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Dodgers Accelerator Program Revamped With Launch Of Global Sports Venture Studio

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read

In 2015, the Los Angeles Dodgers partnered with R/GA Ventures to form the Dodgers Sports Accelerator, becoming the first MLB team to form such a program. They targeted companies that offered services and products in the sports, technology, and entertainment fields.

After a successful inaugural program, a group of five companies were selected last year to work with the tech incubator. That produced a mature second round of startups, some of which are utilized by the Dodgers organization.

Building on the success they’ve had over the past two years, the Dodgers and R/GA announced the launch of the Global Sports Venture Studio. The platform is designed to enable and support collaborations between forward-thinking organizations and emerging startups under a new year-round format.

The focal point of Global Ventures Sports Studio remains to invite participation from those in the sports, technology, and entertainment industries, with support provided through analysis, business and creative strategy, startup sourcing, networking opportunities and investment.

“The Dodgers organization has seen great success with our previous accelerator programs by embracing disruption and taking a close look at new technologies and shifts in consumer behavior,” Dodgers chief financial officer Tucker Kain said.

“We now want to open up this platform for others in the global sports and startup ecosystem to experiment with innovation, share success and grow as an industry.”

Initial studio activities will take place in Los Angeles and New York, followed by expansion to London and other cities. Startups of any stage and any geographic location are encouraged to apply. They will be selected for inclusion in the studio on a rolling basis.

“Our programs are designed to provide value to our corporate program partners and to startups,” Global chief operating officer of R/GA and managing partner of R/GA Ventures Stephen Plumlee said.

“By evolving the program model towards a more collaborative and global approach, the Global Sports Venture Studio will better enable program partners to capitalize on disruptive technologies and emerging consumer behaviors on an ongoing basis.”

For more information on the Global Sports Venture Studio, about opportunities for partners, or to apply as a startup, visit: www.globalsportsventurestudio.com.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com