Tag Archives: sport

Iconix Brand Group celebrates 50 years of Starter with Zara spring/summer capsule collection

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Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the athletic brand, Starter, the Iconix Brand Group has scored a new partnership with the global high street brand, Zara to develop and sell a capsule collection for spring/summer 2021.

Established in 1971, the Starter brand quickly became an innovator in global sports brands by connecting fans with their favourite teams and players, and pioneering the fusion of sports clothing with popular culture by partnering with major professional sports leagues, colleges, Olympic sports, and individual athletes.

What began with the now iconic star logo and the idea that ‘Every athlete dreams of being a starting player,’ the brand went on to become a leading part of sports fans’ lives. Starter quickly expanded beyond sport, drawing influence from music and pop culture, too, with key moments including Joe Torre of the New York Mets stepping onto the field wearing the first authentic Starter satin jacket.

Daisy Laramy-Binks, managing director of Iconix Europe, said: “I am delighted to see the iconic global Starter brand and the powerhouse that is Zara come together for this exciting partnership which will provide the Zara customer with a fashion-forward take on American heritage sportswear at its best.”

The multi-category collection for spring/summer 2021 to mark the 50th celebration will include pieces such as women’s T-shirts, a vest dress, crop top, shorts, joggers, reversible bucket hat, and a bodysuit. The color story will encapsulate Spring Summer hues of pink, white and the Starter brand’s signature blue, to give a contemporary sports-inspired look.

Zara has become a key fast fashion High Street retailer, with the parent company Inditex selling in 202 markets through its online platform or its over 7,000 stores in 96 markets, Zara has the highest store count of 2,118 across all of the Inditex brands.

Nurturing a highly intimate relationship with its customers, Zara’s designers respond instinctively to their changing needs, reacting to the latest trends and constant feedback received across its Woman, Man and Kids’ collections, to deliver new ideas in the right place and at the right moment.

The collection is now available on Zara.com and in select stores Internationally (where permissible due to the lockdown restrictions).

The British & Irish Lions signs new deal with mouthguard specialist OPRO

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The British & Irish Lions has signed a new licensing partnership with the world’s largest mouthguard manufacturer, OPRO, marking one of a number new licensing deals secured for the brand by The Point. 1888.

A product licensing programme for the British & Irish Lions is now well underway, created to tap into the demand for the sport ahead of the Castle Lager Lions Series in South Africa against the Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks.

The new partnership grants OPRO the rights to produce Lions-branded mouthguards available for purchase through its network of global retailers.

The relationship also sees all players selected in the Lions squad provided with OPRO’s, award winning, custom-fit mouthguards. OPRO is the official mouthguard partner of more than 85 teams and associations across the world, including England Rugby, Rugby Australia, New Zealand Rugby and 11 Gallagher Premiership clubs.

“We are delighted to welcome OPRO to our family of licensees,” said Tom Halsey, British & Irish Lions commercial director.

“OPRO’s pioneering approach to mouthguard technology and player welfare sets it apart from any competitor. We look forward to another successful partnership with them.”

Daniel Lovat, sports marketing director for OPRO, added: “It’s a huge privilege to once again be partnered with the Lions and we also thanks The Point. 1888 for their fantastic support.

“We’re excited to launch the range of Lions-branded mouthguards alongside our retail partners and also support the squad during the Tour, ensuring they’ve the very best protection for their teeth.”

OPRO is the latest in a list of recent Lions’ license deals secured by The Point.1888, which include Reach Publishing for a Lions pre-Tour magazine, Tour guide, and bookazine, Super Socks for a range of Lions-branded personalised socks and cushions, and Disrupt Sport who will create a portfolio of print on demand Lions products includng posters, stickers, puzzles, wallets, phone cases and bumbags.

“We are delighted to be working with these new partners to support what is set to be an incredible few months for the Lions in South Africa. With some very varied partners on board, we are thrilled to be appealing to so many fans across the entire family, as well as supporting the team whilst they play,” said Hannah Stevens, head of retail at The Point. 1888.

The England Lionesses make history as University Games unveils first all female Subbuteo line-up

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University Games is making history with the launch of the first all-female Subbuteo line-up to mass market, thanks to a new partnership with the England Lionesses.

The highly anticipated Official England Lionesses Subbuteo Main Game will be available from this May, with each of the detailed Lionesses Subbuteo players sporting the England kit. The line-up will also feature players of differing ethnicity.

The set will feature the 11 player Lionesses Team, an 11 player Red and White team, along with the Subbuteo pitch and goal sets.

The England Lionesses have been an inspiration to young players over the past few years and their success at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup has helped a growth in participation across all levels.

Mark Jones, sales director at University Games, believes the new Lionesses Set will make big steps to continue to bridge the gap between the younger generation and the current Subbuteo enthusiasts.

“We are all ever hopeful for a football-themed summer with the Euros currently planned to kick off this June, and with the Women’s European Championships now scheduled for summer 2022, the new England Lionesses Main Game is certain to be a very welcome and timely addition to the range,” he said.

“Subbuteo was a best seller for 2020 and a top Christmas Toy following a successful re-launch and a heavy-weight multi-media campaign, which will continue throughout 2021 and feature the new addition to the range.”

The new Lionesses Main Game will join a comprehensive Subbuteo range that includes the Subbuteo Main Game, Official England Main Game as well as the new Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) Set and enhanced Fences Set accessories that launched earlier this year.

British & Irish Lions score new partnership with golfing brand Titleist

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The British & Irish Lions has scored a new licensing partnership with the world-leading golf brand, Titleist.

The agreement is one of a number of new license deals secured by brand licensing specialist The Point.1888, who has partnered with the Lions to create a new range of products ahead of the Tour to South Africa in 2021 to face world champions, the Springboks.

Recognised as the game’s leading performance equipment brand, Titleist will offer a range of high-specification, Lions branded accessories including golf balls, golf bags and golf club head covers, as well as gloves and towels.

 Today’s announcement comes off the back of the enormous interest in next summer’s Tour, with record numbers of travel packages and tickets being sold to Lions and Springbok supporters, as well as a spate of commercial partnerships recently being announced including Vodafone, Castle Lager, Hackett, Canterbury and Famous Grouse.

“We are delighted to welcome Titleist to our growing family of licensees,” said Tom Halsey, British & Irish Lions Commercial Director. “Titleist products are top quality and, like the Lions, are known around the world for being a symbol of excellence.

“I am sure Lions supporters will be keen to take to the course with the number one ball in golf, featuring the famous Lions crest.”

 Titleist is the latest in a list of recent Lions’ license deals secured by The Point.1888, which include FOCO UK (face coverings, towels and garden gnomes), Vision Sports Publishing (The British & Irish Lions – The Official History), Danilo (Lions branded calendars and diaries for 2021), Zak (a range of British & Irish Lions homewares, gifting and mealtime and drinkware), Oddballs (men’s and women’s Lions underwear), Game on Glove (supporters’ merchandise and accessories), Brecrest (babywear, including bibs, sleep suits and baby grows), BDA (premium corporate products including pins and leather goods), and Zenith (collectible coins commemorating past Lions captains).

“We are absolutely delighted to bring two iconic brands in golf and rugby together to offer fans a unique collection of products to celebrate the Lions Tour,” said Hannah Stevens, head of retail at The Point 1888.

“As a retail-first brand extension company we are actively planning for a truly spectacular summer of rugby with our retail and new licensee partners.”

WildBrain CPLG signs Middle East and North Africa deals for Arsenal, FC Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool, and Man City

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 WildBrain CPLG has inked a wave of pan-regional deals in Middle East and North Africa on behalf of the European football clubs the agency represents in the market: Arsenal, FC Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool FC, and Manchester City.

For Arsenal, FC Barcelona and Manchester City, WildBrain CPLG has secured a direct-to-retail licensing deal with the fashion retailer RIVA that will see a line of apparel and accessories hit stores across the region.

Meanwhile, Andy Enterprises is now on board for an apparel and accessories range across Arsenal and Liverpool FC; Trucare is launching bedding and homewares across FC Barcelona and Manchester City; and ESAL is creating footballs for FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC.

Further partners secured include Hollywood Magic for FC Barcelona and Manchester City apparel ranges, and Sun CE for back-to-school products across all five clubs.

Roberto Pallottini, licensing manager at WildBrain CPLG MENA, said: “Football continues to be the most popular sport across the Middle East and North Africa and is also a significant trend at retail.

“We are proud to welcome these partners to the local licensing programmes for these internationally renowned European football clubs and to create lifestyle-focused products for the brands in the region.”

Poetic Brands signs FIFA for spring/summer apparel collection

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The apparel licensee, Poetic Brands, has added the international governing body of football, FIFA, to its portfolio of brands with the launch of a new range of FIFA themed clothing. The range will capitalise on the body’s historical marques and logos, the kind of which have been recognised worldwide for more than 100 years.

The Poetic Brands collection will feature t-shirts, sweatshirts, and nightwear and will launch into the UK with retailers stocking ranges from spring/summer 2021.

Founded in 1904, FIFA is the umbrella organisation of its members, currently 211 national football associations. Its objectives include developing football around the world, staging international competitions, and ensuring that the game of football is available to all who wish to participate. 

The member associations of FIFA take part in the FIFA World Cup every four years, with the next edition taking place in 2022, providing a key selling point after the launch of the clothing line.

“Together with Poetic Brands, we’ll be bringing new energy to FIFA’s beloved historical emblems,” said FIFA head of licensing and retail, Sarah Bohner. “We look forward to helping fans relive and celebrate their favourite tournaments through unique, creative designs.”

Elliott Matthews, executive director of Poetic Brands, added: “We are really excited to be adding FIFA to our portfolio of properties. The brand is instantly recognisable not only to football fans, but to the vast majority of consumers. We are sure the collection will reach fans of the game throughout the UK and prove popular with supporters of all clubs.”

Italy’s dance-inspired lifestyle brand Dimensione Danza appoints Librex as its international licensing agent

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The Italian dance-inspired lifestyle brand, Dimensione Danza , has appointed Librex Ltd as its international licensing agency, as the popular fashion name makes its move for the wider world of licensing in territories including Japan, Poland, Switzerland and key markets in Europe.

Fusing the style and energy that characterizes the art of dance and bringing it into women’s apparel collections across athleisure, dance, fashion, fitness and sport, Dimensione Danza is beginning to break into new markets with its first clothing line for infants and girls sold under the sub-brand Dimensione Danza Sisters.

Additional licensed categories currently include nightwear, underwear, hoisery bags, footwear, and stationery.

Librex’s managing director, Arvin Annia, said: “I am delighted to represent Dimensione Danza and build on the success that the brand has achieved to date. I have a longstanding relationship with the brand owner, A Moda S.p.A, a pioneer in the Italian apparel market.

“They know how to build brands in a meaningful and sustainable way. Their proven expertise in design, marketing and product makes them a really great licensor to represent. I look forward to working very closely with them in establishing an international licensing programme.”

Alessandro Bastagli established the Florence-based A. Moda S.p.A in July 1978 and took the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors, which he still holds today. A. Moda S.p.A. is a subsidiary of Gruppo Finalba S.r.l., a holding company that acquires corporate shares and deals in real-estate investments.

Specializing in clothing and accessories for men, women and children, with special emphasis on sportswear and activewear, A. Moda currently has a portfolio that includes both directly owned brands and those under licensing agreements. The brands produced and marketed by A. Moda over the years include famous names such as Gianni Versace, Gold’s Gym, Neil Pryde, Go Silk, Henry Lehr Jeans, Alpha Industries, Smith’s American, Momo Design, and Police.

Aware of the market’s demands, and working with world-famous in-house and outside designers, A. Moda consistently aims for innovation in styling and graphics, and constant research on materials and special treatments to satisfy the many and changing needs of an increasingly demanding consumer. 

Channel 5’s NFL broadcasting partnership will ‘bring excitement of NFL season in the US to British homes’

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National Football League will be touching down on UK television thanks to a new partnership struck between the NFL and ViacomCBS Networks International’s Channel 5. The three-year partnership will bring Monday Night Football to the channel, as well as a Sunday morning NFL magazine show.

The partnership aims to ‘take all the excitement of the NFL season in the US into British homes.’ It also covers ‘new and unique NFL content across MTV International’s digital platforms in the UK.’

“We are very proud to have agreed a new partnership with ViacomCBS and Channel 5,” said Sameer Pabari, NFL managing director, international media. “The range of content available across different time slots and platforms means there is something for everyone – from established fans to those new to the sport.”

James Tatam, VP portfolio operations, ViacomCBS Networks UK, added: “We’re looking forward to bringing high-quality entertainment from the NFL to a free-to-air audience in the U.K. The content has a broad, cross-generational appeal that will not only serve an existing NFL fanbase in the UK, but will also attract new viewers to the sport.”

Monday Night Football, one of America’s most iconic TV sports series, will be broadcast from a studio in Los Angeles, with host Kirsten Watson joined by former All-Pro Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew and other special guests.

The Sunday morning show, called NFL End Zone, will be presented by actress and singer Cory Yarckin and “will delve deeper into the culture behind America’s greatest sport,” ViacomCBS said. It will air at 11:30 a.m. U.K. time on Channel 5, which was previously an NFL broadcaster from 1998 to 2009.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, season coverage kicks off on Sunday, with Monday Night Football launching in the UK on Monday from MetLife Stadium as the New York Giants host the Pittsburgh Steelers on the opening weekend of the season.

Panini embarks on new licensing programme in Brazil with Vertical Licensing

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The global stickers and trading cards company, Panini has made its latest move to strengthen its presence in Brazil with the appointment of Vertical Licensing. The new agreement will allow Vertical Licensing to license out the Panini assets across the region as it looks for new business opportunities.

Panini has become synonymous with collectables, stickers, and trading cards and has carried a reputation in the field across generations and into the digital age. The heritage and nostalgia of the brand has lent itself to collaborations with the likes of Adidas, Puma, 55DL and Mattel.

Meanwhile, Vertical Licensing is a Brazilian licensing agency based in São Paulo. It currently works with clients such as PlayStation, IMPS, Mercis, Rainbow, Epic Rights and King Features.

Brazil represents one of Panini’s key territories internationally, where the brand is hugely popular and scores a widespread awareness, which the company is now willing to extend into a strategized consumer products program.

“It is an exciting brand extension challenge. We are extremely proud to have been appointed to represent Panini, a highly recognized and respected brand that connects with two of the greatest passions of Brazilians: football and stickers,” said Alexandre Volpi, CEO of Vertical Licensing.

“Our kick-off will be in the second half of this year to start building a program that should hit the shelves in 2021, when Panini will celebrate its 60th anniversary.”

José Martins, president and CEO at Panini Brazil Ltd. commented: “Panini has been active in Brazil since 1990 offering a wide range of products in the collectible and publishing segments targeted to kids and teens. We are looking forward to working closely with Vertical Licensing team to ensure Panini Brand will enjoy the same success it has had in Europe and other parts of the World.”

Tony Verdini, senior manager, business development and partnerships at Panini, added: “We are pleased to team up with Vertical Licensing in Brazil, where Panini’s awareness is enormous and has been growing bigger and bigger over the years.

“We have appointed Vertical to grow brand extension opportunities in the territory as we do believe they are the ideal partner to achieve this goal through a sustainable business plan. We look forward to this cooperation and a wide and deep range of cool licensed products.”

 

Panini embarks on new licensing programme in Brazil with Vertical Licensing

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The global stickers and trading cards company, Panini has made its latest move to strengthen its presence in Brazil with the appointment of Vertical Licensing. The new agreement will allow Vertical Licensing to license out the Panini assets across the region as it looks for new business opportunities.

Panini has become synonymous with collectables, stickers, and trading cards and has carried a reputation in the field across generations and into the digital age. The heritage and nostalgia of the brand has lent itself to collaborations with the likes of Adidas, Puma, 55DL and Mattel.

Meanwhile, Vertical Licensing is a Brazilian licensing agency based in São Paulo. It currently works with clients such as PlayStation, IMPS, Mercis, Rainbow, Epic Rights and King Features.

Brazil represents one of Panini’s key territories internationally, where the brand is hugely popular and scores a widespread awareness, which the company is now willing to extend into a strategized consumer products program.

“It is an exciting brand extension challenge. We are extremely proud to have been appointed to represent Panini, a highly recognized and respected brand that connects with two of the greatest passions of Brazilians: football and stickers,” said Alexandre Volpi, CEO of Vertical Licensing.

“Our kick-off will be in the second half of this year to start building a program that should hit the shelves in 2021, when Panini will celebrate its 60th anniversary.”

José Martins, president and CEO at Panini Brazil Ltd. commented: “Panini has been active in Brazil since 1990 offering a wide range of products in the collectible and publishing segments targeted to kids and teens. We are looking forward to working closely with Vertical Licensing team to ensure Panini Brand will enjoy the same success it has had in Europe and other parts of the World.”

Tony Verdini, senior manager, business development and partnerships at Panini, added: “We are pleased to team up with Vertical Licensing in Brazil, where Panini’s awareness is enormous and has been growing bigger and bigger over the years.

“We have appointed Vertical to grow brand extension opportunities in the territory as we do believe they are the ideal partner to achieve this goal through a sustainable business plan. We look forward to this cooperation and a wide and deep range of cool licensed products.”