NEW YORK (AP) - Alex Rodriguez signed another big-league contract, joining the William Morris Agency in an attempt to extend his brand beyond the baseball diamond.

The New York Yankees slugger signed with the powerhouse talent agency in Beverly Hills, Calif., according to published reports Tuesday. The deal was completed this month and set up by Rodriguez's manager, Guy Oseary, a music business mogul who has worked closely with William Morris. "Partnering with William Morris will enable me to broaden the scope of my career in creative and innovative ways," Rodriguez said in a statement in The Wall Street Journal. "I'm excited to see what we will be able to accomplish together, both domestically and abroad."

Dwyane Wade, Serena Williams and Kevin Garnett are among the star athletes handled by William Morris, whose client list includes some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and business. Among the entertainers it represents are Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.

Rodriguez's decision to join William Morris comes at a time when he is now a staple of celebrity gossip. His wife has filed for divorce and his relationship with Madonna has generated blaring tabloid headlines and daily fodder for talk-show radio.

The 32-year-old third baseman has 538 home runs and is on pace to pass Barry Bonds on the career list. He is drawing a major league-high $27 million salary this year and last December signed a record $275 million, 10-year contract with New York. The deal that allows him to make up to $305 million if he reaches certain milestones.

-More A-Rod News

© 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.