As part of the comprehensive internationalization partnership, SPORTFIVE will provide services including the development of the club’s international strategy, English-language digital audience development, asset development and commercial sales services, along with experiential and live events production. The partnership, which was secured with the support of Jochen Lösch’s JL Sports Investment, will be focused on the English-speaking countries, most notably the US, but include a focus on international markets outside of Brazil.
Flamengo is one of the most successful and popular soccer teams in all Latin America. Established in 1895, the club has won a variety of championships, including two Copa Libertadores championships, a FIFA Club World Cup, eight Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles, three Copa do Brasil titles, and a record 37 Campeonato Carioca titles, and has more than 40 million fans around the world. Flamengo is looking to build on the foundation of success and popularity to further grow its brand, engage with fans, and expand its commercial prospects elsewhere around the world. SPORTFIVE’s expertise in rights-holder international marketing and its long-held presence in North America and Europe makes it an ideal partner for Flamengo. The sports marketing agency delivers sponsorship, marketing, digital and media solutions to an extensive roster of rights holders globally and will provide Flamengo with a dedicated team based in New York and Hamburg fully integrated in the agency’s global network and operations.
“We are entering this partnership with a global company that understands, as do we, that Flamengo is a global brand and that it has a huge potential to grow even more around the world,” said Gustavo Oliveira, Flamengo’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “We will work a lot around Flamengo’s spectacular and successful history and the great passion of our fans. That will certainly make our international popularity and engagement grow, expanding our name and commercial prospects to many countries around the world.” “We are thrilled to partner with Flamengo, an exciting brand with strong international potential, as it represents two leaders in the world of sports becoming united by a shared long-term vision,” said Christian Koller, Head of Rights-holder Internationalization at SPORTFIVE. “Together, we want to grow and engage the international fanbase of the club, with a special focus on the North American market, and create an engaging global platform for fans and brands alike.”
“Flamengo is one of the most popular sports teams in both South America and globally, which makes this an extremely exciting partnership for us,” said Karim Fathi, Vice President, Digital, Americas at SPORTFIVE. “We will work closely with the club to further expand its large, passionate, and incredible fan base and following worldwide.