UIBL expands world baseball footprint with investment in BSB Sports

DUBAI: The United International Baseball League, the first-ever professional baseball league created to serve India, Pakistan, and the Middle East, on Wednesday expanded its sports marketing and brand sponsorship infrastructure by purchasing a stake in BSB Sports.

Founded by veteran entrepreneur, brand builder, and agent, Kash Shaikh, BSB Sports is one of the fastest-growing sports marketing firms in the US, with athlete relationships spanning baseball, basketball, football, mixed martial arts, and collegiate athletics.

The strategic investment involves Shaikh, who has built two agencies over the last five years – BSB Sports and BSB Group International – joining the UIBL ownership group as its president and chief marketing officer, splitting his time between Cincinnati, New York, and Dubai.

League founder, chairman, and chief executive officer, Kanwal Sra, said: “I’m very grateful to be able to bring someone of Kash’s stature, experience, and values on board. From the moment we met, I could feel his passion and sense his drive.

“Kash has a truly unique skill set, including his sports marketing background, international experience, and leadership roles on both the client and agency side, as well as within startup and entrepreneurial companies.

“But, most importantly, his deep belief in our vision made him the ideal person to help lead our league.”

Shaikh will remain as chairman at BSB Group International, focusing his work on the firm’s largest and most long-term clients. BSB Group International will also serve as the US-based agency of record for the UIBL. Shaikh will also continue to serve as CEO of BSB Sports, with its baseball infrastructure, relationships, and intellectual property shifting under the UIBL.

BS