Empowering Women at SPORTFIVE: A Year of Growth, Connection and Impact
Published on
by Izzy Fawcett
Over the past year, our Women’s Network has continued to create meaningful spaces for connection, learning and empowerment across the organisation. Through a series of thoughtfully curated events, we’ve explored topics that matter deeply to our colleagues - supporting both personal and professional growth at every stage of their careers.
In this Insight:
The Background of SPORTFIVE's Women's Network
The UK Women’s Network was formed to create a stronger sense of connection, support, and opportunity for women across SPORTFIVE. Recognising that meaningful relationships are essential for both personal and professional success, the network aims to bring women together across departments and offices to share experiences, learn from one another, and build a community rooted in trust and collaboration.
By fostering internal networking, it helps break down barriers, encourages knowledge-sharing, and empowers individuals to grow with confidence in their careers.
At its core, the network is also about creating a safe and inclusive space where women feel heard, valued, and supported. It provides a platform to openly discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and collectively explore solutions in a respectful environment.
Through these efforts, the Women’s Network contributes to shaping an inclusive culture within SPORTFIVE - one where women are uplifted, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Events
Women’s Health Event
The first Women's Network event was held in January 2025 and began with a powerful and informative session focused on women’s health. This inaugural event featured two engaging discussions: one exploring the impact of stress on women’s mental and physical wellbeing, and another highlighting how nutrition can play a vital role in optimising overall health.
The session opened up important conversations, equipping attendees with practical insights to better understand and support their wellbeing in and outside of work.
Imposter Syndrome
Building on this momentum, our second event tackled a topic that resonates with many: imposter syndrome. This interactive session provided colleagues with the opportunity to better understand the dynamics behind self-doubt and how it manifests in everyday behaviours.
Participants identified their dominant imposter types, explored the hidden costs of overcompensation, and gained practical tools to reframe limiting thoughts. Most importantly, the session empowered attendees to move forward with greater confidence, stronger self-awareness, and a renewed sense of self-trust.
Give to Gain
Most recently, the network came together for an inspiring afternoon of networking and reflection.
The latest event saw talks from some of our inspirational colleagues on their careers and achievements, as well as an open and engaging panel discussion from women at different stages of their life journeys, who spoke on their personal experiences of working in sport.
From navigating career progression to balancing life beyond work, the stories shared were a powerful reminder of the importance of creating spaces where women can connect, support one another, and be heard.
Why It’s Important
Creating and maintaining the SPORTFIVE Women’s Network matters because it provides a space where women across the organisation can connect, share experiences, and support one another in an industry that has historically lacked gender balance.
Networks like this give women access to mentorship, visibility, and opportunities that might otherwise be harder to reach. They also foster a sense of belonging, which is critical for confidence, career progression, and long-term retention. When women feel seen, heard, and supported, they are more empowered to contribute fully and push boundaries within the business.
More broadly, support systems for women in sports are essential because the industry can be highly competitive and, at times, isolating. Having a strong network creates a foundation of encouragement, advice, and advocacy - whether it’s navigating career challenges, negotiating opportunities, or simply knowing others have faced similar experiences.
These communities not only help individuals thrive but also drive meaningful change across the industry by amplifying diverse perspectives, promoting equity, and inspiring the next generation of women to pursue and succeed in sports careers.
Growing Together, Shaping the Future
As our Women’s Network continues to grow, so too does its impact - reaching further across teams, opening up new conversations, and creating meaningful connections that extend well beyond each event. These gatherings are more than moments in the calendar; they are spaces where ideas are exchanged, experiences are shared, and confidence is built.
They provide an opportunity not only to learn from one another, but to actively support and elevate each other’s voices in ways that shape our wider culture.
By fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging open dialogue, the network helps to break down barriers, challenge perspectives, and inspire positive change at every level. We are proud of the strong foundation that has been established, and even more excited about what lies ahead.
Together, we will continue to grow this community, champion inclusivity, and create an environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive and succeed.
Want to find out more about a career at SPORTFIVE? Visit our careers page via the link below.
Frequently Asked Questions
SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that specialises in sports rights, marketing, and entertainment. We work with sports organisations, clubs, and brands to create and optimise commercial opportunities in the sports industry. SPORTFIVE is involved in various aspects of sports business, including the sale of broadcasting rights, sponsorship and partnership management, stadium naming rights, and other marketing initiatives.
SPORTFIVE creates innovative, engaging solutions that are worthy of the incredible sports, athletes and partners we work with, and the passionate fans who follow them. Campaigns are built collaboratively, based on trust and transparency, and enabled by a deep understanding of the industry, the agency’s global reach, digital intelligence and creative courage.
The result is gamechanging sports partnerships that redefine standards in the sports and entertainment space.
SPORTFIVE believes in the power of five - bringing brands, rights holders, media platforms, fans and ‘us’ together through sport.
SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that operates in the sports and entertainment industry. The agency specialises in various aspects of sports marketing, including the sale of sports media rights, sponsorship and partnership management, and the creation of marketing strategies for sports organisations, teams, and events. They work with a wide range of clients, including sports leagues, clubs, and brands, helping them maximise their commercial potential in the sports market.
SPORTFIVE is known for its expertise in negotiating and managing broadcasting rights, which involves securing deals for the distribution of sports content through various media channels. Additionally, they are involved in the management of sponsorship agreements, helping sports entities form partnerships with brands for mutual benefit.
SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that specialises in various aspects of the sports and entertainment industry. The agency works with sports organisations, teams, and brands to optimise commercial opportunities.
One of SPORTFIVE's key areas of focus is the sale and management of sports media rights, including broadcasting and digital distribution deals. They negotiate and facilitate partnerships, sponsorships, and naming rights for sports entities, helping them enhance their brand value and revenue streams.
Additionally, SPORTFIVE provides expertise in marketing strategies, assisting clients in building strong connections with their target audiences. Their comprehensive approach spans across the sports business landscape, from media rights to sponsorship management, contributing to the overall growth and success of their clients in the dynamic world of sports marketing.
SPORTFIVE, formerly known as Lagardère Sports and Entertainment, has a rich history in the sports marketing industry.
The agency traces its roots back to the establishment of Sport+Markt in Germany in 1982. Over the years, Sport+Markt expanded its reach and services, becoming a prominent player in sports marketing.
In 2006, it merged with the media group Lagardère, forming Lagardère Sports and Entertainment. The agency continued to grow and diversify its portfolio, engaging in various sports marketing activities, including media rights distribution, sponsorship management, and event promotion.
In 2020, Lagardère Sports and Entertainment rebranded as SPORTFIVE, adopting a new name while maintaining its commitment to delivering innovative and comprehensive sports marketing solutions for clients globally. The agency's evolution reflects its adaptability and ongoing prominence in the dynamic and competitive sports business landscape.
SPORTFIVE operates across a broad spectrum of sports, engaging with diverse disciplines and events globally.
The agency has a comprehensive portfolio that spans popular team sports, individual sports, and major sporting events. They are involved in football (soccer), which is a significant focus given its global popularity.
Additionally, SPORTFIVE is active in sports such as basketball, tennis, golf, motorsports, american football, multi-sport events such as the Olympic and the world of esports & gaming.
The agency's reach extends to various regions and markets, allowing them to navigate the unique landscapes of different sports industries.
Whether facilitating media rights deals, managing sponsorships, or developing marketing strategies, SPORTFIVE's involvement spans across a wide array of sports, showcasing their versatility and ability to cater to the commercial needs of sports organisations and brands in the ever-evolving sports market.
SPORTFIVE offers a comprehensive range of services that go beyond standard sponsorship deals. The agency provides full sponsorship consulting, activation, and sales, ensuring that brands receive strategic, tailored advice at every stage of the sponsorship process. The global presence and data-driven approach makes SPORTFIVE the preferred partner for brands looking to make impactful investments in sports.
Learn more about the service offering here
SPORTFIVE combines global reach, data-driven insights and a deep understanding of sports markets to deliver tailored sponsorship solutions that drive commercial success for rightsholders.
