top of page
Conference

2024 SPEAKERS

Karena Vleck.webp

Lucy Basden-Smith

Managing Director

Havas Play

Lucy has worked in sports and entertainment for over 15 years, currently as Managing Director for Havas Play UK – the sport, gaming and culture agency of Havas Group.

Lucy started out in the industry as an athlete agent, managing some of the UK’s top Olympians in diving, rowing, cycling and swimming. Since joining Havas, Lucy has worked on some iconic national and global events, partnerships and sponsorships - EE X The Home Nations, BAFTA and Wembley Stadium, Defender X Rugby World Cup 22 and 23, Barclays ATP Tennis Finals and Powerade & the Olympic Games. As well as with some of the world’s most loved rights holders Major League Baseball, Arsenal, Premiership Rugby and most recently World Rugby and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Lucy is passionate about the growth of women’s sport; in particular, how the swell of fandom is fuelling commercial and developmental opportunities for brands, athletes, and rightsholders alike.

bottom of page