- Kevin Hart has entered a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group and becomes a shareholder.
- Hart and Authentic will co-own and manage the Kevin Hart brand to scale it across new categories and markets.
- The deal leverages Authentic’s global platform, licensing network and distribution to expand products, digital platforms and live experiences.
Kevin Hart and Authentic partner to expand a global brand
Comedian, actor and entrepreneur Kevin Hart announced a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) that makes him a shareholder and co-owner of the Kevin Hart brand. The agreement aims to scale Hart’s brand across new verticals and international markets using Authentic’s global platform and licensing network.
What the partnership includes
Under the deal, Hart and Authentic will jointly manage the Kevin Hart brand and pursue expansion across consumer products, digital platforms, collaborations and live experiences. Authentic says the partnership will tap its nearly one billion social followers reach and partner network to accelerate the brand’s commercial growth.
Why this matters
Hart brings a broad commercial footprint: film, global tours, streaming projects, fitness alliances and consumer businesses. His audience spans roughly 292 million social media followers, and his film career has generated billions at the box office. Joining Authentic gives him immediate global infrastructure and licensing expertise to push the brand into new categories.
Statements from the principals
“This partnership is about acceleration, growth and diversification,” Hart said. “Becoming a shareholder allows me to co-own some of the most recognizable IP of all time while building my own brand legacy.”
Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic, called Hart “one of the most dynamic entertainers and entrepreneurs of our time” and said the partnership reflects a shared vision for long-term brand growth.
Authentic’s platform and reach
Authentic describes itself as a digital-first, asset-light platform that acquires and invests in iconic IP across sports, media, entertainment and lifestyle. Its portfolio includes more than 50 brands and drives about $32 billion in annual systemwide retail sales worldwide, according to the company.
What to expect next
The partners will begin expanding product lines, launching new collaborations and exploring digital and live activations that extend the Kevin Hart brand globally. The move also further positions Authentic to grow its entertainment-driven IP roster alongside names such as David Beckham and Shaquille O’Neal.
Quick context
Kevin Hart remains active across entertainment and business ventures, including Hartbeat Productions, Gran Coramino tequila and Fabletics collaborations. As a shareholder in Authentic, he gains a strategic partner to professionalize and scale his brand for long-term legacy and commercial opportunity.
Image Referance: https://corporate.authentic.com/press-releases/kevin-hart-strategic-partnership-authentic-brands-group-scale-brand-business-worldwide