In 2015, the Los Angeles Dodgers partnered with R/GA Ventures to form the Dodgers Sports Accelerator, becoming the first MLB team to form such a program. They targeted companies that offered services and products in the sports, technology, and entertainment fields.
After a successful inaugural program, a group of five companies were selected last year to work with the tech incubator. That produced a mature second round of startups, some of which are utilized by the Dodgers organization.
Building on the success they’ve had over the past two years, the Dodgers and R/GA announced the launch of the Global Sports Venture Studio. The platform is designed to enable and support collaborations between forward-thinking organizations and emerging startups under a new year-round format.
The focal point of Global Ventures Sports Studio remains to invite participation from those in the sports, technology, and entertainment industries, with support provided through analysis, business and creative strategy, startup sourcing, networking opportunities and investment.
“The Dodgers organization has seen great success with our previous accelerator programs by embracing disruption and taking a close look at new technologies and shifts in consumer behavior,” Dodgers chief financial officer Tucker Kain said.
“We now want to open up this platform for others in the global sports and startup ecosystem to experiment with innovation, share success and grow as an industry.”
Initial studio activities will take place in Los Angeles and New York, followed by expansion to London and other cities. Startups of any stage and any geographic location are encouraged to apply. They will be selected for inclusion in the studio on a rolling basis.
“Our programs are designed to provide value to our corporate program partners and to startups,” Global chief operating officer of R/GA and managing partner of R/GA Ventures Stephen Plumlee said.
“By evolving the program model towards a more collaborative and global approach, the Global Sports Venture Studio will better enable program partners to capitalize on disruptive technologies and emerging consumer behaviors on an ongoing basis.”
For more information on the Global Sports Venture Studio, about opportunities for partners, or to apply as a startup, visit: www.globalsportsventurestudio.com.
