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Former Fox Sports professionals launch sports marketing agency

Global sports marketing agency TLA Worldwide has announced the creation of a new sports marketing business helmed by two former Fox Sports executives.

Talisman Sports and Media, which will be headquartered in London, will be headed up by former Executive Vice President of Global Sport and Content Sales at Fox, Simon Thomas and Andrew Guy, who was previously Fox’s Senior VP of Global Sport.

The new company, which will also have an office in Switzerland, will look to exploit TLA’s current commercial rights agreements and arrangements as well as develop new opportunities outside the group.

TLA currently manages a smattering of top cricket players as well as current and former Olympians such as swimmer Rebecca Adlington and cyclist Chris Hoy, with further outposts in the USA and Australia.

Thomas, who will be Talisman’s Managing Director, described the sports marketing arena as ‘extremely dynamic’ at the moment, owing to a rapidly changing media environment.

He said: “Sports rights are becoming increasingly valuable and rights owners need to understand how they treat those rights to best develop their brands and properties.

“TLA is an ambitious organisation with excellent relationships in a variety of sports. We think it’s a good fit for us and we look forward to making this partnership a success.”

TLA will not initially own any stake in the new sports marketing business; however, it does have the option to acquire an undisclosed majority stake within the next five years.

Bart Campbell, who is TLA’s Chairman, commented: “Simon and Andrew bring a wealth of quality experience to the organisation and we welcome them to the TLA family and look forward to working with them on a variety of projects.

“TLA has a strong presence in athlete representation, sponsorships, event creation and development.

“Working with Simon and Andrew’s specialist marketing and media rights expertise will enhance TLA’s overall offering and help us pursue new opportunities in tandem, better servicing our clients’ needs.”