Dream Theatre scores Licensing Rights for football icon Maradona

Dream Theatre, India’s premier brand management and licensing representation company, has secured the rights for the Maradona Consumer Products programme from Podium Icons, a division of Podium Brands Group in the UK.

Podium Icons has exclusively acquired the master licensor rights from Sattvica SA, the Argentine company which owns the Maradona, name, image and likeness rights, and has a range of assets and IP with which to be the sole authorised representative of the Maradona IP and to develop the Diego Maradona brand. Podium Icons has placed the rights for bringing brand Maradona to India and South Asia with Dream Theatre.

Maradona is arguably the greatest footballer of all time and celebrated for his exceptional skill and talent. His famous performance in the 1986 FIFA World Cup and his where he led Argentina to victory, ha made him a legendary figure in the world of sports, including in India. His impact and influence on the game of football have earned him a dedicated fan base across our country.  In 2000, his sublime performances on the pitch were rewarded when he jointly won the Fifa Player of the Century award with Brazilian legend Pele. The Argentine won the internet poll with 53.6% to Pele’s 18.5%.

The partnership focuses on launching authentic merchandise across categories like apparel, sporting goods, bags, luggage, memorabilia etc.

29 Jul 1986: Diego Maradona of Argentina kisses the trophy after the World Cup final against West Germany at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Argentina won the match 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Mike King/Allsport

“We are very excited to represent Maradona in India and South Asia. Maradona’s personality and impact on the game is timeless and as football gains ground in India, fans old and new will have a chance to celebrate the sheer genius of Maradona with authentic merchandise across categories”, says Jiggy George, CEO and Founder of Dream Theatre.

Sanjay Wadhwani, CEO and Founder of Podium Brands, said: “Maradona was more than just the greatest footballer of all time, he transcended the sport and became an icon to millions. We are thrilled to be given the honour of building and leading Maradona Brand with the purpose of sharing his remarkable story and, in time, building a lasting legacy promoting social and charitable causes in his name.”

Maradona’s merchandise will launch early 2024 and will be available across retail chains, stores and e-commerce platforms.

 

Dream Theatre in licensing, merchandising pact with Liverpool Club for India, S Asia

Brand management and licensing firm Dream Theatre has bagged the rights to develop the licensing business of Liverpool Football Club in India and South Asia.

Jiggy George, Founder & CEO, Dream Theatre, said that the Liverpool Football Club has a passionate fan base in India and South Asia. “We will forge long-term partnerships with licensees and retailers to offer authentic licensed products to fans,” he added.

Besides India, the company has also got the mandate to develop the club’s licensing business in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

“At Dream Theatre, we have three key verticals — entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. With the growth in the Indian market, the sports vertical has become a significant part of the business. We are thrilled to add Liverpool Football Club to our portfolio and are aiming for a 25 percent increase in our sports portfolio,” he added.

Main focus

The company plans to launch a range of licensed products in various categories such as apparel, sporting goods, and accessories.

George said, “Our main focus will be apparel and we will work with solid partners who have the wherewithal across product, distribution, and marketing. We will also look at other lifestyle-related categories of footwear, innerwear, bags, personal-care and sporting goods. But our core proposition will be built around a strong apparel portfolio.”

The licensed Liverpool merchandise will be available at leading retail stores and on e-commerce portals.

Dream Theatre represents various brands such as the Smiley Company, Sanrio, Real Madrid, The Pokémon Company and Rovio for licensing and merchandising in India and South Asia.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/dream-theatre-in-licensing-andmerchandising-pact-agreementwith-liverpool-club-for-india-s-asia/article29253477.ece