Welcome To Mindspring Sport
Led by Craig Thompson, international sports marketing professional, Mindspring Sport consults with clients who wish to take their organizations or properties to higher levels, or develop new properties. Craig’s approach when acting as CEO of major international projects — has been successfully developed and refined over the years on projects such as the UEFA Champions League, the Champions Hockey League, America’s Cup sailing, and USA Volleyball.
Mindspring believes in the intrinsic value of sport as a way for people to “live their passion.” Our mission is to provide the optimal commercial and organisational basis for sport so that people can experience their passion in the best possible environment.
Meet Our Team
For more than 30 years, Craig has been intimately involved in the creation and management of some of the most recognized sporting events across the globe:
CEO | 34th America’s Cup Together with Russell Coutts, CEO of Oracle Racing and four-time winner, Craig created and launched the concept for AC34, which included the use of catamarans, racing next to shore, shorter TV-friendly format and the creation of the AC34 World Series.
CEO/Owner | Ovation Sports AG Craig developed the concept and directed the inaugural season for the Champions Hockey League in association with the IIHF in Europe. Also specialized in development and management of sports properties and events for the Juventus Football Club, Spanish Basketball League, and UFL United Arab Emirates National Soccer League.
Managing Director | T.E.A.M. Marketing AG In his role with the exclusive worldwide marketing agency of UEFA for the Champions League, Craig generated over $1 billion in annual sponsorship and TV revenues. He was a management board member for 11 years and key member of the 6-person team responsible for initial creation and subsequent development of the Champions League project.
Technical Director | International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) After coordinating the volleyball venue at the 1984 Olympic Games, Craig moved to Lausanne, Switzerland to work with volleyball’s international governing body. He leveraged his volleyball background as a player, coach, and team sales business owner with offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.
Managing Principal | Lido Capital Partners, LLC An investment manager over the last 20 years, Anthony has worked across a number of industries including apparel, footwear, skin care, technology, health care, and sports marketing. He manages a diversified portfolio of direct investments to real estate including: agricultural, industrial, commercial properties, and private equity & start-up. He worked in various capacities with the investments both as principal, entrepreneur, and advisor.
Anthony received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Business from UCLA, has a Master’s degree in Psychology, and an MBA in Finance from Pepperdine University. While at UCLA, as he was a member of two Division I NCAA Championship volleyball teams where he was elected team captain and earned NCAA All-American honors. He also played on the AVP Pro-Beach Volleyball Tour and the FIVB World Tour with numerous top-ten finishes.
“Californian Craig Thompson was recruited by T.E.A.M. marketing in Switzerland with a brief to turn the UEFA Champions League concept into reality. His contributions to the organization have proven to be crucial.”
Ten Years of UEFA Champions League
Published by UEFA, 2003
Sports Experience: 14 sports across 50 countries and 5 continents
Mouse over the photos below to see Craig’s experience with each sport.
