GSE Worldwide Acquires InsideOut Sports & Entertainment

RWS Global Acquires Great Big Events

May 14, 2024

Media & Entertainment

RWS Global has acquired Great Big Events (GBE) and launched a new division, RWS Global Sports, to expand its live sports and entertainment production capabilities. GBE co-founder Kim Henshaw will lead the new division, and the deal includes GBE's fan engagement apps (Ultimate Fan App, Anywhere Live) and integrated software PV4; the transaction follows a strategic investment in RWS Global from Bluestone Equity Partners.

For Soccer Ventures Acquires Gilt Edge Soccer Marketing to Form For Soccer

February 20, 2023

Marketing & Advertising

For Soccer Ventures has acquired Gilt Edge Soccer Marketing and combined the two companies into a new soccer-focused marketing, media, and experiences company called For Soccer. The deal, backed by principal owner Richie Graham (of Striker Partners / The Graham Group), expands capabilities and scale ahead of major U.S. soccer events including the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.

Playfly Sports Acquires OUTFRONT Media Sports, Collegiate Star League and World Gaming Network

September 17, 2020

Media & Entertainment

Playfly Sports, a Philadelphia-based sports marketing firm led by Michael Schreiber and backed by investors Access Holdings and Sinclair Broadcast Group, has acquired and rebranded OUTFRONT Media Sports LLC as Playfly Sports Properties and also acquired the Collegiate Star League (CSL) and World Gaming Network (WGN). The moves expand Playfly's multimedia-rights, collegiate and esports capabilities across universities, high school associations and amateur/semi-pro esports networks; terms were not disclosed.

GSE Worldwide Acquires DEC Management

October 18, 2021

Media & Entertainment

New York-based GSE Worldwide has acquired DEC Management, a Davie, Florida–based NFL sports agency led by David Canter. The acquisition strengthens GSE's NFL presence by adding Canter and DEC's roster of more than 50 NFL players; financial terms were not disclosed.

Publicis Groupe Acquires Bespoke Sports & Entertainment

July 22, 2025

Marketing & Advertising

Publicis Groupe has acquired experiential marketing agency Bespoke Sports & Entertainment and will integrate the firm into Publicis Sports within Publicis Connected Media. Bespoke — founded in 2014 and based in Charlotte — will retain its leadership team and name and is expected to expand its sports and experiential capabilities leveraging Publicis' scale; financial terms were not disclosed.

MSP Sports Capital Acquires Majority Interest in X Games from ESPN

October 26, 2022

Media & Entertainment

MSP Sports Capital acquired a majority (controlling) interest in the X Games from ESPN Productions, Inc., with ESPN retaining a minority, non-controlling stake and remaining the domestic linear broadcast partner under a multi-year agreement. MSP will assume day-to-day operational control of the X Games, appointing Steven Flisler as CEO, and has enlisted Tony Hawk as a brand steward as it seeks to reinvigorate the action-sports property and expand fan experiences.