Pitch International has invested in sports management and promotion business Matchroom Sport as part of a partnership.
The international sports marketing agency will take a minority stake in the Hearn family business, founded by Barry Hearn OBE – who currently holds the role of President and runs the company with his son and company Chairman, Eddie Hearn.
In addition to the investment, the duo have also laid down a roadmap for further commercial collaboration. This will cover international media rights, global events and sports sponsorships across the Matchroom Group portfolio.
“I am delighted to welcome Pitch International to the Matchroom family,” Eddie Hearn remarked.
“When my Dad founded our business over 40 years ago in a snooker hall in Romford, Essex, we never expected to be in this position today as a global leader in sports promotion and events. Today, he stands as a proud President as we plan for sustained success and continued global growth across Matchroom Sport.
“As our company continues to evolve, Pitch International’s investment will help us unlock many more exciting milestones and, ultimately, enhance our formidable reputation as market leaders and innovators.”
Matchroom Sport was founded in 1982 with an initial focus on snooker, building up a roster of some of the biggest talent in the sport at that time. Barry Hearn would later take the firm into pool, boxing and darts.
The Essex company now has a portfolio of some of the more prominent brands in global sports. This includes Matchroom Boxing, one of the world’s leading boxing promotions; the Professional Darts Corporation, encompassing the PDC World Darts Championship and Premier League Darts; and World Snooker.
Barry Hearn remarked: “This unique partnership with Pitch International heralds a momentous day for Matchroom – and it lays the foundations for our future growth and success. For over 40 years we have changed the game beyond my wildest expectations.
“I am confident that now, with this significant investment, our family business will be propelled to greater heights as we bring the best talent together to deliver world class events and unrivalled entertainment to sports fans for many more years to come.”
Matchroom’s extensive involvement in various sports will provide ample opportunities for the company to work with Pitch International on commercial avenues. Matchroom has also built up a large portfolio of media and sponsorship partners, whilst Pitch’s media partners include the English Football League (EFL) and the 2025 British and irish Lions tour,
One of the company’s most notable broadcast partners is DAZN. The OTT streaming platform replaced Sky Sports as the lead media partner for its UK boxing coverage, and this arrangement has since been extended to other international markets like the US and Mexico.
On the sponsorship front, Matchroom has partnered with several prominent companies over recent years. The group has inked deals with the likes of Cazoo, BoyleSports and BetMGM across its portfolio of darts, snooker and boxing assets.
Pitch International Executive Chairman, Oliver Slipper, said: “I have worked with Matchroom for over 20 years and have the utmost respect for the incredible business they have built.
“Together this deal strengthens both Pitch International and Matchroom and I am excited to work together to create new sports events, further globalise our respective audiences and continue the outstanding growth both companies have achieved in the last decade.”
