The Boat Race Licensing Program Launches

Fitzwilliam Museum Enterprises has been appointed to represent and develop an international licensing program.

License Global, Content Editor

September 28, 2023

2 Min Read
The Boat Race Licensing Mark, Boat Race Company Limited
The Boat Race Licensing MarkBoat Race Company Limited

The history and fierce rivalry of the famous annual boat race between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge will be the focus of a new dedicated licensing program. The Boat Race Company Limited (BRCL), which manages the commercial rights to the race and delivers the championship event, has appointed Fitzwilliam Museum Enterprises (FME) to represent and develop an international licensing program that celebrates the race around the world.

Fitzwilliam Museum Enterprises already manages the University of Cambridge’s collegiate and museums licensing program and is therefore well-placed to represent the race as well as the university boat clubs – OUBC and CUBC.

The first licensee, Brandco D2F – sourcing and supply specialists of fan merch and e-commerce solutions for sports brands, such as Six Nations, The FA, Commonwealth Games – is already on board to deliver merchandise and an official online shop ahead of the 2024 race as well as more fashion-focused designs for U.K. retail. Capturing the spirit of the historic race through crossed oar logos and a color palette of dark and light blue details to represent the teams, the range also includes T-shirts featuring famous race landmarks and imagery. FME’s international agent network will develop the program’s reach across fashion, lifestyle accessories, sports and personal care.

2024 will see the 169th Men’s Boat Race and the 78th Women’s Boat Race on the River Thames in London. One of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events, it was first raced by crews from Oxford and Cambridge University in 1829 and has become synonymous with British tradition and excellence. The famous Championship Course stretches over 4.25 miles of the Thames, with race day attended by over 250,000 spectators and watched by millions more on television worldwide via broadcast partners, including the BBC.

“The Boat Race Company delivers a fantastic annual sporting spectacle every year with the support of the BBC and the boat clubs,” says Len Dunne, chief executive officer, FME. “We’re so looking forward to working with our agents and commercial partners to bring the history, rivalry and race day excitement to life on products that connect and engage with a new generation of fans.”

“The Boat Race and FME share similar long-term goals, and the Boat Race family is thrilled to be working with a team who have a deep understanding of the event’s history and rivalry,” says Siobhan Cassidy, chair, BRCL.”

For further information about the Boat Race licensing program at Brand Licensing Europe, visit WildBrain CPLG at stand B171.

About the Author

License Global

Content Editor, License Global

License Global is the leading news source for the brand licensing industry, delivering award-winning editorial content including news, trends, analysis, and special reports about the global consumer product and retail marketplace.

Through its print edition, website, daily e-newsletter and event publications, License Global reaches more than 150,000 executives and professionals in all major markets. The magazine also serves as the official publication for the sector’s trade events, which include Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, France Licensing Day, Licensing for Retail, Licensing Expo Japan, Licensing Expo Shanghai and the Licensing Leadership Summit.

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