Anthem Sports appoints Kligman as CRO
June 17, 2024
Anthem Sports & Entertainment, the multi-platform media company, has announced that Rob Kligman has been named Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Anthem Sports Group, effective immediately. He will report to Anthony Cicione, President of Anthem Sports Group.
With nearly three decades of experience in mainstream sports for some of the world’s most recognisable brands, Kligman will be responsible for driving revenue across all aspects of the businesses, with an emphasis on sales and advertising, sponsorship opportunities, and strategic partnerships for Anthem’s TNA Wrestling organisations; and Invicta Fighting Championships, the all-female professional mixed martial arts promotion.
“Rob has built a distinguished track record in the sports arena, guiding some of the biggest brands in the business to grow existing revenue and develop new revenue streams,” said Cicione. “His duties as Anthem Sports Group’s CRO will place special emphasis on TNA Wrestling and Invicta FC, for which he is uniquely suited after spending eight successful years with WWE. His professional wrestling prowess and sports industry relationships will prove vital, as we continue to create and cultivate new areas of growth and opportunities to take TNA and Invicta to even greater heights.”
Additionally, Kligman will lead revenue growth for TNA and Invicta FC’s multiple revenue streams including FAST Channels, TNA+, PPV events, social media, merchandise, and more. He will also work closely with the sales team at Anthem’s AXS TV, where TNA’s flagship show TNA iMPACT! airs every Thursday night. He will utilise his experience of sustained success with WWE, where he served as Vice President of Global Digital & Integrated Sponsorship Sales. Kligman helped lead WWE into new territory with a Netflix partnership that integrated Netflix content into WWE storylines.
Prior to joining Anthem Sports Group, Kligman also served as Vice President of Marketing Operations & Sales at G Fuel, where he led a team of 12 in developing partnership programmes with the likes of Netflix, Marvel, Paramount Pictures, Activision Blizzard and Walmart, among others, prior to the company’s acquisition. In addition to G Fuel and WWE, his resumé includes executive positions with USA TodaySports Media Group, where he worked as Vice President of Multimedia Sales; and Time Inc, where he served as the National Advertising Sales Director for Sports Illustrated.
“Anthem Sports Group has quickly built a diverse portfolio packed with world-class content offerings from across the entertainment spectrum,” added Kligman. “TNA Wrestling remains one of the most iconic brands in the sport, while Invicta FC continues to break new ground as the premier destination for all-female MMA action. I look forward to working with Anthem’s dynamic team to build upon the success that they’ve already enjoyed, driving revenue growth by serving TNA and Invicta’s vocal and loyal fan base, and forging new and innovative strategic partnerships.”