Category: News

The 2023 BNP Paribas Open achieved record-breaking retail sales in the first year under operations by global premium experiences company Legends. Tournament attendees were excited by the enhanced on-site retail experience and expanded product offerings at the tournament, which ran from March 6-19 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Overall spanning 14 days, merchandise revenue was 55% higher than last year and marked a tournament record. 

“We are thrilled at the response 2023 BNP Paribas Open attendees had to the revamped retail experience and expanded merchandise offerings our Legends Global Merchandise team was able to provide this year,” said Kirta Carroll, President, Legends Global Merchandise. “Our team is excited to continue evolving and growing the retail presence to give attendees the ultimate shopping experience in Tennis Paradise.”

Announced in December 2022, Legends is the official on-site merchandise provider for the BNP Paribas Open. For the 2023 tournament, Legends constructed an expansive retail shop spanning 25,000 square feet featuring the largest collection of BNP Paribas Open and tennis merchandise in the history of the tournament. Over 1,000 items from more than 40 brands and vendors were available for fans of all ages. 

Click the following link to view a video of the Tennis Paradise Shop at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open: https://youtu.be/2L68f4vPSfw

Legends’ fully integrated retail and merchandising vertical solution works with world-class clients around the globe across e-commerce, in-venue retail, large scale live event, brick and mortar store operations, licensing, and customer merchandise. This includes vast experience developing and operating on-site retail at some of the world’s largest sporting events and premier venues including the Super Bowl, PGA Championship, SoFi Stadium and more.

Legends Golf to Spearhead Go-To-Market Strategy and Sales Execution
for the PGA of America in New Partnership

The PGA of America today announced a partnership with Legends, a data-intelligence fueled global premium experiences company, to drive innovation and growth in the golf industry. Legends Golf, a division of Legends that leverages the company’s holistic services for partners in the golf industry, will lead the partnership and be responsible for driving innovative sponsorships, as well as delivering unparalleled experiences and value to PGA of America fans and partners around the world.  

Legends Golf will utilize the expertise of the Legends Global Partnerships team in selling partnerships for PGA of America, an organization dedicated to helping its nearly 28,000 PGA Members grow interest and participation in the game of golf. This includes high-profile events, such as the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, as well as amateur championships. In addition, Legends will support partnership sales for PGA Frisco, which hosts the new “Home of the PGA of America,” and an expansive surrounding entertainment district and golf courses.

Through this partnership, the PGA of America aims to reach new heights in its go-to-market strategy and sales execution, working closely with Legends Golf to transform the golf industry and engage fans worldwide.

“This expanded partnership with Legends Golf further positions the PGA of America to align with new, best-of-class partners for our championships, grassroots initiatives and PGA Frisco,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “The opportunity we will have to expand our reach across the world to new partners through this relationship will enable us to reach new audiences and elevate the PGA Member, as well as the game of golf.”

“PGA of America has been an important partner for Legends since 2021, and we are excited to expand our relationship and continue working together to drive the golf industry into a new era,” said Kevin Ring, President, Legends Golf. “Together, we look forward to building innovative, impactful partnerships that showcase PGA of America’s incredible events and facilities and enhance the overall golf experience for fans around the world.”

Launched in 2022, Legends Golf provides the premium experiences company’s comprehensive 360-degree service solution to support leading organizations, events and brands in the golf industry globally. Legends Golf currently also works with PGA of America overseeing on-site, online, licensing and corporate merchandising for the PGA’s spectator championships. In addition, Legends Golf’s notable list of world-class golf industry clients includes Ryder Cup, USGA for the 2023 U.S. Open, and DP World Tour. 

Legends Global Merchandise Has Served as the Official Retail Partner of

INDYCAR and IMS Since 2014

INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) have renewed their multiyear agreement with Legends to serve as their official retail partner inclusive of e-commerce, brick and mortar store operations and live events. As part of the extended relationship, Legends is increasing its investment and commitment to fans of both entities with new and expanded merchandise offerings, store upgrades and a new traveling INDYCAR store.

Legends Global Merchandise, a division of global premium experiences company Legends, has served as the official retail partner of INDYCAR and IMS since 2014. The company operates over 50 stores on-site at IMS during the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Month of May, a year-round store at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, a walk-in store that travels to all NTT INDYCAR SERIES event weekends and the online retail shop for INDYCAR and IMS.

Since taking over operations in 2014, Legends has helped INDYCAR and IMS achieve record-breaking sales and revenue for retail. This includes more than doubling retail revenue for INDYCAR, Indianapolis 500 and at shop.ims.com, as well as an over 50% increase in overall revenue for IMS at venue.

“The extension of this partnership with Legends is great news for our loyal fans,” Mark Miles, President  and CEO of Penske Entertainment said. “Our retail offerings have increased in quality and quantity over the last eight years with Legends, and we will work together to provide an even wider variety of all categories of apparel and collectibles in the years to come.”

Legends is deepening its partnership with INDYCAR and IMS by investing in an all-new traveling INDYCAR store, modernizing the seasonal and year-round stores at IMS, and hiring additional staff as the popularity of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT by Firestone and IMS events continues to grow.

In addition, Legends will continue to expand retail offerings, adding a wider assortment of products and new brands, including Holderness & Borne, Tommy Bahama, Levelwear, Johnnie O, Columbia, Zephyr, Blue 84 and more. A new, enhanced INDYCAR and IMS online store will also launch in March.

“INDYCAR and IMS have incredible fans that Legends has proudly served since 2014 and we are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with both entities,” said Kirta Carroll, President, Legends Global Merchandise. “We are always looking to work with our partners to find new and exciting ways to connect with their consumers. The new traveling INDYCAR store and modernization of the retail shops will provide an elevated experience for fans that we are excited to unveil in the next year.”

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDYNXT by Firestone seasons start March 3-5 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at St. Petersburg, Florida. The Month of May at IMS features the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix on Friday, May 12, the GMR Grand Prix for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES on Saturday, May 13 and the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 28.

Fans also can shop for INDYCAR and IMS gear any time at shop.ims.com.

Overall Merchandise Sales up 14% from Last Year and 30% from Super Bowl XLIX in Arizona 

NFL Shops Score 38% Increase from Last Year in Weeklong Pregame Sales 

Legends, a global premium experiences company, today announced increased merchandise sales for Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona and NFL Shops around town the week leading up to the game. Overall merchandise sales were up 14% from last year and 30% from Super Bowl XLIX in Arizona. Legends is partnered with the NFL to execute on-site retail for the Super Bowl and other NFL tentpole events. 

Fans turned up big in advance of the big game in Arizona with a 38% overall year-over-year increase in sales during the weeklong lead in across all NFL Shops in town. The NFL Shop presented by Visa at Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center outperformed last year’s main Super Bowl Experience store by 36%. This marks the second highest ever merchandise sales at Super Bowl Experience, behind Super Bowl 50, which was open for an extended eight days compared to seven days this year. Super Bowl retail pop-up and hotel locations throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale and Old Towne saw a 44% increase in merchandise sales over 2021 in Los Angeles. 

The merchandise per cap for Super Bowl LVII game day sales at State Farm Stadium saw a 31% increase over the last Super Bowl in Glendale in 2015. There were 36 merchandise locations inside State Farm Stadium and 10 portable retail trailers outside the stadium. 

“Legends is proud to have partnered with the NFL to give fans an exceptional experience and wide array of products for Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium and NFL Shops throughout the surrounding area,” said Kirta Carroll, President, Legends Global Merchandise. “As the NFL continues to enhance and expand the pregame experience and events the week leading up to Super Bowl, we are seeing more fans buy merchandise in advance at our NFL Shops around town to wear game day. We expect this trend to continue and look forward to expanding our footprint further next year to provide fans even easier access to the Super Bowl gear they want in advance of the game.” 

Legends was the NFL’s official retail merchandise concessionaire for Super Bowl LVII, with more than 600 employees working to provide a first-class experience for fans across all Super Bowl merchandise operations. The NFL Shop presented by Visa at the Super Bowl Experience was open for one week from Saturday, February 4 through Saturday, February 11 and covered 30,000 square feet. The store offered the largest collection of Super Bowl merchandise anywhere, with 1,000 styles available for fans of all ages, including offerings from more than 30 different licensees with the majority of the product mix being exclusive. In addition to the main NFL Shop presented by Visa, there was an NFL Shop at Super Bowl Experience in Hance Park, six pop-up locations around Phoenix, Scottsdale and Old Towne and 35 hotels carrying merchandise, all operated by Legends. 

Legends manages on-site retail at NFL tentpole events, including the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl Games, NFL Draft and NFL Combine. In addition, Legends operates the NFL Las Vegas presented by Visa, an innovative NFL-themed store located in the renowned Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Legends Hospitality Commits $3.2 Million Capital Investment Into The Loeb Boathouse, Along With $250,000 for Structural Maintenance Improvements 

Iconic Central Park Venue Hopefully Will Open to New Yorkers and Visitors This Summer

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue today announced that the city has selected Legends Hospitality as its new operator for the iconic Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, for a 10-year term. If approved by the Franchise & Concession Review Committee (FCRC), the iconic venue will reopen to the public this summer.

“The Central Park Boathouse has been a landmark for generations of New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams.“When it closed last year, many worried about its future, but our administration moved quickly to keep this piece of New York City history alive. Thanks to the fast work of NYC Parks, we’ve selected a new operator so the Boathouse can come back better than ever, ensuring tourists and New Yorkers alike can enjoy this beautiful space and scenery once again.”

“The Central Park Boathouse is a treasured space not only for the Manhattan community but everyone living in and visiting the city. It’s a beautiful building that has created countless memories for its visitors,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “This administration has worked hard to ensure that new management was selected to reopen and manage the Boathouse in time for the summer season. I’m excited for Legends to reopen the Boathouse this summer and very appreciative of the Parks team that works tirelessly to ‘Get Stuff Done.’”

“Central Park’s Loeb Boathouse is a landmark venue that has delighted New Yorkers and visitors to our city for more than 70 years,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We are thrilled that the Boathouse will soon reopen under the expert management of Legends Hospitality, and we look forward to working with them as they steward this beloved park treasure.”

“Legends is honored to be selected by NYC Parks to operate the iconic Loeb Boathouse in Central Park,” said Dan Smith, president, Legends Hospitality. “We proudly serve as stewards of legendary brands around the globe and are committed to making the Loeb Boathouse a dining destination that provides memorable experiences for visitors and locals for years to come.”

First initially opened more than 150 years ago, The Loeb Boathouse shut down on December 31, 2022. In August 2022, NYC Parks launched a competitive-negotiated concession process in which operators were invited to submit their plans and interest in operating, renovating, and maintaining a high-quality restaurant, snack bar, and rowboat rental at The Loeb Boathouse. After engaging with all interested parties, NYC Parks selected Legends Hospitality to operate the site. In accordance with the competitive negotiated process, NYC Parks’ license agreement with Legends Hospitality will go before the city’s FCRC for a public hearing on March 3, 2023. If approved, the Boathouse could be open as early as summer of 2023.

As part of their agreement, Legends Hospitality has committed to a $3,250,000 capital investment into The Loeb Boathouse, along with $250,000 for structural maintenance improvements. The company is planning a complete refresh of the menus at the Boathouse, including collaborations with iconic chefs, and an overhaul of the boat rental program, with added credit card payment acceptance and an online booking system. Their restoration plans also include renovating and expanding public restrooms, connecting the upper and lower outdoor dining patios and upgrading patio service, upgrading the building systems to be more efficient and sustainable, and fostering improvements to the outdoor bar to open up views from the pathways to the pond.

Legends Hospitality is a division of global premium experiences company Legends. Within New York City, they currently operate at One World Observatory, Yankee Stadium, the Intrepid, Circle Line, and Oculus Beer Garden. Legends’ past projects, current portfolio, and financial capacity will enable the company to carry out all aspects of the license agreement and provide a key amenity to the millions visiting Central Park every year.

Located on the eastern shore of the 72^nd Street Lake in Central Park, The Loeb Boathouse first opened in 1872 and was rebuilt in 1952, and has subsequently served as a unique dining and recreational amenity in one of New York City’s most picturesque locations. The restaurant’s main dining room opens onto the lake and features accordion style glass windows that fold back to allow the restaurant to become totally open to the lake during the warmer months, and close to allow for uninterrupted views with protection from the elements during the winter months. The building also includes an indoor bar with a large stone fireplace, a snack bar with indoor and outdoor access and seating, a Lake Room currently used for special events, and an enclosed courtyard accessible to the public. Rowboats are also rented from an outdoor kiosk with boats stored on a series of wooden docks.

“I look forward to welcoming Legends Hospitality as the new operator for Loeb Boathouse in Central Park,” said New York City Councilmember Shaun Abreu. “Their history of top-notch service and commitment to upgrading Loeb Boathouse will improve the park experience for countless families. I’m grateful to Mayor Adams for negotiating this historic investment.”

“I’m happy that New Yorkers and visitors from around the globe will once again enjoy the restaurant and boating at this iconic spot,” said New York City Councilmember Gale Brewer. “Better still, the new operator agreed to retain the union workers at the Boathouse and preserve their contract, which is huge.”

Full Press Conference

Photos: NYC Parks/Malcolm Pinckney

C³, the Fastest-Growing Food Tech Platform, Teams Up with Legends, Global Premium Experiences Company, to Build the World’s Premier Management Business to Operate Citizens Culinary Centers in the United States and Europe

**The joint venture brings together two best-in-class operators to disrupt the food hall industry, with Citizens culinary markets planned around the world.  In April 2023, the first 25,000 square foot Citizens Market will open at Phipps Plaza, a world-class destination for hospitality, shopping, dining, work and entertainment and one of the most coveted locations in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood.**

**The partnership brings Legends’ industry leading culinary operations and global relationships to complement C³’s world-class innovative brands helmed by the group’s renowned chefs and famed celebrity, YouTube and influencer partners**

**The announcement follows the recent expansion of C³’s food tech with new proprietary GO by Citizens ordering platform which will embed and complement the group’s B2B and B2C offerings and provide added revenue generation for C³’s

Citizens culinary markets**

Miami, FL – February 16, 2023 – C³ (Creating Culinary Communities), the fastest-growing global food tech platform and Legends, the data-intelligence fueled global premium experiences company that specializes in delivering holistic solutions for sports and entertainment organizations and venues, today announced a joint venture to build the world’s premier management business to operate and manage Citizens culinary markets throughout the United States and Europe. The joint venture will bring two of the world’s leading operators together, combining Legends’ global operations platform used at the world’s leading sports and entertainment venues with C³‘s innovative and award-winning culinary brands and IP technology. The partnership will leverage both companies’ brand cachet, scale and global network of immersive, social and community experiences centered around a mutual appreciation of culinary excellence.

A foodie’s playground, Citizens’ culinary markets include a line-up of C³’s fan favorite brands such as Umami Burger, Krispy Rice, Sam’s Crispy Chicken, Kumi, Sa’Moto, EllaMia, Cicci di Carne, Plant Nation, El Pollo Verde, Stonie Bowls, Frankly by Snap-O-Razzo, Tastemade Me Tacos, Citizens Pizza and more.C³ and Legends have future Citizens culinary markets planned for 2023 in Chicago and Miami and in 2024 in London.

C³ and Legends are teaming up to launch their first location together in Atlanta. The 25,000 square foot space will open at Phipps Plaza, a world-class destination for hospitality, shopping, dining, work and entertainment and one of the most coveted locations in Buckhead. Citizens Market at Phipps Plaza is set to open in April.

“Whether sharing a meal at a Michelin starred restaurant or on the bleachers at a stadium, food is a powerful catalyst for connection,” said Sam Nazarian, C³ by sbe’s Founder and CEO. “The partnership with Legends will integrate solutions to our leading Citizens culinary markets – powering the next evolution of our unparalleled offerings.”

The C³ team has assembled an internationally acclaimed culinary team with menus curated by global chefs including Dani Garcia, Masaharu Morimoto, Dario Cecchini, Ralph Perrazzo, and Wes Avila  as well asa collection of leading digital creators, influencers and celebrities like Tastemade, Matt Stonie, Cindy Lou and Sofia Vergara. 

Through the partnership, Legends will also provide the company’s hospitality partners at world-class sports and entertainment venues around the world the opportunity to add C³’s chef inspired and award-winning culinary brands into the fan experience.

“Legends is excited to partner with C³ to provide our operational expertise and global hospitality network to aide in the development of Citizens culinary markets, creating quality dining experiences for customers around the world,” said Shervin Mirhashemi, CEO, Legends. “As well, our partnership with C³ will further expand our in-venue offerings for our partners and their fans, reinforcing our commitment to providing an innovative, customized and delicious culinary experience.”

C³ continues to catapult its success into new ventures and markets globally, with more than 40 tier one digital brand and restaurant concepts, C³ continues to lead the industry as the pioneer in food tech and premium QSR brands.

Legends to Support the Club on Improving the Commercial Offering and Fan Experience

Agreement Incorporates Legends Holistic Service Platform to Drive Club Revenue

Getafe CF and Legends, a data-fueled global premium experiences company, announced today a 15-year strategic partnership centered around maximizing the club’s commercial offering and enhancing the fan experience.

Getafe CF will utilize Legends’ unique 360-degree service platform as part of the expansive, long-term partnership, including stadium planning and project management, premium hospitality sales, sponsorships, food and beverage operations and technology solutions. A collaborative, strategic approach will focus on driving long-term, sustainable growth across key revenue generating areas of the club’s business.

¨The Club’s evolution in recent years in the sporting, economic and social areas has led us to compete alongside some of the most important teams in European soccer. This agreement allows us to continue developing our business areas and make the Coliseum a 21st Century stadium. We are very pleased to partner with a company of such magnitude,” said Angel Torres, President, Getafe CF.

The initial phase of the partnership will focus on the planning and management to transform and modernize the stadium experience for fans at match and non-match days. Legends’ experienced team will conduct an in-depth market and feasibility study to guide a recommended approach for the stadium.

“Getafe has embraced what it takes to be on the leading edge of the sports fan experience. We are proud to partner with them to leverage our holistic expertise to accelerate the growth of the club across a number of fan and partner experiences, beginning with the development of a transformed Stadium for the future,” said Jesus Bueno, Managing Director of Iberia, Legends. “Our team will work side by side with the Getafe organization to ensure we are developing a stadium and sales strategy focused on long-term, sustainable growth for the club and delivering a first-class experience for their fans.”

Legends is partnered with many of the world’s most iconic sports, entertainment, and attractions brands. The company has a well-established presence in Madrid and will create a new team to guide and deliver the project alongside Legends’ team of global and national experts.

Throughout Europe, Legends also counts Real Madrid CF, Manchester City FC, Rugby World Cup 2023, UFC, The European Tour, and Ryder Cup as clients. The company has advised on numerous stadium development projects for clients including Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, Seville FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Liverpool FC, Everton FC, Leicester City FC, Feyenoord, Inter Milan, and Club America, among many others.

Spanish Press Release

The BNP Paribas Open announced a new partnership with global premium experiences company Legends to operate an enhanced on-site retail experience at the tournament, which will next be held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 6-19, 2023. The announcement was made as part of an unveiling of a number of upgraded amenities, partners and new events ahead of the 2023 tournament.

“Legends is proud to partner with the BNP Paribas Open to provide an unparalleled retail experience with expanded merchandise offerings to all fans visiting the Indian Wells Tennis Garden,” said Kirta Carroll, President, Legends Global Merchandise.

“The 2023 edition of Tennis Paradise is shaping up to be the best one yet,” said Tournament Director Tommy Haas. “With a completely revamped retail experience, a host of new fan activations and events, and of course – the best tennis players in the world competing for the title, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome fans to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden this March.”

Legends’ fully integrated retail and merchandising vertical solution works with world-class clients around the globe across e-commerce, in-venue retail, large scale live event, brick and mortar store operations, licensing, and customer merchandise. This includes vast experience developing and operating on-site retail at some of the world’s largest sporting events and premier venues including the Super Bowl, PGA Championship, SoFi Stadium and more.

Legends to Help Build Year-Round Global Partnership Portfolio for Acclaimed Country Music Organization, From Flagship Events to Original Content and more 

The Academy of Country Music ® (ACM) and Legends, a data-fueled global premium experiences company, announced today a new, exclusive multi-year partnership focused on driving 360º sponsorship portfolio growth for the Academy, including developing and launching high-impact opportunities tied to the organization’s tentpole annual live events, as well as new programs and initiatives celebrating and honoring Country Music. The alliance marks a historic union, bringing together the powerhouse forces behind many of the world’s biggest sports franchises with the innovative and celebrated Country Music organization behind the first major awards show to stream live around the globe. 

Through the agreement, Legends will lead a strategic, data-driven approach to brand partnerships for the Academy, ranging from on-site activations, original content commissions, and digital activations around ACM signature events, including the iconic Academy of Country Music Awards and surrounding events, and ACM Honors, known as the “Country Music industry’s favorite night,” as well as ACM Party for a Cause and other events benefiting ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy. 

Legends will also work with the Academy to develop unique, new brand opportunities incorporating the Academy’s new state-of-the-art world headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, as well as branded content franchises, social media campaigns, and dynamic new activations to engage the ever-growing global Country Music fan base. A dedicated business development team will be established by Legends to focus solely on the Academy partnership. 

“Legends has a proven track record of championing the largest and most successful brands in the world, and we’re thrilled to be able to collaborate with them, at this potent moment for the ACM, to bring new and exciting opportunities to the Academy, our industry, and our partners,” said Jen Heaton, ACM Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. “Coming off a triumphant 2022 for the Academy, we are eager to continue blazing a bright new path, particularly with the 58^th ACM Awards’ return to Texas this spring, and working hand-in-hand with Legends will deliver the vigorous, multi-faceted, and mutually beneficial programs to maintain our exceptional momentum forward.” 

“Legends is excited to work alongside the great team at the Academy of Country Music to execute a brand partnership strategy that will celebrate and help grow their unique, year-round Country Music Lifestyle platform that reaches fans around the world,” said Chris Hibbs, President, Legends Global Partnerships.  

Legends is partnered with many of the world’s most iconic sports, entertainment, and attractions brands, including The New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, One World Observatory, and Real Madrid. It is helping lead partnerships for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Properties through the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.  

The 58^th Academy of Country Music Awards™ is produced by dick clark productions and will livestream exclusively on Prime Video for a global audience on Thursday, May 11, 2023, live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. 

Legends, a data-fueled global premium experiences company, and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group (“Cirque du Soleil”), a world leader in live entertainment, announced today a new business partnership centered around driving worldwide enterprise sponsorships for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

Through a strategic, data-first approach, Legends will manage the global partnership strategy for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, whose portfolio includes 38 unique active shows with more than 5,000 performances globally each year. Legends has established a dedicated sales team for Cirque du Soleil that will focus solely on securing new partnership opportunities to propel the long-term growth of the organization. Ian Partilla, a veteran entertainment, sports and media industry sales executive, will lead the team as Vice President, Global Partnerships – Cirque du Soleil. 

The appointment of Legends follows Cirque du Soleil’s hiring of Nickole Tara as Chief Growth Officer, a newly created position focused on leading growth initiatives for the future of the brand, go-to-market strategy and value creation opportunities across Sponsorships, Consumer Products, Branded Content and Filmed/Immersive Entertainment.

“We are enthusiastic about partnering with Legends to expand our reach and explore new business ventures. With the support of their team of experts, we will be able to secure new exciting partnership opportunities for the brand and propel the business to the next level,” said Nickole Tara, Chief Growth Officer, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

“Cirque du Soleil is an incredible storied brand with massive appeal around the world. Legends is proud to work alongside Nickole and her team to create innovative new sponsorship platforms for partners that want to align with a truly global entity in Cirque du Soleil,” said Chris Hibbs, President, Legends Global Partnerships.

Cirque du Soleil has a global reach that includes more than 365 million attendees to date with performances in over 1,450 cities worldwide across six different continents. This includes selling more than 10.2 million tickets in 110 plus cities annually. In addition, the brand reaches hundreds of millions of fans across its digital and social media platforms.

Legends is partnered with many of the world’s most iconic sports, entertainment, and attractions brands, including New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, One World Observatory, Real Madrid, and is helping lead partnerships for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Properties through the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

The Partnership will Elevate National Team Event and Digital Retail Experiences for U.S. Soccer Fans; Legends will Continue Providing the Broadest Selection of U.S. Soccer Merchandise Available

The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and Legends today announced a long term, multi-year agreement, building on four years of partnership to keep Legends as the provider for all U.S. Soccer Store experiences both online and at events.

“We’re incredibly excited and energized to extend our partnership with Legends,” said Maribeth Towers, U.S. Soccer Vice President of Consumer Products. “Providing our fans with the best possible shopping experiences at our events and online is a priority for us, and Legends has a proven record of doing just that while also helping us provide an amazing range of merchandise. We’re excited to continue building on the foundation we’ve established over the past few years.”

Legends recently executed a complete best-in-class redesign of the online U.S. Soccer Store, presented by Visa. The redesign was implemented with a customer-first approach including the broadest product assortment available anywhere and features that will help U.S. Soccer further understand fan need and enhance communication with them. Legends and U.S. Soccer will continue to evolve the digital shopping experience to serve fans.

In addition, Legends will continue to operate retail experiences at all official USSF events including Visa Fan Studio, a mobile unit that can be deployed at U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team matches.

Future plans include implementing an elevated and interactive version of the Visa Fan Studio that will feature exclusive fan engagement experiences, first-look product drops and the largest product selection available yet.

“Legends is proud to continue our partnership with U.S. Soccer both digitally and via physical footprint at all USSF events. There is so much momentum behind the sport within our nation and we are thrilled to help the federation best serve their growing fanbase through great product and custom, incredible experiences,” said Kirta Carroll, President, Legends Global Merchandise.  

U.S. Soccer and Legends first partnered in 2018. Since then, their successful collaboration has resulted in two record-setting U.S. Soccer jersey launches, with 2022 sales doubling the previous best in 2021, as well as breaking multiple merchandise per cap records for the Men’s and Women’s National Teams events.

In addition to U.S. Soccer, Legends provides its services to an array of sports organizations at the highest levels including the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, WWE, UFC, PGA and more.