the No. 5 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, is in the process of seeking new representation.”
Ace Bailey Separates From Representative Omar Cooper
Bailey’s split with Cooper is the latest chapter in what has been at times a tumultuous pairing.
During the 2025 draft process, Cooper prevented Bailey from working out with several teams in the lottery, including the Jazz, in an effort to secure a spot with the Washington Wizards or Brooklyn Nets for his client.
Ace Bailey’s decision to part ways with manager Omar Cooper was made well over a week ago — and possibly earlier — sources tell @TheConsensusNBA. NBPA-certified agents Adie Von Gontard and Dan Green, who had been representing Bailey, are also no longer with him, sources said. https://t.co/Hv9zdn55SD
— Ary (@Ary_Report) September 24, 2025
Despite the stunt from Cooper, the Jazz selected Bailey with the fifth overall pick, and he promptly reported to the team for his rookie introduction.
Bailey’s relationship with Cooper dates back to his time at McEachern High School, where Cooper’s son Sharife also played.
Bailey Reportedly Looking For Entirely New Representation
Though Cooper worked with Bailey through high school, college, and through the NBA Draft, he was never the rookie’s actual agent.
Cooper is not a registered agent recognized by the National Basketball Players Association and was unable to negotiate contractual elements on Bailey’s behalf.
Marketing Agency GSE Worldwide worked with Bailey after the draft, but is reportedly no longer representing the rookie.
Utah Jazz Mailbag: How did Ace Bailey spend his summer?
“NBPA-certified agents Adie Von Gontard and Dan Green, who had been representing Bailey, are also no longer with him, sources said,” the social media account Ary_Report wrote.
The wing will look for new representation as he embarks on his rookie season.
Bailey appeared in two games with the Jazz during the Salt Lake City Summer League, averaging 13 points and eight rebounds.
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Ben Anderson is the author of the Jazz Mailbag, a Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports, the author of the Jazz Mailbag, and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
