M+C Saatchi Acquires Women’s Sports Group

M+C Saatchi has acquired Women’s Sports Group (WSG), a consultancy widely recognised for its expertise in media rights, advisory, and equality-focused initiatives.

Founded in 2019 by Dame Heather Rabbatts, a former Football Association director, WSG has quickly established itself as a leading player in women’s sports.

While financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, WSG will continue to operate under its existing brand within the M+C Saatchi network. Co-Managing directors Steph Harries and Rachel Knight will remain at the helm, reporting directly to Global CEO Robin Clarke.

Commenting on the acquisition, Clarke, said: “Merging WSG’s rights expertise with M+C Saatchi’s creativity, global reach, and Cultural Power tools gives us a unique edge.” 

“Together, we can help brands, broadcasters, and rights-holders unlock greater value in the fast-evolving women’s sports economy,” Clarke said.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Knight, added: “Our mission has always been to elevate women’s sport by maximising its commercial and cultural impact. Partnering with M+C Saatchi amplifies that ambition and accelerates the shift driving the women’s game forward.”

The group offers a comprehensive range of services across media rights, broadcast strategy, communications, data analytics, and diversity and inclusion programs — positioning itself as a trusted advisor to some of the most high-profile organisations in global sport.

Among its notable clients are the Women’s Super League (WSL), DAZN, Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), Tour de France Femmes, Arsenal, and Angel City FC. WSG notably advised the WSL on its landmark domestic broadcast deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, worth an estimated £65 million (A$127 million) and running until the 2029/30 season.

The acquisition marks a major milestone for M+C Saatchi, enhancing its sports marketing portfolio with a new rights representation capability. The agency’s existing services already span marketing, communications, sponsorship, talent management, social media, strategy, and production.

This move follows a period of rapid expansion for the agency, which recently acquired Dubai-based agency Dune | 23 and launched M+C Saatchi Football in partnership with former Premier League midfielder Jamie Redknapp. 

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