THESTADIUMBUSINESS: Legends Creates New Global Partnerships Unit
Legends has launched a new global unit that will centralise and expand its existing partnership solutions into a dedicated division that connects leading properties and venues with premier brands.
Legends Global Partnerships will offer a variety of commercial consulting services, including naming rights and venue entitlement positions, premier events, emerging entertainment platforms and mixed-use real estate developments. Its services now span six divisions operating worldwide – partnerships, planning, sales, hospitality, merchandise and technology solutions.
The new Legends Global Partnerships division – which will be led by current chief commercial officer Chris Hibbs – will expand upon Legends’ relationship with clients such as the University of Notre Dame, Las Vegas Raiders, Columbus Crew, AT&T Stadium, and San Diego State University.
“Legends Global Partnerships will leverage our best-in-class industry experts and acumen across all aspects of the industry to create a truly unique and premium partnership service for new and existing clients,” said Hibbs.
“Legends’ experience with recent partnership executions at SoFi Stadium, Banc of California Stadium/LAFC, and Allegiant Stadium are a good preview of where we see this division headed. We pride ourselves on delivering against the biggest and most complex projects in the industry, and ensuring that our clients are set up for long term success and growth as a result of our work.”
Other key appointees include senior vice president Matt Pope, who will provide leadership across the global partnership portfolio, with an emphasis on US Olympic & Paralympic properties. Legends Global Partnerships senior vice presidents Doug Smoyer and Jamie Guin will lead the east and central partnerships teams, respectively.
“As the industry continues to evolve and teams, properties, and venues are being challenged to innovate and find creative new sources of revenue, we saw a huge opportunity to build out Legends’ existing partnerships business into a standalone division,” said Legends president and CEO Shervin Mirhashemi.
“The combination of Legends’ comprehensive full-service custom solutions, and our deep expertise in ground-up construction projects and stadia, makes us uniquely positioned to be a best-in-class holistic solution.”
Legends Global Partnerships recently represented the National Football League’s Raiders as it secured a founding partnership with MGM Resorts as a part of its duties as the stadium’s official premium ticketing and sponsorships agency.