Author: Chris.Pereira

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

Acquisition of Maestroe Sports & Entertainment Fuels New Division

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anticipated Invite-Only Celebration to Take Place Immediately Following

NFL Honors Show Inside SoFi Stadium on Thursday, February 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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