PRESS RELEASE: Legends Launches New Growth Enterprises Division

Focus on Leveraging Integrated 360-Degree Solution for High-Growth Sports and Entertainment Properties, Attractions, Events and Platforms

Acquisition of Maestroe Sports & Entertainment Fuels New Division

Legends, a global premium experiences company, today announced the launch of Legends Growth Enterprises, a new business unit focused on leveraging the company’s intelligence-fueled 360-degree service solution to support sports and entertainment properties, attractions, events and platforms positioned for accelerated growth.

Legends Growth Enterprises will bring a unique and differentiated approach to supporting high-growth ventures backed by the company’s industry leading service divisions – Global Planning, Global Sales, Global Partnerships, Hospitality, Global Merchandise and Global Technology Solutions. Legends Global Technology Solutions division, which recently expanded its robust technology, analytics and digital service offerings with the acquisition of 4FRONT, will play a key role providing actionable insights to help drive revenue for Legends Growth Enterprises clients. In addition, Legends Growth Enterprises will provide broadcast and media rights partnership support for clients.

To accelerate the launch of the new division, Legends has acquired Maestroe Sports & Entertainment, an agency focused on emerging sports and entertainment property development, sponsorship, global growth strategies and revenue creation for fast-growing sports and entertainment properties and platforms.

“The launch of Legends Growth Enterprises, and acquisition of Maestroe Sports & Entertainment, is a natural progression of the work we are already doing in this space using data and insights to deliver our innovative and impactful solutions to drive business and accelerate expansion for sports and entertainment ventures that are at a high-growth stage,” said Shervin Mirhashemi, CEO, Legends.

Sports and entertainment industry veteran Gabby Roe, founder and President of Maestroe Sports & Entertainment, will join Legends as President of Legends Growth Enterprises. Roe has more than 30 years of experience in high-growth ventures including at Beach Soccer Company, Major League Lacrosse, Pro Beach Volleyball and ASA Entertainment.

“High-growth sports and entertainment properties are gaining an ever-stronger foothold within the industry, delivering top entertainment to fans and terrific returns to participants and owners,” said Roe. “We see these properties as the ‘tech stocks of the sports and entertainment industry’ and are proud to continue to be the flag bearer for this attractive segment of the industry. We could not be more excited to now be a part of Legends whose global resources and expertise will bolster the growth and create even more value for all aligned properties.”

Added Mike Tomon, Co-President and COO, Legends: “The sports and entertainment landscape is expanding and evolving at a rapid pace. We are excited to bolster our expertise with the addition of Gabby and his team and their successful track record of building, operating and driving revenue for high-growth ventures. Legends will continue to leverage its entire global platform and provide the operational capabilities, as well as strategic capital, to help propel emerging sports and entertainment properties to next level growth and success.”

The launch of Legends Growth Enterprises is part of the continued growth of Legends. In January 2022 the company announced the acquisition of 4FRONT, a global data and analytics, innovation, and digital media agency, that now operates as part of Legends Global Technology Solutions division, building on Legends’ expertise in data consulting and digital activation.

PRESS RELEASE: Legends Acquires 4FRONT

Josh Kritzler and Dan Migala Named Co-Presidents  of Legends Global Technology Solutions

 

Legends announced today the acquisition of 4FRONT, a global data and analytics, innovation, and digital media agency. 4FRONT will retain its company name and operate as part of Legends Global Technology Solutions division, building on Legends’ expertise in data consulting and digital activation. Co-founders Josh Kritzler and Dan Migala will now oversee Legends Global Technology Solutions. Kritzler will serve as Co-President and Chief Operating Officer and Migala will be Co-President and Chief Revenue Officer of the division.

 

“Legends provides a holistic solution for clients that is powered by data and analytics,” said Shervin Mirhashemi, CEO, Legends. “4FRONT has developed a strong position as a leader in data driven solutions and delivery of actionable insights that drive increased revenues and enhanced experiences. With 4FRONT joining our Global Technology Solutions portfolio, we are further amplifying our already robust technology, analytics and digital service offerings for all our clients across Legends’ integrated 360-degree service solution platform.”

4FRONT was founded in 2007 and over the last 15 years has grown to become an innovation-fueled sports and entertainment marketing company working with organizations, properties, teams and leagues around the globe. The company is focused on using its actionable insights and data-driven solutions to drive revenue for a global roster of clients, which has included Chelsea FC, Chicago Bears, Cricket Australia, Colorado Rapids, Evil Geniuses, Minnesota Wild, NCAA, New York Mets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Space Center Houston and UFC.

 

“We have collaborated with the team at 4FRONT on several clients over the years and always been impressed with their innovative, data-driven approach,” said Mike Tomon, Co-President and COO, Legends. “Josh and Dan have built a company that not only delivers results for properties around the globe, but also is full of creative, forward-thinking people that love what they do. With Josh and Dan’s leadership, we will continue to invest in and expand Legends Global Technology Solutions to further enrich the services and experience we provide clients.”

Added Kritzler: “4FRONT’s growth is born out of a world-class team of incredibly passionate people that has fueled our culture and it’s fitting that the origin of this partnership is the chemistry of our team and the Legends team. As we start this new chapter, this connection will be the heartbeat to the growth of our company and the personal development opportunities for our team as we ignite Legends’ 360-degree platform.”

Migala further stated: “4FRONT has been on the frontline of helping world-class organizations embrace an innovative mindset through our suite of analytics, digital and technology solutions. This new partnership with Legends will allow us to provide the industry with an unprecedented solution to drive results from actionable insights.”

Legends Global Technology Solutions is an industry leading sports and entertainment digital, technology and experiential advisory with the deepest experience in some of the largest, most complex projects in the world of sports and entertainment. The division is keenly focused on the digital space of technology, analytics, and data services, and curating the latest innovations in the world. They work to enable value and revenue for clients through technology by leveraging data and analytics, insights, innovation, and digital solutions. Integrated across all of Legends’ 360-degree platform of services and its clients, Legends Global Technology Solutions offers tech-forward solutions and actionable insights to help solve any problem.

 

Migala has worked for or advised virtually every level of sports franchises throughout his career. This includes organizations in MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, NCAA, MLS, the LPGA, Cricket Australia, New Zealand Rugby and more on issues related to marketing, non-traditional revenue generation, sponsorship, technology, ticket sales and using analytics to drive revenue growth.

 

Kritzler’s business pursuits as an entrepreneur and sponsorship executive have taken him to the Green Monster, Melbourne Cricket Ground and the pits of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Prior to launching 4FRONT, he was a founder of InStadium, a Chicago-based alternative sports media company. Leading a national team of sponsorship executives, Kritzler secured media rights to more than 25 MLB and NFL stadiums; including Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium and Dodger Stadium.

PRESS RELEASE: DIRECTV to Present The Chairman’s Party At SoFi Stadium, With Special Performance By 8-Time Grammy Winner Usher, On The BET Stage

Anticipated Invite-Only Celebration to Take Place Immediately Following

NFL Honors Show Inside SoFi Stadium on Thursday, February 10

 

The Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC) announced today that DIRECTV will serve as Presenting Sponsor of The Chairman’s Party, the exclusive after-party following the NFL Honors Show inside SoFi Stadium at The Canyons, an open-air location within the SoFi Stadium footprint. The invitation-only celebration on Thursday, February 10 will include a special performance by eight-time Grammy winner Usher on the BET Network Stage.

 

The Chairman’s Party will be the most exclusive event of Super Bowl weekend, with a star-studded invitation list that includes current sports icons, Hollywood celebrities, Pro Football Hall of Famers, and NFL team owners. Guests will enter SoFi Stadium via the DIRECTV “Blue Carpet” and receive an early look at the site of Super Bowl LVI. Once inside guests will enjoy creative food and drink offerings and photo opportunities near the SoFi Stadium field.

 

“We look forward to welcoming fans to Los Angeles and officially kicking off Super Bowl weekend with the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission at The Chairman’s Party Presented by DIRECTV,” said Bill Morrow, CEO, DIRECTV. “Our company has been synonymous with world-class Super Bowl festivities in years past, and this event will continue that long tradition.”

 

One of the world’s most successful artists in recent decades, Usher has earned some of the music industry’s top accolades. He has been nominated for more than 600 awards, winning 320 of them, including eight Grammys; 18 Billboard Music Awards; and nine American Music Awards. Usher has sold more than 43 million albums worldwide, repeatedly earning Diamond, Multi-Platinum and Platinum status. He has had 18 Billboard Top 10 singles, including nine No. 1 singles. He recently served as a coach on TV’s No. 1 reality competition, NBC’s “The Voice,” as well delivering a sold-out residency in Las Vegas.

 

“The Chairman’s Party Presented by DIRECTV is a culmination of hard work and perseverance on behalf of all the Super Bowl stakeholders. We appreciate the artists and other supporters who are contributing the success of the weekend,” said Casey Wasserman, Chairman, Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee.

 

In addition to the announcement of The Chairman’s Party presented by DIRECTV, as an extension of the Super Bowl LVI Legacy Program, DIRECTV will award one of the 56 community organizations an additional $25,000 grant award, for the tremendous work they are doing in the community. Two additional organizations, also focused on empowering youth through storytelling, will receive $5,000 each.

 

“Thanks to the support of DIRECTV, we are excited to host the official post-NFL Honors party at SoFi Stadium and give our guests an exclusive kickoff to Super Bowl weekend,” said Kathryn Schloessman, President & CEO, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. “The Chairman’s Party presented by DIRECTV, will celebrate the return of Super Bowl to the Los Angeles region, for the first time in nearly 30 years, and shine a light on a deserving Super Bowl LVI Legacy organization with the DIRECTVxChampionLA Award.”

 

Additional upcoming events supported by LASEC and ChampionLA include the 2022 MLB All-Star Game, 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship, 123rd U.S. Open Championship, 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball West Region Championship, 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, and the 2028 Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games. Los Angeles is also a Candidate Host City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

 

Legends Global Partnerships division represented LASEC in establishing this strategic relationship with DIRECTV.

PRESS RELEASE: SDSU and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Announce Agreement of Naming Rights for New Stadium

The SDSU Mission Valley stadium will be called Snapdragon Stadium

As announced today, San Diego State University’s new stadium, part of the expansive SDSU Mission Valley development, has a new name —  Snapdragon Stadium. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has entered into a long-term agreement, securing exclusive naming rights to the new, one-of-a-kind venue.  The agreement will now go to the California State University Board of Trustees for formal approval.

Snapdragon is Qualcomm Technologies’ premier mobile platform brand. It represents a family of technology platforms that bring intelligence and connectivity to smartphones, wearables, always-connected PCs, XR headsets, gaming devices and cars. The SnapdragonÂŽ platforms are designed to deliver premium performance and immersive experiences to the user. 

Come opening day fall 2022, San Diego sports fans will welcome the world-class, Snapdragon Stadium, designed to meet the needs of the entire San Diego community. With the implementation of 5G within the stadium, Snapdragon Stadium is intended to be an embodiment of real, impactful examples of a world where everyone and everything is intelligently connected.

The $45M deal, structured as a 15-year, $3 million per year agreement, marks a new, yet nostalgic era in the San Diego sports story, as two San Diego institutions, with a shared commitment to serving the greater San Diego community, come together. 

“We are thrilled to have secured the exclusive naming rights to San Diego State University’s new stadium, Snapdragon Stadium. Snapdragon stands for premium experiences and leading-edge performance, which is what fans can expect from this new state-of-the-art venue,” said Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated. “This is just the first phase of an expansive relationship between Qualcomm Technologies and San Diego State University as we look to support their broad digital transformation that will include the Stadium, the upcoming Innovation District, and smart campus enhancements across their campuses. This agreement is the reflection of our mutual dedication to our local San Diego community.”

“Qualcomm is well-recognized and respected not only here in San Diego, but globally,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. “Our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies represents a shared vision for a fully smart stadium — the cornerstone to what will be a one-of-a-kind smart campus — which will enrich, educate, and empower those we serve here locally and around the world.”

Located in Mission Valley, the heart of San Diego, the new state-of-the-art venue will not only provide a year-round hub of entertainment and community engagement, but also serve as a welcomed home for SDSU athletics and a gathering place for the broader San Diego region.

“Partnering with Qualcomm on Snapdragon Stadium continues our push for creating a world class stadium experience for the entire San Diego community,” said SDSU Athletic Director JD Wicker.  “Our growing relationship will allow us to leverage the best-in-class technological advances of Qualcomm to create superior fan experiences no matter the event” Wicker continued.  “This is another example related to the SDSU Mission Valley development of community investing in community.”

SDSU first broke ground on the Mission Valley stadium site in August 2020. The momentous occasion celebrated taking ownership of the site and marked the first step in SDSU Mission Valley’s development.

Snapdragon Stadium is on schedule to be completed by Sept. 3, 2022 when the SDSU Aztec football team is scheduled to play the University of Arizona Wildcats in the season home opener.

SDSU Athletics was represented by JMI Sports and Legends, which sourced and helped negotiate the agreement.

The 2021 Class of Forty Under 40 – Scott Aronsky

Via Sports Business Journal

The individuals selected for Sports Business Journal’s 22nd class of Forty Under 40 are not afraid to go big, whether it’s a blockbuster media rights deal, the launch of a bold new product, the opening of a dynamic stadium or a career move that opens new doors to success. They are not afraid to take risks, and the organizations across the sports business that they represent have benefited from their accomplishments.

SBJ, along with presenting partners Anheuser-Busch, MGM Resorts and TurnkeyZRG, are pleased to announce our annual list of 40 executives who will be recognized for excellence and innovation in their careers, all before the age of 40.  

Over the past four months, an editorial committee has reviewed, studied and discussed more than 400 nominees, resulting in the 40 named for the class of 2021. The committee considered career achievements; entrepreneurial zeal; best-in-class approach and technique; innovative practices that others follow; and leadership and impact within their organization and in their community.

One of the honorees, Charlotte FC President Nick Kelly, joins SBJ’s Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame as a three-time selection to the list. Kelly, who was vice president of partnerships, beer culture and community at Anheuser-Busch InBev before joining the MLS expansion club in February, was a member of the 2017 and 2020 Forty Under 40 classes.

All 40 executives will be featured in the June 28 issue of Sports Business Journal, where we will tell the stories of their career paths and successes. They also will be honored in-person at the Forty Under 40 gala tentatively scheduled for November in New York City. The 2020 Forty Under 40 class, whose awards ceremony in March 2020 was postponed by the coronavirus pandemic, also will be recognized that night.

Forty Under 40 Class of 2021

Scott Aronsky, Legends

Chara-Lynn Aguiar, ESPN

Will Ahmed, Whoop

Naz Aletaha, Riot Games

Jonathan Amoona, Winston & Strawn 

Chris Armstrong, Wasserman

Nana-Yaw Asamoah, National Football League

J Batt, University of Alabama 

Tim Bezbatchenko, Columbus Crew SC

Shelly Cayette, Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 

Kyle Charters, Inner Circle Sports

Seth Cole, Turner Sports

Will Deng, National Football League

Brandon Doll, Las Vegas Raiders

Jayar Donlan, WWE

Stuart Duguid, IMG

Logan Gerken, Mortenson

Jason Glushon, Glushon Sports Management

Hannah Gordon, San Francisco 49ers

David Haber, National Basketball Association 

Nick Kelly, Charlotte FC

Matt Kramer, Creative Artists Agency

Jason Krochak, Proskauer 

Aaron LeValley, LA Kings and AEG Sports

TJ Lynch, Allied Sports

Jason Miller, Excel Sports Management

Evan Parker, The Athletic 

Ryan Petkoff, Hunt Sports Group

Paul Rabil, Premier Lacrosse League

Gabriel Rose, CBS Sports Digital

Casey Schwab, Altius Sports Partners

Michael Shane, Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo Center

Carrie Skillman, Scout Sports and Entertainment 

Jason Sondag, Chicago Cubs

Ania Sponaski, GMR Marketing

Malaika Underwood, OneTeam Partners

Scott Warfield, PGA Tour 

Zack Weiner, Overtime

Jarod Were, National Hockey League

Meka White Morris, Tappit

Legends Wins Best in Property Consulting, Sales & Client Services

Via Sports Business Journal’s 2020 SBJ Awards

Here is the full list of tonight’s winners:  

• Best in Property Consulting, Sales and Client Services: Legends

• Best in Digital Sports Media: Bleacher Report

• Best in Mobile Fan Experience: The Masters Tournament App, produced by Augusta National and IBM  

• Best in Sports Social Media: Louisiana State University  

• Best in Sports Technology: Mixed Reality Baltimore Raven

• Best in Sports Media: CBS Sports

• Sports Event of the Year: 2019 NFL Draft

• Sports Breakthrough of the Year: Premier Lacrosse League  

• Sports Sponsor of the Year: Visa

• Athletic Director of the Year: Scott Stricklin, University of Florida

• Best in Sports Event and Experiential Marketing: Bespoke Sports & Entertainment  

• Best in Talent Representation: Wasserman

• Best in Corporate Consulting, Marketing and Client Services: Octagon  

• Sports Facility of the Year: Chase Center

• Sports Team of the Year: St. Louis Blues

• Sports League of the Year: Major League Soccer

• Sports Executive of the Year: Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN  

• Celebration of Service Award: Team IMPACT

• Lifetime Achievement: Larry Tanenbaum

The 2020 Class of Forty Under 40 – Mike Behan

Via SportsBusiness Journal

Sports Business Journal begins its third decade of honoring 40 executives under the age of 40 who are excelling in their field of sports business. From teams and leagues, to agencies and brands, to player representation, media, facility design and development, these executives represent fresh and innovative approaches across all sectors of the industry.

The class includes the first Forty Under 40 honorees from a number of organizations, including two leagues, the WNBA and the NBA G League.

Two of the honorees — Nick Kelly of Anheuser-Busch InBev and ESPN’s Ryan Spoon — were previously named to the 2018 class of Forty Under 40.

All 40 executives will be featured in the March 16 issue of Sports Business Journal, where we will tell the stories of their career paths and successes. They also will be honored at our annual Forty Under 40 gala, March 26, at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, Calif. That event comes at the conclusion of the annual CAA World Congress of Sports, March 25-26.

Michael Behan, Legends

TJ Adeshola, Twitter

Whit Albohm, Fox Sports

Nic Barlage, Cleveland Cavaliers / Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Gabe Braselton, Populous

Austin Brown, CAA Sports

Nate Checketts, Rhone

Arjun Chowdri, PGA of America

Ishwara Glassman Chrein, Verizon Media / Yahoo Sports

Ahron Cohen, Arizona Coyotes

Wes Day, Teall Capital Partners

Bethany Donaphin, WNBA

Michael Fedele, BodyArmor

Geoff Garmhausen, Lagardère Sports 

Jessie Giordano, GMR Marketing

Adam Grossman, Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports Management

Ben Gumpert, Sacramento Republic FC

Brian Herbst, NASCAR

David Jurenka, National Football League

Nick Kelly, Anheuser-Busch InBev

Akshay Khanna, StubHub

Francesca Leiweke-Bodie, Oak View Group

Joe Maczko, National Basketball Association

Andrea Marini, Deltatre

Joseph Markowski, DAZN

Zach Maurides, Teamworks

Maura McGreevy, IMG

Jared Merrell, Optimum Sports

Tanja Olano, LA 2028

Melissa Proctor, Atlanta Hawks / State Farm Arena

Uzma Rawn, Major League Baseball

Neema Sahni, Covington & Burling

Brent Schoeb, San Francisco 49ers

Adam Schwartz, Horizon Media

Russell Scibetti, New York Giants

Ari Segal, Immortals Gaming Club

Ryan Spoon, ESPN

Jared Stacy, Amazon

Benjamin Tario, Atlantic Coast Conference

Shelly Wilkes, Lakeland Magic

Shelby Jordan Named Forty Under 40, Class of 2019, by SportsBusiness Journal

via SportsBusiness Journal

 

Shelby Jordan is an L.A. kind of guy. He grew up there and went to USC, where he played basketball.

 

And like other Hollywood stories, Jordan got his big break there.

 

“One of my dad’s good friends took me to a Lakers game, and we are sitting out on City View Terrace [restaurant] and he’s all like ‘I want to introduce you to somebody.’ It was Tim Leiweke,” said Jordan of the meeting in 2000 when he was a senior in college and realizing his basketball playing days were winding down.

 

After a little online research, Jordan learned that Leiweke was president and CEO of AEG at the time. “I literally peppered his assistant for the better part of three or four months. Phone calls, emails,” Jordan said.

 

That persistence turned into a meeting and a job with AEG.

 

Jordan shares a name with his father, a former NFL offensive lineman who won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Raiders and taught him the importance of humility and how success and personal development are enabled by others.

 

“At the end you may accomplish something, you may do something but usually not just because of you,” he said. “Someone along the way has helped you.”

 

While at AEG, Jordan worked on project management, financing and development of Dignity Health Sports Park, New York’s PlayStation Theater and hotel, entertainment, residential and other components of L.A. Live.

 

He moved to Legends in 2017 and was a senior project manager for LAFC’s $350 million Banc of California Stadium. He has been consulting on the new $150 million Class AAA baseball stadium in Las Vegas. It’s those L.A. projects and their economic impacts that appeal to Jordan.

 

“I’m doing something in my own backyard,” he said. “That’s really easy to get up and get motivated on a daily basis.”