From national policy to major events, sport now sits at the crossroads of entertainment, investment, and public wellbeing. Organisations around the world are turning to specialist consultancies to help shape their strategies, align stakeholders, and deliver measurable outcomes. In this landscape, few entities are as uniquely positioned as CAA Portas. As a global strategy consultancy specialising in sports, it brings unrivalled advisory to one of the world’s most dynamic sectors. We heard more from Donal McElwee, Managing Partner at CAA Portas. Best Sports Consultancy 2025 Dedicated exclusively to sport and physical activity, CAA Portas works with governments, federations, leagues, clubs, investors, and private organisations to deliver strategies that drive participation, performance, and long-term industry growth. Recognised internationally for its unparalleled expertise, the consultancy undertakes projects that range from national sport policies to commercial models, major event strategies, and investment advisory. CAA Portas has also played a significant role in developing the sporting ecosystems in the Middle East and Asia, strengthening its impact across diverse markets. What’s more, CAA Portas plays an instrumental role in the global growth of women’s sport, shaping inclusive strategies and unlocking opportunities for participation, investment, and visibility. The consultancy offers a suite of integrated advisory services that help organisations grow, transform, and succeed – both on and off the field. This includes Strategy and Planning, which provides actionable roadmaps tailored to client ambitions; a rapidly expanding Data Analytics function that delivers insight through its forecasting tools, valuation models, and bespoke data platforms built for sport; Stakeholder Engagement, aligning stakeholders across sectors and markets to foster collaboration and clarity; and Implementation support, helping clients build internal capability and deliver measurable support. The company was founded in 2006 and has grown steadily since its inception, now boasting more than 150 consultants working across London, Riyadh, Dubai, Tokyo and Singapore, and delivery experience in over 40 countries. In 2025, the company joined Creative Artists Agency, or CAA, a leading entertainment and sports agency, to become CAA Portas – expanding its global reach and strengthening its ability to support clients at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and media. “Our growth has always been underpinned by a clear set of values,” said Donal. “We believe in the power of sports to transform lives. We are committed to delivering tangible results, working with care, integrity, and partnership. These principles guide our approach to every project and have ensured that our evolution remains focused on impact, not scale alone.” The consultancy stands out in a saturated market due to its exclusive focus on sport and physical activity, especially when combined with the unrivalled rigour of a top-tier consultancy. CAA Portas injects deep sector knowledge, tailored strategies, and expert implementation support to each engagement, serving as a true partner to its clientele. This distinct approach is upheld through CAA Portas’ people, delivery model, and culture. Every member of the team is trained to combine analytical precision with sector understanding, prioritise cocreation by embedding with clients and focus on outcomes, ensuring each project drives measurable, lasting impact. Internally, CAA Portas cultivates a caring environment, where colleagues support one another, with honesty underpinning the work they do. This tight-knit culture is complemented by deep sector expertise, another defining strength of CAA Portas. “Unlike generalist firms, our team lives and breathes this sector,” Donal explained. “Many of our consultants come from high-performance sport, public policy, or industry backgrounds, allowing us to speak our clients’ language and understand their unique challenges. This enables us to deliver not just insight, but practical and grounded solutions.” With this culture of development and collaboration firmly in place, CAA Portas is well-prepared for the next phase of growth and innovation. “The remainder of 2025 and beyond is an exciting period of growth and opportunity for CAA Portas,” Donal shared. “Following our acquisition by Creative Artists Agency earlier this year, we are leveraging the strength and global reach of one of the world’s leading sport and entertainment networks to accelerate our impact and expand our offerings. This integration enhances our ability to deliver even more comprehensive, innovative solutions for clients at the intersection of sport, media, and investment. Being part of CAA will accelerate our objective to lead and shape the future of sport.” Contact: Donal McElwee, Managing Partner Company: CAA Portas Web Address: www.caaportas.com
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