Key Takeaways
• Unlocking Opportunities Through Cold Emailing: A strategic cold email ignited a groundbreaking partnership, establishing Optamark as Major League Cricket’s inaugural merchandising partner – an example of how personalized outreach can yield transformative results.
• Comprehensive Merchandising Infrastructure: From retail product design to e-commerce integrations, Optamark’s meticulous management ensures cohesive branding throughout Major League Cricket’s expanding landscape.
• Engagement through Scalable Solutions: With an array of customizable merchandise, Optamark fuels fan experiences, contributing significantly to Major League Cricket’s growing footprint in the U.S.
How Optamark Scored a Major Partnership with Major League Cricket
Think cold emailing is just a shot in the dark? Think again! Optamark (asi/288067) has leveraged this strategy to catapult into the spotlight as the **first-ever official merchandising partner** for Major League Cricket (MLC). This partnership marks a significant milestone, introducing **professional Twenty20 cricket** into the American sports scene.
The Beginning of an Exciting Venture
The connection blossomed in 2023, MLC’s inaugural year. With its second season kicking off on June 12 in Oakland, CA, Optamark’s leadership is brimming with enthusiasm for the massive potential ahead.
“With record attendance expected and a fast-growing fan base, the 2025 season signifies a pivotal moment for Major League Cricket—and Optamark is at the helm of merchandise, signage, and fulfillment,” shares Tarang Gosalia, CEO of Optamark, a branding agency with nearly 30 years of experience.
A “Six” in Branding
In cricket terminology, scoring a “six” is akin to hitting a home run in baseball—it’s a spectacular achievement. **Optamark’s cold emailing campaign truly evoked a “six”** as it led to a lucrative partnership with MLC.
After reaching out to MLC during the league’s formative stages, Optamark followed up with tailored proposals showcasing their expertise in on-demand merchandising and integration capabilities, including partnerships with iconic clients like the New England Patriots.
Building Relationships
This well-crafted communication opened avenues for further discussions, leading to a robust collaboration during MLC’s debut season. “We established branded booths and merchandise operations for in-venue sales during MLC’s inaugural year,” exclaimed Neel Patel, COO of Optamark.
The Evolution of Excellence
Optamark’s support for MLC has **dramatically evolved**, encompassing a wide range of services: from retail product design and licensing management to customized fan giveaways and Shopify e-commerce integration for merchandising. Notably, they oversee the MLC online shop.
Optamark creates branded apparel and accessories, enhancing MLC’s merchandise appeal.
Record-Breaking Merchandise
The limited-edition jerseys for the MLC team MI New York flew off the shelves in 2024, marking it as the season’s bestselling item. “Custom team-branded products, including hats and cricket bats, have significantly bolstered fan engagement,” Patel added, emphasizing their vital role in MLC’s expanding fanbase.
A Perfect Collision of Strategy and Creativity
Gosalia asserts that meeting MLC’s diverse needs requires agility and comprehensive execution. **Optamark showcases its excellence by blending creativity with logistics**, ensuring seamless merchandising throughout the venues.
“From fan giveaways to stadium signage, Optamark has meticulously managed every branded touchpoint across all MLC venues,” says Gosalia.
To successfully navigate a multi-faceted partnership, Optamark executes flawless logistical solutions, including global sourcing and real-time inventory management across multiple stadiums. “This is a unique challenge that requires keeping all stakeholders informed, and we excel at ensuring a smooth workflow,” adds Gosalia.
Looking Ahead
Gosalia, an avid cricket enthusiast, eagerly anticipates the upcoming season. “Our partnership exemplifies what we deliver at Optamark—strategic creativity fueled by execution that scales. Whether it’s a stadium banner in California or a fan jersey shipped across the nation, we execute with precision,” he states passionately.
Quick Takeaways
- Prospect Strategically: Craft outreach efforts tailored to the prospective partner.
- Understand Client Needs: Demonstrate comprehensive solutions tailored to client objectives.
- Combine Creativity with Capabilities: Deliver a fully managed experience by merging innovative design with robust logistical support.
