By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
IMG Licensing has been appointed by ESPN as serve as the sports brand’s exclusive global licensing agency.
Through the exclusive representation agreement, IMG Licensing will work closely with ESPN to develop branded products and experiences across several key licensing categories.
“With IMG Licensing, we’re taking the next step in ESPN’s continued expansion as a global brand during a pivotal time for us,” said ESPN VP, Seth Ader. “IMG’s experience in brand expansion will help us unlock unique ways—whether through premium products, immersive experiences or unexpected cultural moments—to further extend the ESPN brand into the daily lives of sports fans everywhere.”
These categories will span sports equipment, apparel, location-based entertainment, product packaging integrations, publishing, toys, games, novelty items, memorabilia and more.
IMG Licensing will leverage the sports brand’s established consumer awareness and global community of fans to deliver new products and experiences.
“For over 45 years, ESPN has been synonymous with global sports culture, connecting fans across languages, generations, and borders,” said IMG Licensing VP, Brett Weiss. “We are honored to partner with ESPN to help reinforce its position as the go-to brand for sports engagement and fandom worldwide. Together, we aim to deliver dynamic fan-driven offerings that capture the unique intersection of sports and culture that defines ESPN.”
IMG Licensing representatives are presenting ESPN to potential partners at Stand G144 during Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas.
ESPN is a global multiplatform sports entertainment brand that offers a wide variety of content through its TV channels, digital platforms, website, events and more.
The ESPN brand is 80% owned by ABC Inc. and 20% owned by Hearst.
IMG Licensing is a global agency that specializes in managing licensing programs for global brands, trademarks and intellectual property.
Part of the WME Group, IMG Licensing provides a full selection of brand expansion services for clients across the business, entertainment, fashion, food, gaming and sports industries.