Finkel Joins The Empire

Longtime boxing manager Shelly Finkel is returning to his roots in the music business by joining The Empire Sports and Entertainment.

Finkel has been named CEO of the company primarily involved in boxing promotion but looking to expand into the entertainment industry promoting concerts, festivals, pay-per-view and other events, according to a statement.

Finkel’s lengthy industry history began when he and Jim Koplik, now Live Nation Chairman Northeast, went from friendly competitors to partners in 1972. They went on to book concerts for many top artists over the years. The 1973 SummerJam at Watkins Glen, N.Y., which the two produced, reportedly drew about 600,000 fans and is described as the template for all outdoor summer concerts that is still in use today.

The fact that Koplik and Finkel are back to being friendly competitors hasn’t changed a thing.

“Shelly and I are still brothers. We speak all the time and I had lunch with him last week,” Koplik told Pollstar. “ We were also successful as partners. I’m sure if there’s an opportunity for us to work together, we will.”