CAA | Hanold Associates Executive Search & Leadership Advisory’s Post

I'm big on where companies can maximize sports and entertainment partnerships to differentiate their brand. I really like this one... I'm excited to see the Sacramento Kings and Reviver team up on an innovative jersey patch partnership that goes beyond the surface. This partnership is unique because it's not just about visibility—it's about integrating technology, culture, and community impact into the DNA of both brands. I'm a big fan of nontraditional companies and categories that work with sports and entertainment to position themselves in the marketplace. Reviver, a pioneer in digital license plates, aligns perfectly with the Kings' focus on innovation and diversity. Just like Reviver transforms something as traditional as a license plate into a dynamic, connected platform, the Kings are redefining what sports partnerships look like by placing technology and inclusion at the forefront of their brand strategy. Why Should Companies Look at Jersey Patches Like This? - Brand Alignment with Innovation: It's not just about slapping a logo on a jersey. Partnerships like this allow companies to position themselves as innovators, connecting with audiences who value cutting-edge technology. - Tangible Community Engagement: The patch becomes a visual representation of shared values, such as diversity, inclusion, and forward-thinking solutions, resonating with fans and local communities. - Year-Round Brand Presence: Unlike traditional ads, jersey patches live in the public eye both on and off the court, gaining exposure on merchandise, media coverage, and social platforms. - Storytelling Opportunities: This partnership allows both brands to tell a unique story—from Reviver’s commitment to revolutionizing transportation tech to the Kings' focus on diversity and future-forward initiatives. As companies explore sponsorship opportunities, jersey patches offer an incredible platform to integrate brand stories, tech innovation, and social values in ways that resonate with modern consumers. The Kings x Reviver partnership shows us that these collaborations can do more than generate visibility—they can create impact and build communities. This is the future of sports partnerships. I think brands and right holders should look at more innovative ways Reviver & Kings worked together. We're here to help. #sportsbiz #partnerships #heretohelp  

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫❓ Recently, I've been helping sports properties appoint new Partnership Managers and had a lot of interesting conversations with industry experts 💡 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲: There is this spectrum where on one end, there are sports properties that view partnerships as more transactional, where rights are delivered and boxes are ticked ✔ But on the other end of the spectrum, there are rightsholders with a truly 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡🤝 They work closely with their commercial partner to understand their objectives and maximise the value of the partnership. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞: • Working collaboratively and providing creative input • Reporting on the success of campaigns to inform future marketing campaigns/activations • Proactive management of used and unused inventory/rights This shift from rights holder to strategic partner creates a win-win. Sports properties and their commercial partners both achieve greater value 🏆 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬? 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬? #Sportsmarketing #Sportspartnerships #Partnershipactivation #Sport #Recruitment

Major Development in Talent Representation as Gersh Acquires You First | Gersh Legacy entertainment agency Gersh has acquired sports representation firm You First, a move that highlights the ongoing convergence of sports and entertainment industries. This acquisition reflects a broader trend: established Hollywood agencies expanding their portfolios to include athletes, leagues, and sports media. This shift is driven by several factors. As media consolidation continues, the lines between traditional entertainment and sports content are increasingly blurred. Athletes are now more than competitors; they’re global brands operating at the intersection of sports, digital media, and cultural influence. For agencies like Gersh, this expansion positions them to leverage cross-platform opportunities - endorsements, content production, and brand partnerships - in an era where representation is no longer confined to siloed domains. The implications are significant. We’re seeing the reshaping of talent representation to align with how modern audiences consume content: seamlessly across platforms and industries. It will be interesting to see how this move influences the strategies of other legacy agencies. From Humphrey Bogart, David Niven and Richard Burton to Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Fabian Ruiz, this acquisition shows just how much entertainment has evolved over 75 years. #SportsAndEntertainment #TalentRepresentation #MediaConsolidation #BrandPartnerships #IndustryTrends https://lnkd.in/ewKR5kR9

In recent weeks, I've had insightful conversations with several agents, and it’s exciting to see the growing recognition of the value player branding brings to the table. For those of you just getting into this space, I recommend starting with this foundational article from FIFA: Player Branding Basics (Link: https://lnkd.in/dqKZzJKF). But today, I’d like to address a question I hear often: “What’s the added value of working with a player branding agency?” Here are a few key points to consider: 1️⃣ Comprehensive Guidance Together, we can elevate the player’s career through a comprehensive suite of services, including contract negotiation, career management, branding strategy, social media oversight, content creation, public relations, and sponsorship acquisition 2️⃣ Enhanced Marketability Building a personal brand makes players more attractive to clubs and fans alike. A well-branded player isn’t just a name; they’re an asset, driving jersey sales, fan engagement, and club appeal. Strong personal brands translate into higher market value, larger transfer fees, and, ultimately, more lucrative deals. 3️⃣ Career Longevity & Post-Retirement Opportunities A strong brand can extend a player’s value beyond their playing years. With the right strategy, players can secure post-retirement opportunities in endorsements, media, and even business ventures, ensuring they remain relevant and financially stable. 4️⃣ Focus on Core Skills By leaving branding and marketing to experts, players and agents are free to focus on what matters most: performance. We handle the off-field brand, so players can focus on their on-field goals. 5️⃣ Access to Top Content Creators At RECAPS Agency, we’re passionate about quality. We work only with content creators who share our values, love for the game, and commitment to excellence. This dedication shows in everything we do. Want to know more about how player branding can add value for you and your players? Let’s connect—I’m always open to chat about how we can help take your players to the next level. #PlayerBranding #Football #RECAPSAgency #SportsMarketing

Is Two Circles the next IMG? Or maybe even the next Endeavor? In just a few short years, Two Circles has emerged as the global sports agency on the rise. Their winning formula? A combination of: 👉 Exceptionally talented individuals with deep expertise in the sports industry 👉 A five-year ownership cycle that regularly brings in new investors, each with fresh ambitions 👉 A rapid-fire “buy and build” strategy Let's take a step back and look at the ownership timeline (roughly following that five-year cycle): 2011: Two Circles is founded 2015: WPP acquires a majority stake 2019: BRUIN SPORTS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC takes over from WPP 2024: Charterhouse Capital Partners steps in, acquiring Two Circles from Bruin Meanwhile In paralle, Two Circles has continued to expand, both geographically and in terms of expertise. Here’s a look at their recent acquisitions (and I may still be missing a few): 2020: TRM Partners (sports rights-sales) 2021: Sports Ink (ticketing and hospitality) 2022: LiveWire Sport (content) 2023: Codeware (Two Circles) (design & digital - Australia) 2024: Let It Fly Media (video content - US) & KORE (tech & partnerships, announced yesterday) And rumor has it, Spring Media could be next. Pretty impressive, right? My guess for their next acquisitions in terms of scope of expertise, by order of likelihood 1. Media rights 2. Social Media 3. Activation / PR 4. Event 5. Licensing / merchandising // I´m PE, co-founder and international lead of BOOST, 1st European, sports-focused and purpose-driven headhunting agency. Make sure to follow me for concrete tips and career opportunities within the sports industry #jobinsport #sportsjobs #recruitment #sportbusiness

Excited with this announcement!! 😁 *MULTI-AWARD WINNING M&C SAATCHI SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES UAE EXPANSION* M&C Saatchi UAE is expanding its regional capabilities by adding the multi-award-winning M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment to its remit. With a legacy of delivering impactful campaigns for global giants including Barclays, LEGO and Kia, M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment has been at the forefront of passion-driven marketing for 20 years, connecting brands to consumers through the things they love making brands culturally relevant through passions. As part of the M&C Saatchi Group, this new addition marks M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment’s seventh global office since its establishment in 2004. Recognized for its creative excellence, the agency has earned multiple industry accolades, including being named Agency of the Year at the UK Sponsorship Awards and winning the Sport Industry Agency of the Year title a record six times at the Sport Industry Awards. The agency’s entry into the UAE is driven by growing client demand in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and entertainment markets, and it is all set to replicate its global service model. Delivering powerful 360-degree campaigns across sponsorships, PR, social, digital, content, activations, and more—all designed to resonate deeply with the passions of the GCC market. The offer will be led by M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Managing Partner Ross Watson, who will export his expertise running multi-market campaigns and will be supported by Rasha Lambe, Business Director, who will spearhead client work, driving the agency’s growth with a team of passion specialists in the region. M&C Saatchi UAE’s existing client network is already engaging with the expanded offering, with AC Milan and its Middle East hub, Casa Milan Dubai, inking a partnership and many more opportunities currently being explored. M&C Saatchi UAE CEO Scott Feasey commented, “Now is the ideal time to launch Sport & Entertainment in the GCC- a market experiencing remarkable growth and gaining global recognition. This new offering not only complements our existing services but also positions us to significantly amplify the impact of brands in this thriving sector. I’m very excited to welcome the agency to the region.” Ross Watson said, “We feel there is a real opportunity to bring our specialism and approach to brands based in the Middle East where we can combine the global knowledge and expertise of our London HQ with local market expertise through a uniquely blended team of passion specialists to give clients exactly what they are looking for- global thinking with local nuance.”

80 days at Two Circles, and the market is buzzing with curiosity—why? What makes Two Circles so unique? My first 80 days at Two Circles have been nothing short of extraordinary—perhaps the most dynamic & exciting chapter in my professional journey so far. In just these 80 days, Two Circles has grown by a remarkable one-third, expanding from 650 to 1,000 employees. Naturally, I’ve been asked again & again: What makes Two Circles so special? What exactly does the company do? Today, I’d like to share some insights & invite you into the fascinating world of Two Circles.   A company like no other   From day 1, I was captivated. Two Circles stands out for its powerful brand presence, unparalleled growth trajectory, and relentless drive—all fueled by a stellar team & a unique offering. It’s a company that truly embodies innovation & excellence.   What does Two Circles do?   Two Circles is an international sports marketing agency that leverages data to expand fan bases & drive growth for rightsholders, brands, event organizers & venues. Our mission is clear: fuel the commercial success of all revenue lines for the world’s leading sports and entertainment providers. With the mantra WE KNOW FANS BEST, Two Circles engages with over 400 million sports fans globally every day.   Our expertise is further bolstered by experienced teams, many of whom come directly from professional sports. A quick glance at our client roster gives you an idea of our impact: we collaborate with leagues and organizations such as the Premier League, DFB, UEFA, Juventus Turin, the Ryder Cup, Paris 2024, World Athletics, Wimbledon, EA SPORTS, Formula 1, and World Rugby—as well as numerous global brands.   Why the sports industry matters?   Two Circles takes a holistic view of the global sports market, which is one of the most resilient & rapidly growing industries today. Sports rights alone are expected to generate revenues of up to $260 billion in the next decade—a near 50% increase. Investing in this space is not just smart; it’s strategic - not every organization will be part of the growth but we know how they will be part of it.   Two Circles in Germany and beyond   In September, we opened our German office in Cologne with an initial team of around 20 specialists. Globally, Two Circles operates out of 14 locations across Europe, North America, and Australia. In the short time since I’ve joined, we’ve already acquired two additional companies: KORE Software, a leader in fan and partnership intelligence, and Spring Media, a specialist in media and rights management. Our services now span rights management, marketing & consulting, creative content production and distribution, as well as cutting-edge technological solutions.   "Nurturing Lifelong Fandoms"   This is the essence of what we do in the sports business: creating and sustaining lifelong connections between fans and the sports they love. I’ll be sharing more insights in the days & weeks ahead—stay tuned for what’s next.

I wanted to share a story with everyone. While working with brands, I'm seeing a trend I want to share with all of you.... I've been negotiating for brands and their sports & entertainment partnerships, and I'm seeing a trend with rights holders and brands. Partnerships are not just about slapping a logo on a jersey or stadium. To truly maximize the value of partnerships between brands and sports teams, there needs to be a deeper, more strategic approach. Here are three key principles for brands to consider: - Aligning with Core Values: It is not just a suggestion; it's a crucial step for brands. Partnering with sports teams and entertainment properties that share their values and resonate with their target audience ensures authenticity and fosters a stronger emotional connection with fans. This alignment is a source of confidence and reassurance for brands. - Leverage Data-Driven Insights: Use data to understand fan behavior, preferences, and engagement. Tailoring activations and content based on these insights enhances the fan experience and drives measurable ROI for the brand. - Create Solutions, Not Assets: Think beyond the immediate campaign. Consider how the partnership can contribute to long-term brand equity, differentiation, generating revenue, and internal customers. Whether through community initiatives, sustainability efforts, or unique fan experiences, creating a lasting impact should be at the forefront of any partnership strategy. The results are compelling when brands and sports teams collaborate with a shared vision and a focus on mutual growth. We're here to help. #sportsbiz #partnerships #heretohelp 

The recent move by M&C Saatchi Group's Sport & Entertainment company to enter the Middle East market through UAE is just one sign of the region’s growing influence in the global sports and entertainment scene. In fact, M&C Saatchi UAE has kicked off its work in the Middle East by inking a partnership with AC Milan and its Middle East hub, Casa Milan Dubai. Global agencies and brands are bringing their expertise, but the real opportunity lies in blending local culture with global trends. The challenge? Building authentic fan communities in a region where many sports traditions are still emerging. The likes of VUZ seem to be helping the cause in the region, with multiple camera angle viewing of football matches in Saudi Arabia. However, success will require investing in grassroots programs, engaging local audiences meaningfully, and embracing digital innovations. The Middle East is the new sports and entertainment playground, with "growing client demand in one of the world’s most rapidly expanding sport and entertainment markets."

We love our sports analogies here at Whistler Partners, but if you're more of a baseball or basketball person, Edris Taufiq is your guy. On my first call with Sean Burke, he opened with a sports analogy—and little did he know, he was speaking my language. I’ll save that one for another time, but today, this one’s for all the BigLaw associates and partners out there—the ones passed over for Partner, passed on for that dream in-house role, or stuck in the wrong practice group. This one’s for you. You’re on a powerhouse team, training with legends who’ve been in the game longer than you’ve been alive. You’re learning the ropes, sharpening your skills, and watching the biggest matches unfold. But come game day? You’re on the bench. Meanwhile, players you came up with—your college teammates—are now playing full games for scrappy, hungry teams. Back then, you were the better player. But now? They’ve surpassed you. Their skills are sharper, their instincts honed, and they’re getting visibility when it matters most. Sure, their team might not have the same prestige as yours, but they’re out there playing. Brands are noticing them. Bigger teams are recruiting them. They’re unlocking opportunities simply by being in the game—while you’re still waiting for your shot. The takeaway: The best teams don’t want bench players—they want game-ready talent who can step up and deliver. If you’re stuck on the sidelines with no clear path to playing time, it’s time to make a move. Because if you stay on the bench too long, it’s going to run cold. Get yourself a sports agent, and we’ll get you in the starting lineup. allison@whistlerpartners.com