Essentially

Sports Marketing

Essentially is a sports marketing, media and management agency.

The business is split into two divisions: sports marketing (comprising rights sales, consultancy and events management) and athlete management. It has strong positions of influence within its three chosen sports of expertise: Rugby Union, Cricket & F1 across all commercial platforms, from athletes to sponsors, to events to broadcasters. Clients include federations such as the International Rugby Board (IRB), England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the British and Irish Lions, Welsh Rugby Union, ERC and SANZAR.

Essentially has its main office based in London, with international offices in France, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and South Africa.

Current activities include:

• We are the number one athlete management business in rugby union and cricket in the world, representing athletes such as Ian Bell and Richie McCaw
• We manage all strategy and implementation for the global sponsorship of SABMiller’s flagship beer brand Pilsner Urquell, which focuses on a partnership with the Open Championship. Essentially consults on activation in 15 markets and manages all on-site activation at The Open, including bespoke hospitality for 200 VIP guests
• We developed a programme for the ECB, which has generated £40m revenue since 2003
• We plan, manage and activate Lebara and Clydesdale Bank’s activation in cricket
• We run the Magners League, on behalf of Celtic Rugby, overseeing the commercial delivery between Celtic Rugby Clubs and sponsors. Essentially manages and delivers the Play-Offs, Grand Final and the seasonal events programme including the Awards Dinner and Season Media Launch
• Our sports marketing division has had a successful working relationship with Invesco Perpetual for 12 years
• We work with the IRB, overseeing the commercial delivery of the HSBC Sevens World Series and event managing the IRB Awards
• We have a growing presence in football, including the Spurs shirt deal with Investec and selling in-stadia advertising at Premier League and international FA matches, such as England and Brazil

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