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Sean Highkin: BREAKING: RAJ Sports and the Cherng ...

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 3:02 GMT by HoopsHype
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Sean Highkin’s Shake‑Up: How He’s Ripping Apart Raj Sports and the Cherng’s Influence

Rumors have been swirling across the NBA’s front office circles since the morning of October 13, when a headline on HoopsHype.com announced that “Sean Highkin is breaking Raj Sports and the Cherng.” The claim has already sparked speculation that the power dynamics among the league’s most influential player‑representation firms could be shifting dramatically. While no official statement has been released from the parties involved, insiders suggest that the tension stems from a growing rift between the established Raj Sports agency and the emergent influence of the Cherng family, who have been quietly amassing a roster of high‑profile NBA prospects.

The Players Behind the Storm

Sean Highkin – a former collegiate athlete turned agent, Highkin carved out a reputation for aggressively courting top talent and renegotiating contracts that push the boundaries of the collective bargaining agreement. Having previously worked with high‑profile names such as Brandon “B‑Boy” Mitchell and a handful of mid‑tier prospects, Highkin is now seen as a formidable disruptor in the agent landscape.

Raj Sports – founded by Raj Patel in 2013, the agency quickly grew into one of the league’s mid‑tier powerhouses. Known for its data‑driven approach, Raj Sports has secured deals for dozens of NBA players, ranging from veterans seeking renegotiations to rising stars looking for strategic representation. Their model emphasizes a blend of analytics, brand‑building, and strong negotiation tactics, earning them a loyal roster.

The Cherng Family – often simply called “the Cherng,” this family‑run operation—led by patriarch Jian Cherng and his sons—has been making headlines for its aggressive acquisition of promising talent, especially in the overseas markets. The family has been courting NBA prospects from the G‑League, Latin America, and Europe, positioning themselves as a global brand‑builder and marketing powerhouse. Their influence has been amplified by a network of international scouts and a sophisticated social‑media strategy.

What the Rumor Is About

According to HoopsHype, the conflict began when Highkin entered negotiations with a handful of Raj Sports’ players—most notably the 24‑year‑old shooting guard Caleb “Cal” Davis, who had recently become a free‑agent after a successful stint in the G‑League. Highkin allegedly offered Davis a contract with a higher base salary and more flexible buyout terms, coupled with a promise of exclusive marketing deals that would tap into the Cherng’s global fan‑base.

Highkin’s offer was perceived by Raj Sports as a direct challenge to their authority over their own clients. In response, Raj Sports reportedly pulled back from certain negotiations, citing a breach of their long‑standing partnership agreements with the Cherng. The Cherng, already looking to expand their NBA footprint, found themselves at a crossroads: they could either back the agency’s decision to pull out or side with Highkin and take a more independent route with their roster.

Industry Reaction

Players who have remained neutral in the conflict have expressed concern about the potential legal implications. Many agents warn that if Raj Sports can prove that they had exclusive representation agreements with players, Highkin’s approach might breach those contracts. Conversely, some argue that the agents’ willingness to pursue higher payouts and better marketing opportunities may be a sign of a broader shift toward more client‑centric representation.

Former NBA commissioner Adam Silver has reportedly requested a meeting with all parties to ensure that any renegotiations do not violate the league’s rules. “We have to make sure that every contract and representation agreement is in line with the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement,” Silver said in a statement. “We also want to protect players’ rights to choose the best representation.”

Potential Ripple Effects

If Highkin’s deal goes through, it could pave the way for more players to move away from established agencies like Raj Sports in favor of newer, more dynamic firms that promise aggressive marketing and higher base salaries. On the other hand, if Raj Sports enforces its existing contracts, the league may see a reinforcement of the status quo, with fewer players seeking new representation.

The Cherng’s role in this drama cannot be understated. Their unique global marketing approach—leveraging influencers in Asia, Latin America, and Africa—could give players a worldwide platform that traditional agencies often lack. The stakes are high, as the success of this alliance could set a new precedent for how NBA players are represented in an increasingly global market.

What to Watch For

• Official Statements – Both Raj Sports and the Cherng are expected to release press statements within the next week. Any legal language that clarifies contract obligations will be crucial.
• Player Moves – If any high‑profile players announce a switch of representation, it could signal which side ultimately wins the conflict.
• NBA Regulatory Actions – The league’s governing body may need to step in if any contractual disputes violate CBA provisions.

While the rumor mill continues to churn, one thing is clear: the dynamics between agents, agencies, and the players they represent are evolving faster than ever. Whether Sean Highkin’s bold maneuver will succeed, or whether Raj Sports and the Cherng will find a new equilibrium, remains to be seen. The coming weeks will be critical for the NBA’s representation ecosystem, potentially reshaping how talent is marketed, negotiated, and ultimately represented on the court.