CSM Launches Soccer Division in US

CSM Sport & Entertainment (CSM) has launched CSM Soccer, a new North American offering which will spearhead the organisation’s move into one of the most rapidly growing soccer markets. Based in New York, CSM Soccer will be headed by long time US soccer industry expert Gary Hopkins who will take on the role of president and chief operating officer.

“The opportunity to bring the global expertise, knowledge and resources of CSM to the US soccer market is a very exciting one,” said Hopkins. “I have been fortunate to have been involved in the growth of soccer in the US for over 25 years and have watched it emerge from a fledgling niche ‘game’ into one of the US’ foremost sports properties, fully embedded in the cultural fabric of American society.”

Speaking on the growth of soccer in the US, Hopkins continued: “The last 20 years have been both formative and exciting for the sport, but I believe the next 20 will be explosive and transformational.” 

This is a view shared by CSM Group CEO Zak Brown, who commented that “the US soccer market represents a wealth of opportunities for a business such as ours, and we are absolutely thrilled to have Gary on board to lead our CSM soccer offering.” Zak also added, ‘This appointment is set to bolster CSM’s footprint in the US, joining JMI and SJX Partners, two market leading agencies within the CSM group.’ 

“I am proud to be at the helm of such a great initiative,” said Hopkins, “and look forward to helping steer CSM’s growth in this sport and this region”.

This new move coincides with the establishment of CSM agencies, ICON and Sportseen, opening a permanent presence in North America. Based in New York, ICON will be helping clients in the region bring brands to life utilising a combination of international and local experience and Sportseen the specialist sales arm, will help serve their growing roster of clients across the Americas region.