Glasgow 2026 Impact Evaluation Highlights £223 million Economic Activity

Glasgow 2026 generated £223 million in economic activity across Scotland (Gross Output), using the city’s existing infrastructure and expertise to deliver a world-class sporting event, according to an independent impact evaluation of this summer’s Commonwealth Games.

The 11-day Games generated a significant £158.6m economic boost for the Glasgow City Region, part of a £223m figure across Scotland, with £117.3m Gross Value Added (GVA) throughout the country.

The report also highlights how the reimagined Games model broke new ground by staging sports entirely in venues powered by renewable energy for the first time. The event drew on Glasgow’s community assets and experienced events workforce to create a more inclusive and greener event broadcast to a global audience of 510 million, reaching viewers in 166 territories within and beyond the Commonwealth.

The Games’ public programme drew a live audience of one million across ticketed events as well as the Game On Live Site, the King’s Baton Relay across Scotland and through the Glasgow 2026 festival programme. The competition brought together 2,749 athletes from all 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth across 10 sports and six Para-sports. During 11 days of action, 152 Games records and six world records were set.

Building on the knowledge, talent and partnerships developed through Glasgow 2014 and successive major events, the city stepped forward in October 2024 to save the Commonwealth Games under the new model introduced by Commonwealth Sport, within a compressed delivery timeline.

The Games were delivered for less than £160m, with the evaluation highlighting substantial sporting, social, cultural and economic benefits, alongside valuable lessons for future Games hosts. An investment of £5.7m across three sites – Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre and Glasgow International Arena – points to the Games’ visible legacy.

Beyond the sporting programme, community activity reached all 32 Scottish local authorities. Schools, cultural organisations, volunteers and local groups helped people experience the Games in their own communities, and free celebrations brought sport and culture into the heart of the city.

Inclusive, Greener, Welcoming and Financially Responsible

The evaluation examines four ambitions at the heart of Glasgow 2026

An inclusive Games

Glasgow delivered the largest Para sport medal programme in Commonwealth Games history, with 47 medal events across six sports. Integrated competition placed Para athletes at the centre of the sporting story, with Para powerlifter Mark Swan winning the first gold medal of the Games.

Accessibility improvements were made to venue routes, entrances and wayfinding, with accessible viewing platforms, Changing Places facilities, hearing assistance and sensory support also improved.

The report identifies opportunities to build on this work by planning and testing accessibility across the complete spectator journey, including ticketing, information and transport, and engaging underrepresented communities earlier.

A greener Games

Using existing venues within a compact eight-mile corridor reduced the need for construction, while hiring and reuse limited the demand for new materials. Almost all (96%) of temporary venue infrastructure was hired, and 79% of purchased assets were recycled, donated or resold.

The Games achieved independent ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management. All competition venues were entirely powered through renewable electricity tariffs, and 100% of waste was diverted from landfill.

The evaluation also evidences a low-carbon Games, and provides recommendations to shape more sustainable future events. The report highlights opportunities to minimise material consumption, prevent waste at source, improve recycling performance and embed circular economy principles throughout event planning and delivery.

A welcoming Games

The All In programme involved 755 organisations across Scotland, enabling communities to shape their own celebrations. Over £2m was awarded to community groups and communities through the Festival Fund and Awards for All.

Athlete visits reached 27,827 pupils, while Games Mascot Finnie reached children from more than 500 Scottish schools including 158 school visits.

131,000 people attended the Game On Live Site in Kelvingrove Park, funded through Scotland’s Summer of Sport. 97% of surveyed visitors rated their experience good or very good, 99% felt welcomed and 95% felt it was inclusive.

4,000 volunteers delivered 156,000 hours of volunteering. More than a third of the volunteer Legends were new to volunteering with 87% indicating they intend to volunteer again in future.

A place-based event, delivered in a financially responsible format

Existing facilities, local expertise and specialist delivery partnerships enabled Glasgow to stage the Games within its organising budget. Approximately 85% of Games revenue originated outside Scotland.

The Games supported an estimated 2,400 FTE years of employment. At least 82 students secured paid Games-time roles, gaining practical experience in the major events industry. The largest direct impacts were concentrated in accommodation, professional and technical services, arts, entertainment and sport, construction of temporary overlay, food and beverage services and retail.

Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026, said:

“Glasgow showed what can happen when you build a Games around the strengths of a place and the people who make it special. This report provides the evidence that we delivered great sport and a proud Glasgow welcome, while creating opportunities for people across Scotland to be part of something altogether brilliant.

“Our ambition was for a more sustainable Games. Our thanks go to the workforce and volunteer Legends, partners, and the communities who brought their own creativity and energy to the celebration.

“We are proud of what we achieved in Scotland on behalf of the whole Commonwealth. By sharing both our successes and the lessons learned, we have left a valuable legacy. This will inform and strengthen future editions of the Commonwealth Games.”

Katie Sadleir CNZM, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Sport, said:

“Glasgow stepped forward with courage, generosity and ambition at a defining moment for the Commonwealth Games. We are deeply grateful to the city and to Scotland for delivering a Games that gave athletes a wonderful stage and helped move our Movement forward with confidence. It was a celebration of sport, culture and friendship, with integrated Para sport at its heart and a welcome that once again reflected the very best of Glasgow.

“This evaluation shows the value of shaping a Games around the capabilities of its host: existing facilities, experienced people and communities with the imagination and enthusiasm to make it their own.

“Crucially, it provides valuable evidence for our reset, protecting the quality of integrated sport while opening up more adaptable approaches to hosting. Glasgow’s circumstances were distinctive, but its experience provides a blueprint for more nations and territories to shape future Games around their own strengths, communities and ambitions.

“Glasgow 2026 marked the beginning of a new era for our Movement as we look towards the Centenary Commonwealth Games in Amdavad in 2030. Glasgow’s contribution is both a successful Games in its own right and an important foundation for what comes next.”

Ian Reid CBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said:

“Two years ago, when the future of these Games was uncertain, we believed Scotland could step forward and lead to provide a solution that could not only reset and secure the future of the Games but also deliver an outstanding event in a responsible and sustainable way, while showcasing our athletes on the world stage.

“Glasgow 2026 made this a reality. It was a fantastic Commonwealth Games for Team Scotland, our athletes won a plethora of medals, set individual and team records and inspired the nation while generating an unforgettable atmosphere across the city.

“It was a reminder of what makes the Commonwealth Games so special. Everyone who worked tirelessly to deliver this altogether brilliant Games should be immensely proud.”

Robyn Love, Team Scotland 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball player/coach and Glasgow 2026 silver medalist, said:

“To come away with a silver medal at a home Games was the stuff of dreams. Glasgow 2026 will live with me for the rest of my life. I’ll never forget the noise of the Scottish crowd when we won the semi-final, and to have my little girl there in the stands capped it all.

“I hope the visibility that the Commonwealth Games gives, particularly to para sport, means others may find and benefit from sport earlier than I did, and that the inspiration provided by Glasgow 2026 lives long into the future.”

UNA Sports Group Leads Investment In The Curling Group

UNA Sports Group , a sports investment firm that builds franchises in emerging, high-growth leagues, today announced a strategic investment in The Curling Group (“TCG”), the company behind the Grand Slam of Curling, the Rock Channel media platform, and Rock League, a new professional league bringing together the world’s best male and female curling competitors under a team-based franchise model. The investment expands UNA’s pioneering portfolio, which also includes the X Games Club New York summer and winter franchises in the MoonPay X Games League, where UNA was the first single group to own two clubs, and an investment in Unrivaled, the women’s professional 3-on-3 basketball league. UNA is leading the eight-figure investment round, with participation from Relay Ventures (“Relay”).

As part of the investment, David Rader, UNA’s Co-Founder, President, and COO, will join TCG’s board. Del Wright, UNA’s Co-Founder, CEO, and Managing Partner, will serve as a board observer. UNA will also work alongside TCG’s leadership on strategy, commercial partnerships, and growth initiatives.

The investment comes as curling’s audience grows rapidly. At its 2026 season opener in Victoria, the Grand Slam of Curling generated 105.5 million social impressions (+437%) and 50.7 million video views (+489%) compared to the opening event of the 2025 season, while adding nearly 118,000 new followers. On CBC, viewership of the event’s Sunday women’s final rose 203% year-over-year, ranking among Canada’s 50 most-watched programs of the day despite NFL, NHL, and MLB playoff competition. Curling’s audience also stands apart from most professional sports: women make up about 54% of the Grand Slam’s linear TV audience and about 65% of Rock League’s streaming audience.

Broadcasters are backing that growth. This season, TCG signed five-year agreements with CBC and Sportsnet that bring more than 300 hours of Grand Slam of Curling and Rock League coverage to Canadian linear television, roughly double previous years, and a three-year agreement with ESPN that brings more than 300 hours of live coverage to ESPN+ in the U.S.

“We look for sports where fan demand is already strong and the commercial opportunity is just beginning to take shape, and curling is a perfect example,” said David Rader. “Curling’s audience is growing, getting younger, and going global. The TCG team has built the pieces to serve it: a premium event series in the Grand Slam of Curling, a direct line to fans through Rock Channel, and a brand-new league in Rock League. We’re excited to join the board and help build a business that matches the sport’s momentum.”

TCG has built a vertically integrated platform spanning media, live events, sponsorship, athlete IP, and direct fan engagement. It acquired the Grand Slam of Curling, now in its 26th season, from Rogers Sportsnet in 2024 and launched Rock Channel, its direct-to-fan media platform, that fall. TCG also owns and operates Rock League and all six of its franchises, each fielding five men and five women and representing the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

“Curling is woven into Canada’s sporting identity, and we’re building a modern sports entertainment company to take it to the world,” said Nic Sulsky, Co-Founder and CEO of The Curling Group. “Partnering with a U.S.-based investor like UNA is a vote of confidence in the sport, and a bridge to the American market, where our audience is already growing fast. UNA’s experience building franchises in emerging leagues, and its team’s prior experience across the NHL, NBA, and Formula 1, make them the right partner for our next stage. Three years from now, I want people to see a sustainable business built around curling competitions in Canada and the United States. Five years from now, I want them to see that we’ve changed what the sport can be globally.”

“The best opportunities in sports are the ones hiding in plain sight, and curling has been hiding in plain sight for decades,” said John Albright, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Relay Ventures. “TCG has the assets, the audience, and now, with UNA, the partner to unlock it. We’re investing with conviction in what comes next.”

TCG’s investors also include Pro Football Hall of Famer and competitive curler Jared Allen, who also serves as an advisor to the company.

“As an entrepreneur and an early investor in TCG, I’ve seen firsthand how much untapped demand there is for this sport,” said Allen. “By securing a strategic partner in UNA, TCG has proven there is significant momentum behind curling in the U.S. and around the world. As a big fan of both TCG and the sport, I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of what comes next!”

The announcement comes ahead of the Grand Slam of Curling Masters, which begins Tuesday, November 3. Rock League, which made its debut with a condensed season in April 2026, returns in January for its first full season: five events running through April 2027, including the league’s U.S. debut in Utica, New York, and a championship round in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

World Athletics Establishes New Running & Mass Participation Department

World Athletics has established a standalone Running & Mass Participation department to bring even greater focus to the organisation’s work across the global running ecosystem.

The department will be led by Jakob Larsen, who brings 25 years of experience as an international sports federation executive and industry leader. Larsen has a proven track record of developing and scaling innovative events, including the World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen in 2014, the World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus in 2019 and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship last month in Budapest.

He will work alongside Alessio Punzi, who has been instrumental in establishing World Athletics’ presence and credibility in the running space over the past decade. The department will be responsible for a broad portfolio including World Athletics’ road running, marathon, cross country, mountain and trail events and activities, the RUN X™ World Treadmill Championship, the World Athletics Label Road Races programme, regulation, technical and educational services, and the development of new partnerships and opportunities across technology, data and the wider running industry.

The move comes ahead of this week’s TCS New York City Marathon and during an active year in the running space for World Athletics. This includes the recent success of the World Road Running Championships and Global Running Conference in Copenhagen, the announcement of a standalone World Marathon Championships, the launch of the inaugural RUN X™ World Treadmill Championship and the recent one-year-to-go milestone for the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Cape Town.

“World Athletics’ research informs us that at least 1 billion people worldwide are runners in some shape or form, making athletics the most-participated sport in the world,” said World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon. “Mass participation running possesses the unique power to engage entire communities. It is a tool for mental wellbeing, wider public health, social cohesion and, for our host cities, economic development. Running is also one of the fastest growing areas of our sport, with millions participating in mass participation events, particularly on the road, every year.

“As the international governing body for athletics, we have a responsibility to use our unique position at the global level to be a positive steward of running within our sport. In practice, that means we need to deliver on three main fronts: to safely govern running activities, to stage pinnacle global running championships that elevate the status of world champions, and to act as a catalyst to grow running – both through our own efforts and by supporting the efforts of others.”

More than 320 road races around the world currently hold a World Athletics road race Label. Linked to the programme is World Athletics’ road race integrity programme, which raises US$3 million per year to support an extensive anti-doping testing programme designed to help keep road running clean. This complements World Athletics’ work in areas including course measurement, official results and safety. In total, World Athletics invests more than US$8 million per year in the Athletics Integrity Unit to help protect the integrity of road races across the globe.

In recent years, World Athletics has also worked to ensure fairness in elite running competition through the regulation of shoe technology, embracing innovation while ensuring all major shoe companies have access to the same technology. World Athletics also invests in a number of health and science initiatives related to running, including race emergency medicine programmes that help upskill hundreds of road race medical directors worldwide.

Its work also includes research into thermoregulation in endurance sport to mitigate health risks, with the findings used to support and educate mass participation organisers as running faces the increasing impact of a warming world.

“We will continue to direct energy and finances into making a much more significant contribution to the running ecosystem because we believe World Athletics is one of the key organisations that can help grow running further and faster, both directly through our own efforts and indirectly through supporting the efforts of others,” said Ridgeon.

SPORTEL Monaco 2026 Sets The Pace For The Next Era of Sports Media

SPORTEL Monaco 2026 wrapped up three days of high-level business, international  connections and industry-shaping conversations, reaffirming its position at the  heart of the global sports media industry. The 36th edition of SPORTEL Monaco brought the international sports media business together at the Grimaldi Forum from 19  to 21 October, welcoming rights holders, broadcasters, investors, federations, agencies  and technology leaders from across the globe. Against a backdrop of rapid industry  transformation, SPORTEL Monaco once again provided a prime platform for deal-making,  strategic connections and the ideas shaping the future of sports media. 

With 1962 participants, 73 countries and 780 companies represented, including 166  new companies, the 2026 edition offered a broad snapshot of a rapidly changing industry. The 8,500-square-metre exhibition space provided a platform for companies  to present their latest solutions, meet potential partners and explore new commercial  opportunities across sports broadcasting, content distribution and technology. 

The popular Conference Summit at the Ravel Speakers Stage once again proved to be  a key highlight of SPORTEL Monaco, bringing together leading industry voices to explore  the interconnected trends, technologies and business opportunities shaping the future  of sports media. Through a dynamic programme of expert discussions, Masterclasses  and exclusive customer case studies, the SPORTEL community gained valuable insights  into AI, live production, data, investment, betting and emerging digital business models.  

Sessions featuring YouTube, Grup Mediapro, Deltatre, WURL, Esports Foundation, ViewLift, Pixotope, Dolby OptiView, Epic Clips, XR Sports Alliance and Grey Matter  Entertainment, alongside contributions from other industry leaders, showcased  innovative solutions and real-world applications transforming sports content creation,  distribution and monetisation. Beyond the insights shared on stage, the Conference  Summit highlighted the growing importance of innovation as a driver of commercial  growth, audience engagement and competitive advantage. The programme also featured  prominent industry figures including Jeff Roth (Bruin Capital), Javier Tebas (LALIGA),  Hillary Mandel (IMG), Pedro Pina (YouTube), Danny Townsend (SURJ Sports  Investment) and Prashant Khana (JioStar). 

Beyond the conference stage, SPORTEL Monaco turned networking into a powerful  driver of business opportunities, bringing together influential voices from sports, media  and brands beyond the exhibition floor. A key highlight was the launch of the CMO Brand  Programme, in partnership with Qualcomm Technologies, which welcomed senior  marketing executives from TCS, Revolut and Guinness/Diageo to explore how brands  and sports properties can unlock greater value through sponsorship, media and  technology. The Women’s Lunch, organised in collaboration with AWS, put the spotlight  on the growth potential of women’s sport, moderated by Fiona Harold, Sports Business  Development Specialist at AWS, with Elizaveta Bracht (Athlete), Danny Townsend  (SURJ Sports Investment), Nicky Stanton (World Tennis) and Frank Leenders (FIBA) discussing what it will take to transform its growing momentum into a mature, investable  market. 

From high-level discussions to informal exchanges across the exhibition floor and  buzzing lounge areas, SPORTEL Monaco once again demonstrated the value of bringing  the right people together to spark ideas, forge strategic partnerships and create new  business opportunities. 

« Year after year, SPORTEL evolves alongside the sports media industry, creating new  opportunities for the people and businesses shaping its future. This 36th edition  highlighted the value of bringing together content buyers, rights holders, broadcasters,  technology innovators and brands in an environment where business and innovation go  hand in hand. We are proud to see our international community continue to grow and to  provide a platform where ideas turn into opportunities and connections lead to new  partnerships. Building on this momentum, we are excited to bring the SPORTEL  experience to Canada, with SPORTEL taking place in Toronto on 23–24 March 2027. This  next chapter reflects our ambition to strengthen our presence across key international  markets and continue connecting the global sports business community », said Marine  Picoulet, Executive Director of SPORTEL Monaco. 

SPORTEL Monaco 2026 in Figures: 

– 1962 participants  

– 780 companies (including 166 new companies) 

– 73 countries represented 

– 49 % Europe, 18% Asia, 13% Americas, 20% Others (Africa, Middle East & Oceania) 

World Triathlon Inks Partnership With Hyrox To Bolster Olympic Inclusion

HYROX, the global functional fitness racing series, have officially signed a landmark term sheet entering into a strategic partnership with World Triathlon. This agreement establishes Hybrid Racing as a recognised discipline within the World Triathlon family, and HYROX as the operator of the Official World, Continental and National Championships for elite athletes of Hybrid Racing. The agreement marks the culmination of a year of close collaboration between the two organisations and sets out a shared pathway toward Olympic and Paralympic recognition for the sport.

Hybrid Racing combines running with functional fitness workouts and will be contested across three formats: Ultimate, which mirrors the existing HYROX competition format; Fast, a shorter and higher-intensity version; and Ultra, an extended, endurance-based format. All three will be sanctioned and governed by World Triathlon and developed jointly with HYROX.

Under the agreement, HYROX will act as the exclusive operator of the official World, Continental and National Championships for elite athletes competing in the Ultimate format, integrating these championships into its existing elite competition structure. World Triathlon’s National Federations will play a central role in the new ecosystem, having the opportunity to organise Hybrid Racing events across all three formats, including National Championships for Age Group athletes. 

The partnership is designed to benefit the entire World Triathlon movement. It gives National Federations across the organisation’s network of more than 177 members a clear pathway into a fast-growing global sport, new opportunities to engage athletes and audiences, and a stronger platform from which to grow triathlon and multisport at every level, from grassroots participation to elite competition.

World Triathlon and HYROX will work together towards the inclusion of Hybrid Racing in Multi-Sport Games, with the ultimate ambition to gain inclusion into the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Today’s announcement follows the signed agreement between the two organisations, with a Long Form Agreement to follow that will set out the full operational, governance and commercial framework of the partnership.

“This agreement is the result of a full year of dedicated work between World Triathlon and HYROX, and it is enormously gratifying to see it move from negotiation into reality. Hybrid Racing is a natural evolution for our movement, and this partnership will not only accelerate the growth of World Triathlon on the global stage, it will open genuine new opportunities for every one of our National Federations to grow participation, engage new audiences, and strengthen our sport at every level. This is exactly the kind of forward-looking collaboration our members deserve,” said World Triathlon President, Antonio F. Arimany. 

Christian Toetzke, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at HYROX added, “From the very beginning, our goal was to build a standardized, global sport that could earn a place on the world’s biggest athletic stage. Partnering with World Triathlon is a monumental step toward that vision. By formally establishing Hybrid Racing within the World Triathlon family, we are creating an official framework, from National and Continental Championships to Multi-Sport Games, forging a path and paving the way towards the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Hybrid Racing is no longer just a global fitness movement, it is officially on the road to the Olympics.”

Moritz Fürste, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at HYROX said, “Having lived the Olympic dream twice as an athlete, I know firsthand what it means to step onto that stage. To now stand on the brink of taking a sport we created from scratch all the way to the Olympic and Paralympic Games is surreal. What started in a German exhibition hall has filled arenas across six continents, and this partnership with World Triathlon brings our ultimate ambition closer to a reality. This moment belongs entirely to our community, every athlete who has crossed a finish line has helped build this sport into what it is now. We are paving the way for an entire generation of hybrid racers to chase their own Olympic dream.”

OPN Launches Player Data Intelligence Tool

OPN, the digital sports infrastructure company, has launched a new intelligence tool to help clubs to better understand player data, identify performance patterns and create reports inside its athlete management platform.

OPN Intelligence has been developed to help coaches, performance staff, medical teams and club decision-makers get clearer, actionable insights from the information they already collect across player readiness, availability, workload, wellness, performance and injury records.

The new tool will allow club staff to ask questions of their data, identify patterns across squads, create reports, automate regular updates and carry out tasks inside the OPN platform without needing to move between multiple systems.

It has been designed to address one of the biggest challenges facing clubs using performance technology: collecting more data has become easier, but understanding what it means and turning it into action can still be difficult, especially for clubs without large analysis or sports science departments.

Through OPN Intelligence, football staff will be able to ask questions about player availability, training load, injury trends, workload risk, match reports, wellness data and squad readiness, with the tool returning clear outputs that can be used by coaches, medical teams and performance staff.

The platform will also support automated reporting, allowing clubs to create regular updates for managers, coaches or senior staff covering key information such as player workload, match outputs, wellness responses, availability and injury risk indicators.

Aaron Wildig, who had a 15-year professional playing career with clubs including Cardiff City, Shrewsbury Town, Morecambe and Newport County, said OPN Intelligence had been built to make complex information more useful for clubs.

He said: “Clubs are collecting more information than ever before, but one of the biggest questions we hear is still very simple: what does it actually mean?

“That is the problem we want OPN Intelligence to help solve. Clubs don’t just need more dashboards, more reports or more raw data. They need clear information they can understand quickly and use in real situations.

“A coach might want to know which players are carrying the highest workload after a match, a physio might want to look at injury patterns, or a manager might want a simple Monday morning report showing who is ready, who needs monitoring and what has changed across the squad.

“We want clubs to be able to ask those questions inside OPN and get practical answers without needing a team of analysts or data scientists behind them.”

OPN already brings together performance, medical, wellbeing, scheduling and communication information for clubs and players through one connected digital hub.

The company recently agreed a partnership with Opta to integrate trusted football data into its Digital Athlete Passport and wider athlete management platform, helping clubs build a more complete picture of player performance, development, readiness and availability.

OPN Intelligence has been developed as the next step in that process, helping clubs interpret the information they hold rather than simply storing it.

The tool will also support practical platform tasks, including creating calendar events, generating training programmes, drafting reports and setting up recurring updates for club staff.

Wildig added: “The future of athlete management systems won’t just be about where information is stored. It will be about how easily people can use that information.

“If a club has two or three staff trying to manage a whole squad, they shouldn’t have to spend hours digging through reports before they can make a decision. They should be able to ask the system what they need to know, check the evidence and act more quickly.

“Our wider ethos is about supporting every club, regardless of budget size, with better information and better tools. OPN Intelligence is part of that because it can give clubs access to the kind of insight and reporting that would otherwise require far more resource.”

The launch comes as OPN continues to expand its work with professional clubs across the UK, building Digital Athlete Passports that give players, coaches and staff a shared picture of development over time.

OPN’s core platform is free to use, with OPN Intelligence developed as an optional value-added service for clubs that want deeper insight and automated reporting inside the athlete management ecosystem.

FIS Extends Longines Partnership

FIS has announced that the long-standing partnership with Longines as the Official Timekeeper for Alpine Skiing has been extended.

A partner of FIS for 20 years, since 2006, the Swiss watch brand will provide advanced timing and data-handling technology at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup, as well as at the upcoming editions of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships and FIS Alpine Junior World Championships.

In addition to being the Official Timekeeper, Longines plays an active role in the development of the next generation of Alpine racers with its traditional Longines Rising Ski Stars prize for young, up-and-coming World Cup athletes like 2025/26 winners Lara Colturi (ALB) and Eduard Hallberg (FIN).

“Alpine skiing has been part of Longines’ history for more than a century. Since timing our first ski competition in 1913, we have continued to push the boundaries of precision timekeeping, creating milestones that have helped shape the evolution of the sport. We are proud to build on this legacy through our ongoing commitment to performance, innovation and precision,” said Patrick Aoun, President and CEO of Longines.


“There are partnerships that are meaningful on many levels, and this is one of them. Longines encapsulates the concepts of tradition and elegance while always staying true to precision and high-end technology – it is genuinely a seamless fit with Alpine Skiing and with the values that FIS promotes through the sport around the world and across generations,” said Urs Lehman, FIS Secretary General.

Newcastle United Signs Taittinger as Official Champagne Partner

Newcastle United has announced a new multi-year partnership with Taittinger, one of the world’s most prestigious champagne brands.

The Magpies are now Taittinger’s newest club partner, with the luxurious champagne house being synonymous with major sporting and cultural events, including the FIFA World Cup, for a number of decades.

As the club’s Official Champagne Partner, Taittinger will now be served across the most exclusive areas of St. James’ Park, including premium hospitality suites, executive boxes and at select club events.

The partnership will continue to elevate the hospitality experience with guests able to enjoy Taittinger’s signature Brut Réserve and Prestige Rosé alongside their English sparkling wine, Domaine Evremond Classic Cuvée, during matchdays and special occasions throughout the season.

The announcement follows a £10 million investment in a major hospitality transformation at St. James’ Park over the summer, designed to deliver world‑class service and an enhanced guest experience.

Newcastle United’s Chief Revenue Officer, Dave O’Connor, said: “The Taittinger family has a long and proud history of partnering with some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. We are delighted that they have chosen to continue their football journey with Newcastle United.

“Their decision to partner with us is a reflection of the ambition we have as a club and our commitment to consistently raising the bar. We look forward to working together as we set new benchmarks for luxury matchday hospitality at St James’ Park and create exceptional experiences for our fans”.

Taittinger’s UK Director, Mills Easby, said: “The Taittinger Family are delighted to be partnering with Newcastle United, a club that is not only an icon of English Football but one that sits so solidly as the beating heart of the North East.

“It is an immensely exciting time to be getting involved at St. James’ Park and we look forward to sharing some truly memorable moments with you all.”

Nike And Mumbai Indians Announce a Multi-Year Kit Partnership

Nike and Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful franchises in global cricket, today announced a multi-year partnership that names Nike the official kit partner of both its women’s and men’s team in India, beginning with the 2027 season.

The partnership brings together the ambition, audacity and relentless energy of Mumbai with the leading brand in global sport, beginning a bold new chapter for the team, its athletes and the passionate Paltan fan community.

The announcement also marks a significant step in Nike’s continued investment in cricket, reflecting the brand’s long-term commitment to athletes, fans and the future of sport in India.

Nike will outfit both teams, including their coaches and technical staff, across matchplay, training and sportswear, bringing the brand’s innovative apparel offerings to athletes and the millions of fans who wear the Mumbai Indians’ Blue and Gold with pride.

“Cricket is woven into the heartbeat of India, and few teams capture its energy like Mumbai Indians,” says Tarundeep Singh, General Manager, Nike India. “The club embodies the ambition and belief that make sport so powerful. That’s exactly what drew Nike to this partnership, which represents our effort to serve athletes, celebrate the game and help inspire the next generation.”

Mumbai Indians have built a legacy of identifying talent, backing potential and pursuing excellence across women’s and men’s cricket while building one of the world’s largest and most engaged fan communities. Nike and Mumbai Indians share a belief in the power of sport to unlock human potential and inspire the next generation, whether competing at the highest level or picking up a bat for the first time.

Beyond the pitch, Nike and Mumbai Indians will connect sport and culture through product and storytelling inspired by the identity of Mumbai. From the stadium to the streets, the partnership will celebrate the city’s identity and give fans new ways to express their connection to the team and the game.

“Mumbai Indians have always been about more than cricket,” says Devang Bhimjyani, Head, Reliance Sports. “We are one family — our players, our Paltan — built on nurturing talent, backing it fearlessly and playing for a city that never stops. Nike shares our belief in athletes and in the power of sport to inspire. Together, we see an opportunity to connect cricket and culture, inspire the next generation, and take the spirit of MI and Mumbai to fans around the world.”

Athletes and staff will begin wearing Nike team gear this month, and the women’s and men’s teams will reveal new Nike kits ahead of their respective 2027 seasons. Fans will soon be able to experience Nike’s apparel offerings through both team kits and additional styles inspired by the identity, energy and culture of Mumbai.

“Mumbai Indians backed me and gave me the opportunity to express myself on the big stage. Nike has been part of my journey too, so bringing these two families together feels personal,” says Tilak Varma, Nike athlete and member of the Mumbai Indians men’s team. “Wearing the MI colors with the Nike Swoosh will remind me of how far I’ve come — and how much more I want to achieve. Somewhere, there’s a kid in the nets dreaming of playing in blue and gold. I want them to see us and think, ‘That could be me.’”

SPORTEL Monaco 2026 Concludes as Global Sports Industry Sets Agenda for 2027

The international sports business community gathered in the Principality this week for SPORTEL Monaco 2026, solidifying the event’s role as the premier global summit for sports media, technology, and commercial partnerships.

Over three dynamic days, the 36th edition of the convention drew 1,962 industry professionals, 780 companies—including 166 first-time participating organizations—and representatives from 73 countries. The gathering served as a high-stakes dealmaking hub and a platform for strategic discussions on media rights, fan engagement, and broadcasting innovations.

CMO Brand Programme Makes High-Impact Debut

A major addition to this year’s agenda was the launch of the CMO Brand Programme, hosted in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies. The invitation-only roundtable gathered senior marketing leaders, including Ashish Babu (CMO Global Markets, TCS), Paddy Carberry (Guinness Global Marketing Manager, Head of Sport, Diageo), Rory Miller Cheevers (Partner & Executive Director, Revolut), and Garrett Ponder (Head of Brand Partnerships and Activations, Qualcomm).

The panel examined the shifting dynamics of sports sponsorships, urging brands to move beyond passive logo placement toward authentic, hyper-local community integration.

“Extending into more of the marketing lens… gives an opportunity to have a conversation with rights holders [and] broadcast folks on-site to have a mutual understanding of how deals are structured,” said Garrett Ponder, Head of Brand Partnerships and Activations at Qualcomm. “It allows us to think differently around the innovation that’s necessary within deal structures and how we can all come together to improve the way we’re reaching the global fanbase.”

Navigating a Fragmented Media Ecosystem

The broader Conference Summit brought together executives from industry heavyweights—including Bruin Capital, YouTube, SURJ Sports Investment, LALIGA, AWS, IMG, JioStar, Deltatre, ViewLift, Qualcomm, Revolut, and Diageo—to address the market forces reshaping global sports tech and media.

In a keynote discussion with media consultant Evan Shapiro, Pedro Pina, Vice President EMEA at YouTube, highlighted the necessity of cross-sector collaboration.

“The world of sports and the world of media is changing literally every day. There’s new formats coming up, new viewership models, and new ways of being in the market,” Pina said. “The only way for all the different parties of an ecosystem going through so much change to find a path together is to open up the dialogue, to meet, and to exchange views.”

Next-Gen Tech and Fan Experiences

On the exhibition floor, technology providers showcased innovations designed to transform live sports consumption. Among the key highlights, Dolby introduced a specially equipped vehicle on the floor to demonstrate its cutting-edge, immersive automotive audio technology tailored for sports broadcasting.

SPORTEL Monaco 2026: Key Metrics

  • Total Attendees: 1,962
  • Participating Companies: 780 (including 166 new companies)
  • Countries Represented: 73
  • Regional Breakdown:
    • Europe: 48.61%
    • Africa, Middle East & Oceania: 20.83%
    • Asia: 18.06%
    • Americas: 12.50%

Next Stop: Toronto 2027

Building on the momentum of the Monaco summit, Marine Picoulet, Executive Director of SPORTEL Monaco, announced the next phase of the organization’s global expansion: SPORTEL Canada, set to take place in Toronto on March 23–24, 2027.

“Year after year, SPORTEL evolves alongside the sports media industry, creating new opportunities for the people and businesses shaping its future,” Picoulet stated. “Building on this momentum, we are excited to bring the SPORTEL experience to Canada… reflecting our ambition to strengthen our presence across key international markets and continue connecting the global sports business community.”