Brand Velocity Group launches new sports vertical

• BVGS will target companies in sports-adjacent categories
• Former NFL quarterback Eli Manning serves as a partner of BVG
• Among BVGS’s advisors are Gerry Byrne, vice chairman of Penske Media Group and Richard Diamond, president of The Headline Group

Brand Velocity Group has launched a new sports-focused vertical. Joseph Cohen will serve as chairman of Brand Velocity Group Sports.

BVGS will target companies in sports-adjacent categories–in both legacy categories and emerging sub-verticals–with the goal of accelerating brand growth, providing financial flexibility, and driving economic impact for all stakeholders. BVGS will also assess investing in professional sports teams and leagues.

Former NFL quarterback Eli Manning serves as a partner of BVG.
Among BVGS’s advisors are Gerry Byrne, vice chairman of Penske Media Group, Richard Diamond, president of The Headline Group and Carl Hirsh, a managing partner of Stafford Sports.

“I am thrilled to partner with BVG on this exciting platform at a time when the sports landscape is rapidly evolving,” said Cohen, in a statement. “I have been approached by private equity firms over the years to partner and pursue various initiatives, but I found that many lacked the domain knowledge, innovative mindset, and entrepreneurial approach needed in today’s environment. The diverse backgrounds of the BVGS team and our deep connectivity across the industry will serve as our competitive advantage.”

Cohen is currently chairman and CEO of West Ridge Associates, a sports and media consulting firm, and serves on the board of directors of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp and AMC Networks.

Based in New York City, BVG seeks to invest in consumer products and services sectors in the United States and Canada.