Major Sports Marketing Agencies
Use this list to help get your search for a career in sports off to a good start:
16W Marketing – This full service marketing agency consults and markets several prominent properties including the United Football League, the New Orleans Saints, and Ripken Baseball. Based in New Jersey.
361° Sports and Event Marketing – Consults and negotiates sponsorship deals for several corporate clients including Qwest, KMart, LG Electronics, and M&Ms. Four offices in Denver, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York.
R*Works – Though independently owned and operated, this agency’s sole client is General Motors. All event promotions, sponsorships, and event planning are facilitated by the firm’s eight offices throughout the country.
GMR Marketing – Offering what it refers to as ‘live marketing,’ this firm specializes in sports and entertainment event promotions. Its vast portfolio of clients includes Visa USA, Major League Baseball, Miller Coors, PepsiCo, and McDonald’s. The agency has eight offices throughout the company, with headquarters in Dallas.
Helios Partners – Poised to break into the emerging Chinese market, this agency recently opened an office in Beijing in addition to existing offices in Atlanta and Washington D.C. The firm engages in sponsorship consultation, negotiation, and evaluation for clients such as Delta Airlines, Samsung, Kraft and General Mills.
IMG – This mega-agency has over 70 offices in 30 countries and is involved in sports business in virtually every possible avenue. Its consulting business facilitates high visibility sponsorships for clients like Visa International, DHL, Johnson & Johnson, 24 Hour Fitness, and Intel.
Just Marketing – Based in Indiana, the heart of IndyCar racing, this niche agency provides sponsorship consultation for clients solely in motorsports. Their impressive list of clients includes Subway, DirecTV, Crown Royal, BMW, and Hilton.
Momentum Worldwide – Boasting 80 offices and 53 countries, this agency truly embodies its namesake. The agency manages sponsorships and integrated marketing campaigns for the likes of DiGiorno, Coca-Cola, and Verizon.
Next Marketing – This agency offers sports, event, and relationship marketing for properties and corporations, primarily in motorsports, golf, and sailing. Clients include Panasonic, CHP, and Principle Financial Group. Based in Atlanta.
Octagon – A direct competitor with giants IMG and Momentum, Octagon offers a wide array of sponsorship services to a myriad of clients. U.S. headquarters are in Norwalk, Connecticut.
Peter Jacobsen Sports – Founded by golf great, Peter Jacobsen, this agency’s bread and butter is event management, sponsorship consulting and talent management, primarily in professional golf. Clients include Ketel One Vodka and Lexus. Offices in Portland, OR, Bonita Springs, FL, and Providence, RI.
rEvolution – rEvolution is a unique collective of marketing experts, built to move the needle for brands looking to leverage sports as a means to successfully achieve business goals. Navigating the sports marketing landscape requires experienced insiders, like those at rEvolution, who speak the language and make things happen. This is who we are.
SportsMark – Offers clients a full gamut of services including sponsorship consulting and activation, hospitality management, and event logistics. Clients include Hartford Financial, Macy’s, and the San Francisco 49ers. Based near San Francisco.
Strategic Sports Group – Strategy and consulting firm based in New York City, with specialties in event promotions and sponsorship. Clients include GlaxoSmithKline, Hershey’s, Stella Artois, and Lipton.
The Marketing Arm (Millsport) – Was named in 2006 by Promo Magazine as the #1 marketing agency across all industries. Provides consulting and activation services in sports and entertainment for Tylenol, Sunoco, AT&T, and Doritos.
Velocity Sports and Entertainment – Quickly nipping at the heels of the industry leaders, this agency has its involvement in NASCAR and strong leadership to thank for recent successes. Clients include FedEx, Toyota, ConAgra, NBC, and Little League Baseball. Based in Connecticut.
Wasserman Media Group – This mega-agency offers consultation and sales expertise for clients looking to get involved in sports and entertainment sponsorship. Clients include T-Mobile, NASCAR, and Wachovia. Based in Los Angeles.