Octagon Acquires Global Cricket Management

13 May 2024

Companies

Octagon has expanded its influence in the world of cricket with the strategic acquisition of Global Cricket Management (GCM), a prominent talent management firm based in South Africa. This strategic move adds over 60 cricketers, including David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne, to Octagon’s roster, raising its profile as one of the top player management agencies worldwide.

The merger brings GCM’s talent into Octagon Cricket, ushering in a new era of sports management. Francois Brink, former GCM CEO, will now lead Octagon Cricket, while Franco Barocas, Chairman of Octagon Africa, and Clifford Bloxham, Senior Vice President of Octagon UK, will play prominent roles in driving the division’s global strategy. This consolidation promises to offer opportunities for players, brands and stakeholders throughout the game within the global cricket industry.

Phil de Picciotto, Founder and President of Octagon, noted, “The expansion of Octagon Cricket underscores Octagon’s continued focus on the growth of our robust footprint across the sports and entertainment landscape, representing the best athletes in every major sport worldwide, and offering the greatest and most unique opportunities for our clients. We are thrilled to welcome Francois and these world class cricketers to the Octagon family, and we look forward to optimizing the potential that this division holds in shaping the future of the sport.”

This acquisition is part of Octagon’s broader strategy to enhance its influence across various sports disciplines worldwide. The recent launch of Octagon54, a venture aimed at nurturing African basketball talent, alongside the expansion of Octagon Rugby, underscores the agency’s commitment to developing sports talent and expanding its commercial footprint globally.

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