IX to Five, a new joint venture “created to strengthen the business of women’s sports,” is being launched by David Levy and Chris Weil’s global sports marketing agency Horizon Sports & Experience and popular women’s sports media company TOGETTHXR.
The companies describe IX to Five as a service “born in response to a clear and growing demand for authentic and engaging women’s sports content,” and that IX to Five will be “focused on creating, developing and commercializing women’s sports content through premium storytelling, unique intellectual property, distinctive live experiences and high-value brand partnerships.”
IX to Five will launch with programming featuring talent including StudBudz, professional basketball players Courtney Williams and Natisha Heedeman, and Sportish founder Lilly Simbasi, known for her fresh perspective on sports and pop culture, with additional content offerings to be announced later this year.
The new joint venture IX to Five marks the second collaboration between TOGETHXR and HS&E. The two companies formed a valuable partnership in December at the Women’s Champions Classic, an annual early-season basketball showcase. TOGETHXR recorded a podcast and additional content at an HS&E co-produced event at Barclays Center hosted by the University of Connecticut and featuring top 25 basketball teams.
“Women’s sports is a high-growth, high-ROI business. We are excited to partner with TOGETHXR, a leader in women’s sports media, to deepen our efforts in this category and redefine commercial and consumer opportunities,” said David Levy, co-CEO and founder of Horizon Sports & Experiences. “IX to Five was born out of the industry’s need for infrastructure and a year-round strategy to turn unprecedented momentum into sustained media and commercial impact. We are creating a scalable platform that complements HS&E’s premium programs so brands can invest in more meaningful and authentic ways and fans have more opportunities to engage with athletes and content-shaping culture.”
“Women’s sports don’t need more moments. We need the infrastructure to turn momentum into careers, culture and commerce,” said TOGETHXR Executive Chair Nancy Dubuc. “TOGETHXR has helped us transition the space from ‘after-hours’ attention to always-on storytelling. This partnership with David and Horizon Sports & Experiences will accelerate that change and create a platform for athletes, creators and brands to grow together year-round.”
