BOSTON–Fenway Sports Group (FSG), a premier sports-marketing organization that specializes in representation, sponsorship sales, and strategic marketing consulting, today announced that it has entered into a partnership with the world renowned Fulham Football Club of the English Premier League to become its exclusive North American agency of record. Founded in 1879, Fulham is the oldest professional football team in London.
FSG’s primary responsibility will be to secure commercial partnerships for Fulham, including a new jersey sponsor for the 2010/11 season and beyond. In addition to allowing the club to continue investing in on-field talent, securing new partnerships will enable Fulham to continue enhancements and improvements at its historic stadium, Craven Cottage. More than any other club in the Premier League, Fulham has become synonymous with its home field.
“We saw a lot of similarities between Craven Cottage and Fenway Park when reviewing this opportunity and are excited to work with one of the top football clubs in London,” said Fenway Sports Group President Sam Kennedy. “Fulham and the English Premier League are leading sports brands and we are eager to speak with potential corporate partners about how they can achieve their global marketing objectives by partnering with Fulham.”
FSG will be tasked with selling integrated corporate marketing partnerships by leveraging its extensive network of clients to introduce the Fulham legacy and accompanying sponsorship opportunities to some of the most established brands in North America. FSG’s experience with the Red Sox and Fenway Park and Fulham’s experience at Craven Cottage will also allow the two organizations to collaborate on best practices for maximizing revenue and enhancing the fan experience at historic sporting venues.
Fulham FC, which competes in the top tier of English football, entered the 2009/10 season after having its best season ever in 2008/09, finishing seventh in the Premier League and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. The team has played at Craven Cottage, located in South West London on the banks of the Thames River, since 1896. Fulham has longstanding ties to the United States,with several top American players on its roster. Current US National Team stars Clint Dempsey and Eddie Johnson play for the club while Brian McBride and Kasey Keller have also played for Fulham in recent years.
“We’re thrilled to work with Fenway Sports Group, a proven leader in the sports-marketing industry,” said Fulham Chief Executive Alistair Mackintosh. “FSG has an unparalleled list of corporate contacts, and we’re certain that their sports marketing experience, knowledge, and strategic thinking will give us the best opportunity to tell the Fulham story to our target audience of North American marketing executives.”
Boston-based Professional Soccer Advisors, which works with Fulham on several projects including growing the club`s brand and business interests in North America, was integral in bringing Fulham and FSG together.
“We are thrilled to expand our existing strong relationship with Fulham into this new and important realm,” said Professional Soccer Advisors President Steve Gans. “In joining together Fulham, a leading club in the English Premier League, with FSG, a top-notch sports sales and marketing agency, we see great synergy in connection with this project.”
ABOUT FENWAY SPORTS GROUP
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) is a wholly owned subsidiary of New England Sports Ventures (NESV). In addition to Fenway Sports Group, NESV owns the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park, and 80 percent of New England Sports Network. A premier sports-management organization headquartered in Boston, FSG specializes in representation, sponsorship sales, and strategic marketing consulting for corporations who conduct business in sports and entertainment. For more information please visit www.FenwaySportsGroup.com.
ABOUT FULHAM FOOTBALL CLUB
Established in 1879, Fulham is London`s oldest first-class club. Fulham has just enjoyed the most successful season in their 130-year history and is looking tobuild on last season`s success. Fulham FC is part of the English Premier League, the most popular soccer league in the world. Fulham is owned by Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, who also owns the world-famous Harrods department store in London. www.FulhamFC.com
