Capital Buzz: Uber-agent David Falk gets into the sports game from a different angle

David Falk, the D.C. sports agent best known for representing Michael Jordan, is back in the news.

Falk has teamed with two local tech moguls, Alan Hayman and Paul Armstrong, to launch McLean-based XCO SportsLink, which produces smartphone software for the sports world.

"For me, it's not so much selling the technology," said Falk, 59, who joined the company in March. "I'm trying to marry people I know in the sports world with Alan and Paul."

Hayman, 57, and Armstrong, 51, made their fortunes at Micros Systems, a Columbia-based company that provides cash register software to the hospitality industry. They retired around four years ago, but decided to start XCO last year.

XCO's applications are being marketed to sports teams to help them connect to their followers, enabling teams' followers to check on their favorite player's statistics, injury reports and team trivia or to get merchandise and food specials in the arena or stadium where they are sitting.

Customer so far include the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers, NASCAR driver Bobby Labonte and several minor league baseball teams, including the Fort Myers Miracle and St. Paul Saints.

Falk said he met Hayman and Armstrong through Washington businessman Bruce Levenson, who owns the Thrashers and the NBA's Atlanta Hawks.

Hayman said Falk has an option to become an equity partner in XCO. District Photo chief executive Neil Cohen has also invested in XCO, he said.

After selling his firm, FAME, in 1998 to SFX, Falk has run an ultra-boutique sports agency in the District. Last month, he represented the number two (Ohio State star Evan Turner) and number seven (Georgetown forward-center Greg Monroe) selections in the 2010 NBA draft.

"In today's environment, there's not a lot left that's intellectually stimulating to be a player agent," Falk said. "I am trying to do things that challenge me."

LAYING SEED IN PORTUGAL

Georgetown real estate titan Anthony Lanier phoned The Buzz after flying in last week from Portugal, where he is redeveloping a $50 million mash of buildings along Lisbon's "Hill of Princes."