OCTAGON’S CRICKET DIVISION ACQUIRES GLOBAL CRICKET MANAGEMENT

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – May 13, 2024 – Octagon today announced the expansion of Octagon Cricket, with its absorption of Global Cricket Management (GCM), one of the world’s most prominent cricket talent management firms.

The acquisition of GCM, coupled with Octagon’s pre-existing client roster, makes Octagon the most influential cricket player management agency in Africa, and among the largest in the world.

As part of the acquisition, industry veteran and former GCM CEO Francois Brink will serve as head of Octagon Cricket. Additionally, Franco Barocas, Octagon Africa Chairman, Global Rugby and Cricket, together with Clifford Bloxham, SVP and Head of Octagon UK Talent + Properties, will play a pivotal role in driving the division globally.

Highlighted by South African Test batter David Bedingham, SA Test and SA20 wicket keeper and batter Kyle Verreynne, as well as 23-year-old rising star and Western Province bowling allrounder Mihlali Mpongwana, Octagon Cricket will represent nearly 80 cricketers, including players, coaches, and broadcasters across Africa, Asia, and Europe, offering unparalleled opportunities for players, brands, and stakeholders throughout global cricket.

“GCM and our impressive roster of cricketers are thrilled to join Octagon, embarking on an exciting new journey under the Octagon Cricket banner,” said Brink. “Octagon Cricket marks a new era in cricket talent representation and management, expanding our global footprint in cricket and continuing to grow one of the world’s most-popular sports. However, Octagon Cricket’s offering will not be its size, but rather a combination of the broader services we can offer players, which comes from the economies of scale that size brings, plus the one-to-one personalized service of a boutique company.”

“Our strength in understanding brands, marketing, and commercialization, as well as our expertise in managing talent throughout their playing careers and beyond, will add tremendous value to our cricketers, just as it does to our overall client business,” said Barocas. “This latest acquisition, together with the expansion of Octagon Rugby, announced last year, and the recent launch of Octagon 54, a dedicated venture to cultivate African basketball talent, further demonstrates Octagon’s commitment to Africa.”

“The expansion of Octagon Cricket underscores Octagon’s continued focus on the growth of our robust footprint across the sports and entertainment landscape, representing the best athletes in every major sport worldwide, and offering the greatest and most unique opportunities for our clients,” said Phil de Picciotto, Founder and President, Octagon. “We are thrilled to welcome Francois and these world class cricketers to the Octagon family, and we look forward to optimizing the potential that this division holds in shaping the future of the sport.”

Octagon has a notable history in cricket, representing many of the sport’s most iconic players and personalities, including legendary England Cricket Team batter and bowler Darren Gough MBE, as well as former South African wicketkeeper and ICC Chief Executive Officer David Richardson.

ABOUT OCTAGON:

Octagon is the preeminent talent management, integrated marketing, and creative agency in global sports and entertainment. The agency creates distinctive marketing campaigns for some of the largest brands and Fortune 500 companies across the globe and represents more than 900 of the most prominent and influential athletes, talent, and properties in the world. With more than 1,000 employees worldwide, based in 50 offices, in 20 countries, Octagon is positioned in virtually all areas of sports and entertainment.

— OCTAGON —