Category: News

Legends to Manage Sponsorships, Merchandise and Make Strategic Investment in 3ICE

3ICE, a three-on-three professional ice hockey league, and Legends, a data-intelligence fueled global premium experiences company, announced today a strategic partnership to support and accelerate the growth of the new independent North American hockey league. In addition to managing several lines of revenue generating operations for 3ICE, Legends will make a minority investment in the league.

3ICE concluded its successful inaugural season in August with a nationally televised championship tournament live from Las Vegas on CBS. The league will return for its second season in summer 2023. As part of the comprehensive new partnership, Legends will manage sponsorships, omnichannel merchandise, media strategy and buying for 3ICE, leveraging the company’s technology solutions division to deliver innovative, data-driven actionable insights and solutions across each service. In addition, 3ICE will have access to all areas of Legends’ intelligence-fueled 360-degree service solution, including planning, sales, and hospitality, as the league expands.

“We are overjoyed to partner with Legends across so many of their skillsets, it is a large step forward that continues our rapid growth and further validates our business and will translate into better experiences for all of our fans, sponsors, players, investors and every division within 3ICE,” said E.J. Johnson, CEO of 3ICE.

“E.J. and his team at 3ICE have created an exhilarating new take on a classic sport, giving the built-in fan base more of the speed, skill and thrill they love. We are excited to work alongside them to accelerate the growth of the league following an impressive inaugural season,” said Gabby Roe, President, Legends Growth Enterprises.

In the first season, 3ICE featured six teams with professional hockey pedigree players who traveled to eight tour-stops to compete in a tournament where each game consists of two, eight-minute halves using a running clock on a full-sized rink. Craig Patrick is League Commissioner and he was joined by six NHL Hall of Fame players as team coaches: Guy Carbonneau, Grant Fuhr, John LeClair, Joe Mullen, Larry Murphy and Bryan Trottier. The inaugural season of 3ICE aired on CBS Sports in the United States, TSN in Canada and ESPN for international rights. Players competed for more than $2 million in prize money throughout the season.

3ICE joins a growing list of Legends Growth Enterprises partners, the company’s division focused on leveraging its 360° service solution to support sports and entertainment properties, attractions, events, and platforms that are positioned for accelerated growth.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Legends announced today a new partnership focused on commercialization for the team in Germany. As part of the agreement, the global premium experiences company will manage a data-driven sponsorship sales strategy for the Buccaneers to assist the team’s brand building efforts in Germany.

The Buccaneers were one of four teams awarded international marketing rights in Germany as part of the NFL’s International Home Marketing Area (IHMA) initiative. Tampa Bay, led by seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, will take on the Seattle Seahawks in a groundbreaking game in Munich, Germany on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at Allianz Arena, a 75,000-seat stadium that is home to FC Bayern Munich of the Bundesliga. This first-ever NFL regular season game in Germany is sold out.

“Buccaneers fans in Germany have quickly embraced our team and there is a genuine excitement for the historic game that will be played in Munich in the coming weeks,” said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. “Our partners at Legends will play a crucial role in helping us build off this initial wave of enthusiasm as we focus on building long-term corporate relationships and establishing the Buccaneers brand throughout Germany. As leaders in the global premium experiences industry, Legends has all of the expertise required to help us maximize our opportunities as we focus on elevating and expanding our presence in Germany.”     

Legends’ Germany team based out of Hamburg will lead the engagement with the Buccaneers, which runs through the end of the team’s IHMA rights in 2026. Legends is partnered with many of the world’s most iconic sports, entertainment, and attractions brands and has extensive experience leading global partnership sales for premier professional sports teams. The company’s Hospitality division is currently also partnered with the Buccaneers, overseeing food and beverage operations at Raymond James Stadium.

“Legends is proud to partner with the Buccaneers to help the team establish a lasting brand presence in Germany through strategic marketing partnerships and activations,” said Jens König, Managing Director of Central Europe, Legends International. “Germany has a strong NFL fan base, and we look forward to working with the Buccaneers to find the right partners in Germany to build on the excitement in the market surrounding the upcoming sold-out game in Munich.”   

The Buccaneers have fans around the world and have consistently been featured in the global spotlight for the NFL. This is the fourth time the Buccaneers will take part in the NFL’s International Series of games, having previously played in London, England three times (2009, 2011 and 2019), twice at Wembley Stadium and once at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

German Press Release

RESPECTED INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE JESUS BUENO APPOINTED MANAGING DIRECTOR OF IBERIA

Continued Investment in Infrastructure Supports European Growth of the Business

Legends, a data-intelligence fueled global premium experiences company, is accelerating its worldwide growth with continued investment and expansion in the company’s burgeoning International business. Today, the company announced the appointment of well-respected industry executive Jesus Bueno as Managing Director of Iberia. Bueno joins Legends after 12 years at the NBA, most recently serving as Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Bueno will oversee the development and implementation of Legends’ unique 360-degree services platform in Spain and Portugal. Legends holistic data-driven solution for sports and entertainment organizations, venues and attractions is comprised of Planning, Sales, Partnerships, Hospitality, Merchandise and Technology Solutions service divisions.

“Legends global business is rapidly expanding, and we are humbled by the incredible brands we have the privilege of supporting on the world stage,” said Mike Tomon, Co-President and COO, Legends. “With our established business in Spain and well-found confidence in the market, the time is right for a further investment in infrastructure to underpin our commitment to the dynamic sporting landscape in Spain. Chus’ market expertise and deep industry experience will help us drive continued growth and lead a local team in Iberia that will provide world-class results leveraging our unique 360° service solution.”

Legends is partnered with many of the world’s most iconic sports, entertainment, and attractions brands. In Spain this includes an expansive partnership with Real Madrid CF leveraging the company’s 360° platform to optimize the management of the renowned Santiago Bernabéu stadium. As well, Legends is working closely with several La Liga first division clubs providing wide-ranging feasibility work to assist the clubs in infrastructure investment decisions. Throughout Europe, Legends also counts Liverpool FC, Manchester United FC, The Shard, Rugby World Cup 2023, UFC, The European Tour and Ryder Cup as clients.

Bueno has more than 25 years of global experience in professional sports management and entertainment across all business disciplines. Before joining Legends, he held executive positions at the NBA for 12 years, last serving as Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Prior to the NBA, Bueno was the Managing Director of the Spanish Basketball Federation in Spain, organizing the Eurobasket 2007 in Spain, as well as the Managing Director of SPAIN 2014 BID that won the FIBA WC2014 in 2009. Bueno started his career as a professional basketball player in Spain. After retiring as a player, he began his executive career in 1995 running the Basketball Players Association in Spain and Europe for 10 years.

Spanish Press Release

Legends to manage partnerships and business intelligence for the growing league

The American Cornhole League (ACL), the worldwide governing body for professional, competitive, and recreational cornhole, and Legends, a data-intelligence fueled global premium experiences company, announced today a strategic multi-year partnership centered around driving commercial growth for the league. As part of the new partnership, Legends will manage a global, data-driven partnership strategy for ACL and provide business intelligence with actionable insights to drive revenue across all areas of the burgeoning league.

The ACL will tap into multiple areas of Legends’ intelligence-fueled 360-degree service solutions as part of the comprehensive partnership. As such, the ACL joins a growing list of partners for Legends Growth Enterprises division, which launched earlier this year. Legends Growth Enterprises focuses on leveraging the company’s 360-degree service solution to support sports and entertainment properties, attractions, events, and platforms that are positioned for accelerated growth.

Since launching in 2016 the ACL has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with broadcast deals with ESPN and CBS / CBS Sports. The league’s tagline “Anyone can play and anyone can win” along with its ability to be played anywhere has the league on a fast track for success.  The ACL hosts a variety of pro and amateur events, including its popular “SuperHole” series which pairs ACL Pros alongside celebrities for a made-for-TV experience.

“As our sport and league continues to grow across the country and the globe we’re aiming to scale up and expand our revenue base and are excited to partner with Legends to drive insights that will allow us to do just that,” said Stacey Moore, Founder of American Cornhole League. “Their expertise and assistance will help us to take the ACL to the next level and beyond.”

“What Stacey and his team have built with the American Cornhole League is impressive – taking it from the backyard to major television networks and now into the global spotlight in a relatively short time,” said Gabby Roe, President of Legends Growth Enterprises. “Cornhole is forging a legacy as the world’s favorite new pastime accessible to all audiences. We are excited to work closely with the ACL to deliver solutions and expertise to support the league’s continued growth.”

– The Inaugural Citi Shamrock Classic Basketball Game will be Held in St. Louis on Saturday, Nov. 12, Featuring the Fighting Irish vs. the California Golden Bears; Airing as the First Ever Live Broadcast of Women’s College Basketball on NBC and Peacock –

Notre Dame Global Partnerships (NDGP), the multimedia rightsholder for the University of Notre Dame Athletics Department, today announced Citi as a new Championship Partner. As part of the sponsorship, Citi will also be the title partner of the first annual Citi Shamrock Classic basketball game airing live on NBC and Peacock on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

The Citi Shamrock Classic will include a weekend of basketball and thought leadership conversations on gender equity and women’s athletics. The day before the game, Citi and Notre Dame will host a luncheon infused with marquee speakers from the realm of business and women’s athletics. Citi’s new collaboration with Notre Dame will also create avenues throughout the year to amplify the joint commitment to elevate women’s athletics. Some of the promotional opportunities include digital content; television and radio promotion; and Citi’s participation in programs designed to close the gender gap in collegiate sports and across industries through workshops, speaker series and comprehensive mentorship of women student-athletes.

Held in St. Louis at the Enterprise Center, the Citi Shamrock Classic will see the Fighting Irish, who made the 2022 Sweet Sixteen under Karen & Kevin Keyes Family head coach Niele Ivey, face off against the California Golden Bears, led by Coach Charmin Smith. The showdown will mark the first live broadcast of a women’s college basketball game on NBC. The game is a homecoming for both head coaches as they both grew up in St. Louis. As a junior, Ivey led Cor Jesu Academy to its first state title before going on to play for Notre Dame and winning the 2001 National Championship in St. Louis. Cal’s Smith dominated the hardwood at Ladue Horton Watkins before appearing in three consecutive Final Fours with the Stanford Cardinal.

“I would like to thank Citi for the opportunity to showcase our women’s basketball program on this major stage in the inaugural Citi Shamrock Classic,” Ivey said. “This is a full circle moment to come back home to St. Louis where my basketball journey began. It’s an overwhelming feeling to think about the positive impact this will have in my community and for our sport. I hope to continue to inspire and empower the next generation of young leaders and athletes.”

“Citi has a proud history of working with partners who share our commitment to advance gender equity, so the opportunity to work with an institution shaping the next generation makes this even more rewarding,” said Ed Skyler, Head of Global Public Affairs, Citi. “We are excited about this new partnership with Notre Dame Athletics, and we will continue to support programs, like women’s basketball, that have been underrepresented for far too long.”

“We look forward to presenting the inaugural Citi Shamrock Classic and showcasing to a national audience on NBC and Peacock Notre Dame’s storied women’s basketball program in their game against Cal,” said Gary Quinn, Vice President, Programming, NBC Sports.

Game tickets for the Citi Shamrock Classic will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Sept. 23, at www.enterprisecenter.com/shamrock.

Legends, a global data-intelligence fueled premium experiences company, announced today the appointment of Kirta Carroll as President of the company’s Global Merchandise division.  Carroll brings a strong retail and marketing background, joining Legends after more than a decade at Foot Locker.

Carroll will lead Legends’ growing Global Merchandise division, which is a fully integrated vertical solution operating brick and mortar, pop-ups, e-commerce, and in-venue retail experiences for renowned brands such as the NFL, MLB, PGA, NASCAR, UFC, Activision Blizzard and global tentpole events including Super Bowl LVI, 2019 Rugby World Cup, and 2016 Olympics.

“Kirta is a strategic leader with a great depth of omnichannel retail and merchandise experience,” said Mike Tomon, Co-President and COO, Legends. “She brings a successful track record developing and leading merchandising, vendor, and consumer strategy to drive long term sustainability, growth, and scale. We are excited for her to join Legends and lead our Global Merchandise team as we continue to build upon the incredible business success of this past year.”

Legends Global Merchandise has grown substantially in the last 12 months, netting more than 20 new clients, including PGA, PFL, Cirque du Soleil, Madison Square Garden, Indiana University, Century 21 and setting merchandise per cap and sales records for 2022 Indianapolis 500, PGA Championship, Super Bowl LVI, UFC International Fight Week, MLB at Field of Dreams and more.

“I am thrilled to join the team of leaders at Legends and to continue to advance and accelerate our bespoke premium retail offerings while serving fans and consumers where they shop, buy, and intersect with our clients’ brands,” said Carroll.

Prior to joining Legends, Carroll spent 11 years at Foot Locker in increasingly broader roles. She most recently served as Vice President and Global General Merchandising Manager for the women’s division where she led the global footwear and apparel business across Foot Locker’s portfolio of brands. Before her product leadership role, Carroll led marketing for women’s focused retail concepts at Foot Locker, including strategic positioning and brand development, social media and ecommerce strategies, in-store merchandising and visuals. Carroll has a strong marketing background, having spent time working at marketing agencies across multiple industries as well as holding a position in public relations and marketing at Saks Fifth Avenue earlier in her career.  

Notre Dame Global Partnerships (NDGP), the multimedia rightsholder for the University of Notre Dame Athletics Department, today announced an expanded multiyear affiliation with the Allstate (NYSE: ALL) Corporation, which will become a Championship Partner of the program. Through its enhanced partnership, Allstate and Notre Dame will collaborate on new community focused initiatives as well as virtually displaying its digital branding on field goal nets during Notre Dame Football broadcasts on NBC and Peacock.

“We’re excited to deepen our relationship with Allstate, a leading brand in sports and their industry,” said University of Notre Dame Vice President and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics Jack Swarbrick. “Having the opportunity to bring together two of our great partners, NBC and Allstate, that support collegiate athletics at the highest levels was something we couldn’t pass up.”

In addition to Allstate’s unique in-game digitally infused field goal nets during home games, the brand will appear on physical nets at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on October 8 when Notre Dame takes on BYU in the 2022 Shamrock Series on NBC and Peacock.

“As Allstate kicks off its 17th year supporting college football nationwide, we could not be more excited to partner with one of the sport’s most iconic brands: the Notre Dame Fighting Irish,” said Allstate’s Director of Sponsorships and Consumer Engagement, Dan Keats.

“We’re excited to welcome Allstate as a fully-integrated partner into our Notre Dame Football broadcasts, expanding from advertisements to virtual on-field signage and presenting partner of our halftime show,” said Peter Lazarus, EVP, Ad Sales, NBC Sports. “This is the perfect example of how our three-decade relationship with Notre Dame can bring Championship-level benefits to sponsors, viewers and fans.”

Notre Dame Global Partnerships, a joint venture between Legends and JMI Sports, facilitated the partnership.

Comprehensive Collaboration Includes Premium Seating, Ticket Sales,

Marketing, and Business Intelligence for Wildcats Athletics

Northwestern University Athletics and Legends, a global premium experiences company, today announced a multi-year partnership that will enhance the fan experience at Wildcats’ sporting events and maximize Northwestern Athletics revenue generation through a streamlined, data-driven sales approach. As part of the overarching agreement, Legends will manage premium seating, ticket sales, marketing and business intelligence for football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and other ticketed Northwestern varsity sports.

“We are excited to launch this comprehensive partnership with an unparalleled industry leader as we expand our sales and marketing infrastructure,” said Northwestern’s Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg. “Our external team led by Sr. Associate Athletic Director, Tyler Jones along with Legends’ expertise will immediately position Northwestern Athletics to deliver an enhanced experience to our fans and allow us to generate critical additional resources to support the holistic development of Wildcats student-athletes.”

Legends will also support Northwestern Athletics in its approach to optimizing revenue generation and curating experiences for all fans as part of the University’s efforts to reimagine and rebuild Ryan Field, inclusive of premium product development and pricing, corporate hospitality, premium seating and ticket sales. Northwestern Athletics initially engaged Legends in 2021 through its research arm, CSL, to conduct a comprehensive study on improving the overall fan experience, which included a survey and series of focus groups to solicit direct feedback from ticket holders, alumni, and other fans. Additionally, Legends Project Development and CSL are supporting the ongoing, exploratory project planning for the new Ryan Field initiative.

“Legends has proven to be an invaluable partner since our collaboration began in 2021, and we are excited to introduce the Legends Way to the Wildcats community,” said Deputy Director of Athletics Jesse Marks. “Their robust sales, data analytics and proven facility development expertise will greatly enhance Northwestern Athletics’ reach within the University, Evanston and greater Chicagoland communities, providing an innovative experience and a first-class level of service throughout the sales and development process.”

“The college athletics landscape is rapidly evolving, and Northwestern University has fully embraced what it takes to be on the leading edge of the sports fan experience today—and into the future,” said Michael Behan, Chief Operating Officer, Collegiate Partnerships, Legends. “We are excited to partner with such a renowned university and athletics program and to leverage our expertise and development strategy to help invigorate and enhance the experience for the Wildcats’ community and supporters.” 

The latest collaboration bolsters Legends’ position as the leader in advising university athletic departments on identifying opportunities to enhance fan experiences and optimize revenue streams on new and renovated facility projects, having partnered on University of Notre Dame, University of Oklahoma, University of Southern California, Villanova University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Utah, and San Diego State University, amongst others.

Melvin Lenzy Named Chief Brand & Innovation Officer

Matt O’Neil Named Chief Content & Experience Officer

Legends announced today the appointment of two sports and entertainment industry executives to oversee marketing, creative, content, communications and events for the growing global data-intelligence fueled premium experiences company. Melvin Lenzy has joined as Chief Brand & Innovation Officer and Matt O’Neil as Chief Content & Experience Officer.

“With the accelerated growth of Legends global business, we are excited to have Melvin and Matt, two talented executives with deep industry experience, join to further advance and innovate the overall marketing efforts for our company and on behalf of our clients,” said Mike Tomon, Co-President and Chief Operating Officer, Legends.

Collectively, Lenzy and O’Neil will manage marketing, creative, content, communications and events for the company, each focusing on different business verticals with the collective goal of helping drive business growth and revenue across all areas. They will work closely with Legends’ clients to provide marketing and branding consulting to heighten the customer experience, as well as develop revenue generating strategies to optimize awareness and sales.

Lenzy is a 25+ year business, brand and strategic marketing veteran and has been the brand architect of some of the world’s biggest brand marketing campaigns. He has driven strategic business and marketing initiatives for iconic sports brands EA Sports, Konami, NBA2K, The National Football League, and NIKE, where he spent 15 years of his career. Prior to joining Legends, Lenzy was the Global Head of Marketing for the NBA2K Franchise at 2K Sports.

A seasoned sports and entertainment executive, O’Neil’s vast branding, content and marketing experience spans top professional sports teams and leagues, brands, and university athletic departments. He previously oversaw all facets of marketing, media and content creation, and game entertainment for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Red Bulls, and for the past five years ran his own content and marketing agency, Ichi Go, where he worked with the New York Jets, Boston Celtics, New Jersey Devils, Ohio State, and Genesis Motor America, among others.

Legends to Manage Sponsorship Sales, Omnichannel Merchandise and

Make Minority Investment in Startup League

TeamTrak Cycling League, an entity of World Cycling Limited, and Legends announced a strategic partnership today to support the launch and growth of the startup indoor cycling league. The partnership spans revenue-generating sponsorship sales and omnichannel merchandise services as well as a minority investment in TeamTrak by Legends, a data-intelligence fueled global premium experiences company. TeamTrak is an innovative, proprietary format of indoor velodrome racing that will launch with a four-event tour at U.S. arenas in 2023.

A team-oriented head-to-head track racing series, TeamTrak gives fans a front row seat to high-energy bike racing, pitting teams of men and women against each other in a heart-pumping indoor velodrome format. The new event series will also feature state-of-the-art technology designed to elevate the fan experience including real time scoring and athlete stats like speed, power output and heart rate as well as on board cameras. TeamTrak is the first privately owned and funded indoor track cycling league based upon a single entity league ownership model and will feature eight location-based teams in year one.

“TeamTrak was developed with a fan-first mentality, reimagining the best elements of track cycling into a fully accessible and easy-to-follow format. Our high energy co-ed team model is specifically designed to appeal to modern American sports fans,” said CEO of World Cycling Limited and two-time Olympic cyclist David Chauner. “We are excited to launch our first season in 2023 using our own portable indoor velodrome. This gives us the ability to bring TeamTrak to hundreds of existing arenas across the country and offers significant expansion potential.”

Legends will manage a data-driven approach for TeamTrak, leveraging data and analytics to provide fan insights and asset valuation to drive sponsorship sales and overall revenue-generating opportunities for the league. As well, Legends will provide broadcast and media rights partnership support for TeamTrak. As TeamTrak grows, the league will have access to all areas of Legends’ intelligence-fueled 360-degree service solutions, including planning, sales, and hospitality to support expansion.

“We are excited to partner with TeamTrak to bring fans and sponsors a modern take on cycling, one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world,” said Gabby Roe, President, Legends Growth Enterprises. “The TeamTrak leadership group has created a competition format that is fan and television friendly, easy to follow and features co-ed teams competing ‘elbow to elbow’ in the most exciting version of track cycling in the world. We see an incredible growth opportunity for the league.”

Earlier this year, Legends launched a Growth Enterprises division focused on leveraging the company’s 360-degree service solution to support sports and entertainment properties, attractions, events, and platforms that are positioned for accelerated development. TeamTrak is Legends’ latest partnership with a high-growth property.

Following record-breaking official merchandise sales at Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, World Rugby, via their master licensee IMG, has appointed Legends as the Official Retail Partner and operator for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France next year.

Taking place from 8 September until 28 October, the pinnacle event in the men’s fifteens game will build on the phenomenal spectator, media and commercial success of Japan 2019 where Legends served as the Official Retail Partner and operator.

Legends will operate all the official retail stores for Rugby World Cup 2023 in venues and celebration areas located within the host cities. Two flagship stores in Paris and Marseille are also set to open in August 2023. In line with World Rugby’s mission to create an exceptional fan experience, the physical stores will be stocked with merchandise featuring all 20 participating teams, exclusive event memorabilia for men, women and children, as well as a large range of official licensed products including official replica jerseys, and the official Gilbert match ball.

Rugby World Cup 2023 will set new standards in social responsibility, inclusion and sustainability for a major rugby event, with one of four key pillars focusing on respecting and protecting the environment. As the official retail partner, and in line with World Rugby’s Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030, Legends will support all environmental initiatives with the delivery of a retail operation for Rugby World Cup 2023 consistent with the company’s ongoing standards of delivery throughout its global business.

It has been 16 years since France last hosted the tournament, and Rugby World Cup’s 10^th edition is expected to be spectacular on and off the pitch. During the tournament’s seven weeks, international fans and the French public will celebrate togetherness in rugby’s 200^th birthday year.  (1823-2023).  

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin said:“Our ambition is to deliver a world-class experience for rugby fans in France in 2023 and Legends will help us achieve that mission, bringing their expertise and comprehensive experience to the table to deliver an outstanding event. Through a network of official retail stores covering all hosts venues and cities, we will innovate together and give fans a tangible memory of what promises to be a spectacular tournament on and off the pitch.”

Legends Vice President of International Retail, Victoria Hawksley added: “Legends is proud of its long-standing relationship with World Rugby, and we are excited to once again bring fans a spectacular retail experience and expansive offerings for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, a location where Legends has a growing presence and commitment.”