Toulouse, France – French rugby club Stade Toulousain has awarded its media and marketing rights for the next ten seasons to Infront Sports & Media, a Wanda Sports company. Founded in 1907, Stade Toulousain holds the most titles in French rugby (4 European and 19 French Championship titles). This marks the beginning of a new sporting and economic cycle, which was today also symbolised by the appointment of the new President Didier Lacroix, the club's iconic former captain.
As part of this agreement, Infront will market all of the club's sponsorship, hospitality, media and digital offers. Infront, which will integrate the current sales team, will bring its expertise as well as its extensive national and international network to the club. As a consequence, Stade Toulousain will continue developing its governance and organisation, while reaffirming more than ever its ambitions for the future.
Partnering with the best
Didier Lacroix, President of Stade Toulousain: “Stade Toulousain is partnering today with the world leader in sports marketing and this represents a cultural evolution for the club; above all it is a very important step forward that will give us new vigor. Infront will help us to develop our revenues and open up opportunities internationally, which is essential to increase the club's reach. The teams are already working for the launch of the 2017/18 season. The partners and all the economic players who have been around Stade Toulousain for so many years can rest assured about its promising future and especially its unlimited ambition.”
Starting off with a positive dynamic
Jean-François Jeanne, Managing Director at Infront France: “The discussions with René Bouscatel and the teams of the club were very fruitful. We share the same values and a true vision for the future of the club and I have confidence in Didier Lacroix at the head of Stade Toulousain to bring it back to its rightful position in France and Europe. It is with great enthusiasm that we put our resources at the disposal of Stade Toulousain.”
About Infront Sports & Media
Infront Sports & Media, a Wanda Sports company, is one of the most respected sports marketing companies in the world, managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Led by President & CEO Philippe Blatter, Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events – including distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production, event operation and digital solutions – and has won a reputation for its high standards of delivery. As the number one player in winter sport and with a leading role in football, summer and endurance sports, Infront enjoys long-lasting partnerships with close to 170 rights-holders and hundreds of sponsors and media companies. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of more than 900 experienced staff working from over 35 offices across more than 15 countries, delivering 4,100 event days of top class sport around the world every year. In November 2015, Infront was integrated into Wanda Sports Holding, part of the Chinese conglomerate the Dalian Wanda Group.
About Wanda Sports
Wanda Sports is the world’s leading sports business entity, founded to capture the opportunities in the global sports industry and to contribute to the prosperous international sports landscape in three key areas: 1) Spectator Sports (media & marketing business), 2) Participation Sports (active lifestyle business), 3) Services (digital, production and service business). Led by President & Vice Chairman Philippe Blatter, Wanda Sports incorporates the international sports marketing company Infront Sports & Media, the iconic endurance brand IRONMAN and Wanda Sports China. The headquarters are in Guangzhou, China.
