The IFSC has appointed the UK-headquartered sports advisory firm, IRIS Sport Media, as its exclusive long-term global partner to help develop and grow the sport.
Based in London, England, IRIS will provide a 360-degree service to the IFSC, representing and advising the organisation on a wide range of commercial areas, including media rights, sponsorship, investment and hosting for the next two Olympic cycles until the 2032 Games in Brisbane, Australia.
Climbing has seen a period of substantial growth over the last two decades that has included two Olympic appearances, and there are ambitious plans to expand further. The IFSC is currently in conversations with cities and private organisers to create a new concept of event in addition to the regular World Cup Series, Continental and World Championships.
IFSC President Marco Scolaris said: “We are pleased to welcome IRIS Sport Media into the Climbing family after being impressed by their desire to help grow our amazing sport. This appointment, I believe, marks the next evolution in Climbing as we move into the LA28 cycle – a cycle where we become a full programme Olympic sport.
“While I welcome IRIS, I must also thank and congratulate Dentsu, our previous commercial agency, who helped provide support in a time of great growth for the Federation.
“Now the baton has been passed to IRIS to take the next exciting step. I look forward to the future with great anticipation. Climbing has no limits of where it can go, and now the IFSC and IRIS will take the journey together.”
Luca Baldanza, Account Director, IRIS Sport Media, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by the IFSC to help them evolve the sport and take it to the next level. Climbing is one of the world’s fastest growing sports and has been a huge success at the last two Olympics with excellent viewing figures.
“We believe there is an appetite for more and there are exciting plans ahead to stage more events for fans and viewers and increase the commercial opportunities for the business.”
Founded in 2023, IRIS draws comparisons with the IFSC in being a young and dynamic organisation making great strides in their respective industries. The IFSC will join the likes of LIV Golf, LFP French League and ATP Media in IRIS Sport Media’s portfolio of properties.
