Christine Franklin — Octagon

Morgane Ferré

Christine Franklin walked into Octagon as an intern in 2000 and hasn’t looked back since. Franklin said that when she first started, she knew it was a place where she could grow and help expand.

More than two decades later Franklin, an executive vice president, has worked with numerous clients, including Mastercard and Delta, to solidify each brand’s groundbreaking partnerships with the NWSL. “I’m really proud of the idea that we created a culture where the women’s version of whatever sport we’re talking about is part of the plan,” said Franklin, who helped create and launch the groundbreaking content series “Groundwork with Aly Wagner, presented by Mastercard” with CBS Sports that focuses on the NWSL and its players. “And it’s part of our plan, part of our consideration no matter what brand we are talking to.”

Franklin has also worked with BMW, Fidelity Investments and MGM helping guide their sponsorships, event management, cause marketing, loyalty programs, and integrated marketing efforts in sports and entertainment. “I love the challenge of the strategy working with brands, mostly really understanding their long-term strategy and investments,” said Franklin. “One of the important things about me is that I am very persistent in pushing the boundaries and understanding clients’ needs.”

A self-described “passionate women’s sports fan and advocate,” Franklin noted that “if you don’t have the background or the data, it doesn’t matter how passionate you are.”

“Understanding that every partnership with every brand and partnership is a win-win … You don’t ever want to leave a deal feeling like you lost something, you want to feel like every time you do a deal with someone it’s a 1 + 1 = 3.” — Trevona Williams