LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One Entertainment, the leading agency in soccer brand-extension, has been appointed by WeMatch to develop the licensing program in the United States and Canada for the 2016 Copa America tournament.
Copa America, the most prestigious soccer tournament in the Americas, will celebrate its 100th birthday in the form of the first truly Pan-American cup from June 3 to June 26, 2016 in the United States. It will include 16 national teams from North, South, and Central America, and the Caribbean competing for the title in 32 games. There will be 24 major metropolitan areas bidding to host this historic event and the final host cities will be decided over the coming months.
“Copa America 2016 will be the largest international sporting event organized in the United States in decades,” says Diego Barassi, VP of licensing, WeMatch. “We are excited to team up with One Entertainment to bring this opportunity to manufacturers, retailers and consumers in North America.”
“When the United States hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, it was the first time a large-scale licensing program was launched for a soccer competition, and it proved to be a massive success,” says Alex Altamirano, a partner with One Entertainment. “Now 22 years later, Copa America 2016 promises to deliver another exciting opportunity for all soccer fans in the country.”
Under the terms of the agreement, One Entertainment will execute a comprehensive program to leverage the tournament in all key product categories, including apparel, accessories, toys and gifts. “Copa America 2016 will allow licensees and retail partners to tap into the three dimensions of the tournament: a mega sports event for all Americans and host cities; an exciting competition for all soccer fans in the U.S.; and a celebration for the entire U.S. Hispanic community,” says David Gebel, a partner with One Entertainment.
About WeMatch:
WeMatch is a partnership between Full Play, Torneos and Traffic Sports to develop and promote soccer worldwide. Collectively, the three companies offer more than 80 years experience in media, entertainment and sports with a focus on soccer. WeMatch kicks off with the commercial rights to Copa America, the most important soccer tournament in the Americas.
About One Entertainment:
One Entertainment is a fully integrated brand-extension agency. It is the leading soccer licensing agency in North America. Its portfolio of soccer rights includes iconic soccer clubs such as FC Barcelona, and Manchester United, among others.
