The Pulse - 07/26/24

Pulse Check: The Future Of Sports Marketing With BMF Managing Partner Ed Starr

We tapped our resident sports expert, Managing Partner Ed Starr, to get his POV on the future of sports marketing. ➔

BMF Connects With Robert Dover

Founding Partner Brian Feit sat down with Robert Dover, celebrated American equestrian and six-time Olympic dressage competitor, to discuss the importance of marketing in sports and the upcoming Olympic Games. ➔

Photo via Teen Vogue

Ralph Lauren has unveiled its ninth Olympic collection for Team USA, blending classic American style with Parisian elegance for the Paris 2024 Games. The opening ceremony uniforms feature a navy blazer with red and white accents, paired with a striped shirt and jeans, while the closing ceremony outfits include a sporty moto-style jacket with white denim. The collection also includes a 'Villagewear' line for athletes' downtime, incorporating sustainable materials. Check out the collection now. ➔

Photo via Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton, as part of LVMH's premium partnership with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has designed custom trunks to present and protect the Olympic medals and torches. The medal trays feature the brand's signature Damier canvas exterior and matte black leather interior, while special trunks have been created to safely transport the Olympic and Paralympic torches from Olympia to Paris. Explore the custom designs here! ➔

Photo via Forbes

Parisian jeweler Chaumet is designing and crafting all 5,084 medals for the games. Each medal will be a unique piece of art embedded with a piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower. The iron is shaped like France's national shape, the hexagon, a symbol of the country's commitment to these historic games. The design also features fine lines radiating outward, meant to represent the brilliance of the athletes competing. Check out the designs here! ➔

Photo via Business Wire

BMF Client, Visa, is the official payment partner for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This means Visa cards are the preferred way to pay at venues for food, drinks, and official merchandise. They've also set up a system for contactless payments at all venues. If you don't have a Visa, don't worry - you can still use cash or get a Visa prepaid card upon arrival in France. Get more information here! ➔

Photo via Thomas Samson

From April to September 2024, the Louvre will present "Olympism: Modern Invention, Ancient Legacy," an exhibition on the origins of the modern Olympics and their ancient Greek roots. The museum will also offer "Courez au Louvre," a one-hour fitness and art circuit, collaborate with other Paris museums on a trail game, and host sports tours and talks by Olympic athletes to engage visitors with art and sport during the Games. Get your tickets here. ➔

Photo via Hoodinkee

Omega, celebrating their role as Olympic timekeeper, has released two Paris 2024 commemorative watches: a Seamaster Diver 300M with 18K Moonshine gold accents exclusive to their Paris boutique, and the Speedmaster Chronoscope, unveiled 100 days before the Games, featuring a white dial and multiple timing scales. Discover the watches here. ➔

Photo via Curly Tales

Anticipating a surge in visitors for the Paris Olympics, Uber is stepping up its services. They're offering free Seine river cruises ("Uber Cruises") from July 12th to August 3rd, and even pricier champagne cruises ("Uber Bubbles") for those who want to splurge. This is alongside their plans to increase drivers and offer rider discounts, aiming to be a smooth transportation option during the busy Olympic period. Get more details here! ➔

Photo via skims

Kim Kardashian's Skims brand has partnered with Team USA for the third time, creating official underwear and loungewear for athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The collection includes patriotic-themed items like underwear, T-shirts, and swimsuits, designed for comfort and style. Ranging from $20 to $110, the Skims for Team USA capsule is available for public purchase. Shop the collection here. ➔

Photo via IBC

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is the "Home of the Olympics" in Europe for Paris 2024. They'll be offering extensive coverage across channels, including Eurosport. Notably, their streaming platforms, HBO Max (where applicable) and Discovery+, will be the only place to catch all 3,800 hours of live Olympic action. WBD is pulling out all the stops with a production base featuring multiple studios and a rooftop location overlooking the Eiffel Tower, promising an immersive viewing experience for European fans. Check here for live coverage! ➔

Photo via The Fashionisto

Lacoste launched a special "Paris 1924" collection that reinterprets the design of the 1924 Olympic games. This eight-piece collection includes polo shirts, shorts, caps, and a waterproof jacket. The collection is available for purchase online at Lacoste's website and the Olympic Store, as well as in Lacoste stores in Paris and a pop-up store at the Paris Charles de Gaulle airport from August 1st. Shop the new collection now! ➔

Photo via Tidal

Aya Nakamura is the most-streamed French artist globally, according to CNN as of April 2024. Her blend of urban and Afrobeat sounds has captivated audiences worldwide. Her hit "Djadja" has over 300MM YouTube views, and her 2018 album set a record with seven top ten singles on the French charts—an unprecedented feat for a female artist. For a taste of modern French music making waves, check out Aya Nakamura. Listen now! ➔

Photo via Olympic Games

Athletes, fans, and travelers are already flocking to the City of Light ahead of the Olympic Games. Whether you're catching the action or exploring the city's magic, our refreshed travel guide will help you discover hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and local favorites to make your visit to Paris unforgettable. ➔

Photo via Sabrina Carpenter

Singer Sabrina Carpenter brings the caffeine jitters and Olympic excitement in BMF client, NBC's latest promo for the Paris Games! Fueled by espressos (and her hit song of the same name), Carpenter chats with a feathered friend (all in her head) about her enthusiasm for the upcoming events. Catch Carpenter's infectious energy and all the Olympic action on NBC. Watch it here! ➔

This year, all eyes are on the Olympics' newest sport: breakdancing. Making waves in culture, breaking, as it’s officially known, is debuting as an Olympic solo battle category. At the forefront of breaking is DanceOn, the global programming lead for dance entertainment, captivating an audience of over 100 million. DanceOn’s upcoming documentary, "BREAKERS," featuring Whoopi Goldberg, is more relevant than ever, chronicling breakdancing's rise from Harlem's streets to the global stage. Get the latest from the hottest sport right now here. ➔

Photo via DanceOn

Photo via Vogue

@ThomasJolly is the mastermind behind the artistic vision for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies! This innovative French director is known for his theatrical productions that break boundaries. Jolly's artistic direction promises a unique experience for the opening and closing ceremonies. Expect a celebration of life, infused with music, dance, acrobatics, and even operatic elements. With a projected global audience of billions, Jolly aims to create a visual spectacle that reflects the spirit of the Games and ensures everyone feels represented. Learn more about the opening ceremony here. ➔

Alex Cooper, host of "Call Her Daddy," will lead "Watch with Alex Cooper" on Peacock during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The live interactive watch parties will feature Cooper and guests providing commentary on events like gymnastics, soccer, and basketball in a picture-in-picture format. Viewers can interact with Cooper in real-time via social media. With her Division 1 athlete background, Cooper offers a unique, entertaining perspective combining sports insight with her signature style. Tune in here. ➔

Photo via NBCUniversal

Photo via Hypebeast

Adidas teamed up with Labrum, a clothing line founded by Sierra Leonean Foday Dumbuya, to design Sierra Leone's official kit for the Paris Olympics. The kit features a bold blue and white design with a reimagined cowrie shell, a symbol of strength and resilience in Sierra Leone's heritage. Dumbuya designed the kit to be more than just sportswear; it's a tribute to the determination and success of Sierra Leonean athletes who inspire future generations. Explore the kit here. ➔

Dior has partnered with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, assembling a team of 15 top international female athletes as brand ambassadors. The impressive roster includes Olympic gold medalists like Elaine Thompson-Herah, Alex Morgan, and Carissa Moore, as well as Paralympic champions like Beatrice "Bebe" Vio Grandis. To celebrate this collaboration, Dior will showcase a series of portraits featuring these athletes at Le Café Dior in La Galerie Dior from July 24 to September 9, 2024. Get the full list of athletes here. ➔

Photo via Dior

Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer is showing its support for rising stars in sports by continuing its partnership with skateboarder Sky Brown. Brown, who overcame a serious injury to qualify for the Paris Olympics, has been a Tag Heuer brand ambassador since 2022. The luxury brand provided Brown with a custom-made skateboard and a stylish watch to complement her look. A rising star, Brown won a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympics, becoming Britain's youngest ever medalist. Explore the partnership here. ➔

Photo via Elle

Photo via WWD

Parisian luxury brand Berluti is outfitting Team France for the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, showcasing their expert craftsmanship and celebrating French style. Over 1500 custom-made outfits were designed, ensuring a perfect fit for every athlete and coach. The design incorporates a classic midnight blue tuxedo that Berluti's signature Shadow trainers redesigned with the French flag colors, and a comfortable white shirt. Berluti CEO Jean-Marc Mansvelt expressed pride in the collaboration, aiming to honor French elegance and empower the French team. Check it out here. ➔