RSE Ventures is expanding into Asia.
The New York-based sports, entertainment and technology company co-founded by Matt Higgins and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is opening an office in Hong Kong by the end of October. RSE Asia’s first venture is the creation of the Catalyst Media Group, which will be led by CEO Patrick Murphy, the former managing director of Team Marketing.
At Team Marketing, Murphy was responsible for the commercial properties and television rights sales of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Super Cup. Catalyst and Murphy will direct the global media rights sales for the Guinness International Champions Cup, the summer tournament that debuted this year featuring eight of the top soccer clubs in the world. RSE Ventures is the parent company of Relevent Sports, which created the tournament.
The lineup of clubs for the second edition of the tournament, to be held next year in stadiums in the U.S. and Europe, is expected to be announced next month. According to RSE, nearly two dozen clubs from the U.S., England, Spain and Italy have inquired about participation in the 2014 tournament. More than 300,000 fans attended the eight match dates this year. The final match between Real Madrid and Chelsea on Aug. 12 drew more than 67,000 to Sun Life Stadium in Miami.
“I’m excited to get to work and capitalize on the fast-growing Asian market and build both Catalyst and the International Champions Cup,” Murphy said.
Catalyst Media Group also will be the exclusive distribution partner for live shows and the archives of One Fighting Championship, Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organization.
“RSE Asia solidifies our global reach,” said Higgins, RSE’s CEO. “We are looking to expand the Champions tournament and our overall business under Patrick’s leadership.”
