Formula One Coverage Could be Axed to Save BBC Four

After it was reported that new BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten was willing to drop one of the broadcasters major sporting agreements in a bid to cut the company’s budget, it has been widely suggested that it’s Formula One coverage could be the one to go.

The BBC is searching for ways to cut costs in the wake of the recent licence fee settlement and Patten holds the BBC World Service in the highest regard and is willing to trim its sports coverage in order to save BBC Four, according to the latest rumblings.

Lord Patten had recently indicated the corporation was thinking about closing one of its digital television channels as a money-saving measure, however it has now emerged that others at the BBC have different ideas about how it can trim its budget to cope with the financial realities of the licence fee being frozen until 2017.


A source told the Sunday Times, senior executives are thinking about dropping its F1 coverage when the current contract expires in 2013 and will include the idea in a detailed cuts proposal to be presented to the BBC Trust later this year.

The corporation pays £60 million a year for the rights to the 19 F1 races and the cost of covering F1 is believed to be more than the entire annual budget for BBC Four, which would be saved if the broadcaster goes ahead with the plan to drop the motor racing.


Axing F1 from the schedules would allow it to continue showing Wimbledon and Match of the Day.

 

The reports have led to angry responses from some of the highest profile professionals at F1 and chief Bernie Ecclestone has insisted that he will push to convince the BBC to renew its £200m deal to stay as Formula 1’s UK broadcaster.

 

Ecclestone stated: “We want Formula One to stay free to viewers. That is 100%. The BBC have done a great job for us and we like their shows and the people obviously like it because so many are watching. They did warn me that they were facing problems but, so far, nothing more has been said. I hope they want to keep us because it is such a success and I will do my best to keep Formula 1 on the BBC.”

 

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has also urged the BBC to rebid for Formula 1 when its five-year deal expires in 2013, hitting out at what he claims are “significant inaccuracies” in a Sunday newspaper report alleging the corporation is poised to axe the sport as part of its cost-saving drive.

Lorgat Wants Retraction of Times of India Corruption Claims

Following the publication of an article written by Prashant Dayal in the Times of India claiming corruption activities in the recent International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup match between Australia and Zimbabwe, prostate  ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat has made the following statement.

“An article by Mr Dayal in yesterday’s newspaper made a number of claims about an ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 match between Australia and Zimbabwe that can only be described as fictional.

“We do not comment on the activities of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) and for good reason. However, after several misleading and downright false stories appearing in recent weeks it is time for us to show our displeasure and expose those responsible for affecting the integrity of the media.

“It is also patently false of the reporter to claim that the ICC ever suggested to it that the match was corrupted. The ICC confirms that, in terms of its policy, at no stage did anyone from the ICC speak to the journalist on this topic.

“To uphold the integrity of the media I expect Mr Dayal and the Times of India to retract such baseless stories.”

London to wait over NFL return

London will have to wait to find out if the NFL will return again next season.

The San Francisco 49ers came from behind to beat the Denver Broncos 24-16 on Sunday night in the fourth regular-season game to be played at Wembley. However, it is unclear if the NFL will be able to return to London next year.

“There’s a lot of work to be done in terms of learning from what happened here and getting feedback from players, officials and coaches on how this works and we’ll continue to do that,” NFL UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood said. “But we won’t be able to move forward on the International Series until the collective bargaining agreement is reached.”

Arizona Coyotes Appoints Darcy Regier as Senior Vice President

National Hockely League team Arizona Coyotes have hired Darcy Regier as their new Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager. 

“We are very pleased Darcy has decided to join us in Arizona,” said Maloney. “Darcy adds intelligence and experience to our management team. The wealth of knowledge he has garnered as a long time General Manager in the National Hockey League is invaluable to us. He is a great addition to our staff.” 

Prior to joining the Coyotes, Regier spent 17 years as the General Manager for the Buffalo Sabres, which was the longest tenure of any GM in the franchise’s 44-year history. Under his guidance, the Sabres advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999 and made four Eastern Conference Final appearances (1998, 1999, 2006 and 2007). 

While with the Sabres, the 58-year-old Regier oversaw all aspects of Buffalo’s hockey operations, as well as the Rochester Americans, its AHL affiliate.  

Previously, the Swift Current, Saskatchewan native served in roles with the New York Islanders as director of hockey administration, assistant coach, and assistant general manager. 

Daktronics to Supply Display System for Carolina Panthers’ Bank of America Stadium

National Football League franchise Carolina Panthers has announced a partnership with Daktronics for the elctronics company to to design, manufacture and install an integrated display system at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

It will feature two 360-degree ribbon displays — a unique aspect to professional outdoor stadiums.

Each end zone will feature a new LED video display measuring nearly 11,000 square feet to bring a larger view of the larger-than-life star players of the Panthers at every home game. 

“We are very excited to be partnering with Daktronics on the installation of two new video screens and two new 360-degree ribbon boards at Bank of America Stadium,” said Danny Morrison, President of the Carolina Panthers. “These installations allow us to continue an 18-year relationship with Daktronics that began when Bank of America Stadium opened in 1996, and we know that our fans and sponsors will greatly enjoy the new look and feel of our stadium on game day as a result of this tremendous visual upgrade. Combined with a new fully distributed sound system, these new displays will help take our classic American stadium to the next level.”

Both main video displays will feature a 13HD pixel layout and measure 56 feet high by 199 feet wide. With multiple levels of protection from the outdoor elements, the displays will incorporate the very best in image clarity and contrast with wide viewing angles to ensure every seat can enjoy the content that is shown.

The displays are capable of meeting every expectation by showing one large video highlight or instant replay while also capable of being divided into multiple sections to show a variety of game animations, graphics, statistics, scoring information and sponsor advertisements.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Carolina Panthers and Bank of America Stadium by installing this new LED super system,” said Reece Kurtenbach, CEO, Daktronics. “The new video displays and double 360-degree ribbon displays will provide the team and their fans with an elevated game-day experience. This is true testament to Daktronics ability to provide high-quality LED video systems for the highest level of professional sports.”

Tokyo Creates New Bureau Dedicated to 2020 Olympics

Tokyo have already begun preparations on the 2020 Olympics by setting up a new new bureau with the hopes of the games running more smoothly and efficiently and to avoid any hiccups. 

The office which opened on the 1st January is also hoping to give further impetus to the TMG’s sports administration capabilities. 

The news came after Governor Naoki Inose resigned from his post at the Japanese capital city after admitting he had received money from a scandal-hit hospital chain ahead of election. Vice-governor Toshiyuki Akiyama will be filling in until the election of a new Governor on February 9. Air Self-Defence Force Chief Toshio Tamogai along with former Olympic speed skater Seiko Hashimoto are amongst the names being hailed as potential candidates for the position. 

In light of this Tsunekazu Takeda, sale IOC Member and President of the Japanese Olympic Committee and Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee promised and said that he is “delighted that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government set up the new bureau so promptly…together we will exert out utmost efforts to organise and a deliver a truly memorable Games experience.  Furthermore he hopes that “they will leave a legacy that will benefit future generations for many years to come”.

SPL Announce Plan for New League Structure for Next Season

The Scottish Premier League (SPL) has confirmed that plans are in place to restructure the league in time for the 2013-14 season.

A single merged league of 42 clubs, buy with the divisions split in a 12-10-10-10 divisional structure has been discussed in a meeting at Hampden Park.

The SPL statement read: “At an all-club meeting earlier today at Hampden Park, sale viagra the 12 Scottish Premier League clubs unanimously agreed on a package of measures that would deliver a merged league in time for season 2013/2014.

“The principles include:

·         a single merged league of 42 clubs, in line with the stated preference of SFL1 clubs

·         a 12-10-10-10 divisional structure

·         an all-through distribution model involving substantial redistribution to the second tier

·         a ‘pyramid’ for the entire game

·         play-offs involving team 11 in the SPL and teams 2, 3 and 4 in the division below

“A formal proposal to deliver the above will be brought back to the SPL clubs for voting this month.

“The SPL looks forward to working with the Scottish FA and Scottish Football League to deliver vibrant change for the game as a whole.”

Chairman Ralph Topping said: “I am pleased that SPL clubs have today agreed on a way forward for the game in this country.

“We have tremendous sympathy with the SFL1 clubs and their plight and with their shared ambition for a 42-club solution.

“Much work needs to be done in a short space of time to achieve our objective of a single merged league this summer. But, where there is a will, there is a way. The time for action is now.”

Scottish Rugby Appoints Essentially Group to Acquire Sponsors

Scottish Rugby (SRU) has appointed Essentially Group, a division of CSM Sport & Entertainment (CSM), as its sole and exclusive global commercial agency.

It will be tasked with sourcing and negotiating key partnerships, including principle partner to the Scotland national team; and title sponsorship for Scotland’s autumn tests from next season (2013/2014) onwards. 

Commercially Scottish Rugby has continued to grow from strength to strength, recently announcing a new kit manufacturing deal with Macron; the biggest sponsorship in its history and also welcoming on board renowned Scottish brands such as The Famous Grouse and Tennent Caledonian Brewers plus global brand Unilever with its Dove Men + Care range.

Dominic McKay, Scottish Rugby’s Director of Commercial Operations, Communications and Public Affairs, said: “We are beginning to make progress in terms of our on-field displays; and though we are still building, we certainly feel that we are headed in the right direction at the moment after our RBS 6 Nations Championship, which included victories over Italy and Ireland.

“A big part of us achieving our goals revolved around identifying a global agency with the reputation and drive to succeed and we believe that in Essentially we have found the best in the market.”

Mike Vandrau, Head of Sales of Essentially, said: “Scottish Rugby is in a really exciting place at the moment and it enjoys a huge global fan base that truly identifies with the shirt and the players.This is a great opportunity for brands to come on board, with a team that is fully focussed on achieving its goals; and in doing so access major broadcast and press coverage in both the UK and international marketplace, in the build-up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.”

“We are delighted to be appointed as the exclusive agency to Scottish Rugby and look forward to working with the team at Murrayfield to deliver what is a fantastic opportunity.”

Read Scottish Rugby CEO’s interview with iSportconnect here>>

David Grevemberg & Jordi Bertomeu to Join Next iSportconnect Directors’ Club Panel

iSportconnect.com, the world’s largest private network of sport business executives, today announced that David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, and Jordi Bertomeu, President and CEO of Euroleague Basketball, will feature on the panel for the next iSportconnect Directors’ Club event taking place at The O2 in London on 10 May 2013.

The iSportconnect Directors’ Club will include an impressive panel of high-profile sport business executives taking part in a Question-Time format debate followed by live Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four basketball action at The O2.

The unique invitation-only Q&A session, in partnership with GenerateEuroleagueSponsorship, returns to London following the success of the last iSportconnect Directors’ Club event where delegates enjoyed panellist debate from the IOC, RFU, Heineken and Reading FC.

For the first time, Euroleague will host the Turkish Airlines Final Four competition in London at the O2 Arena from 10 – 12 May. The opening matches of the Turkish Airlines Final Four will be the semi-finals on 10th May and directly following the iSportconnect Directors’ Club event, delegates will be invited to a VIP area to enjoy some top quality basketball with other Directors’ Club attendees at the O2 Arena.

David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014 said: “The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games are creatingPartnershugeopportunities for positive impact and sporting legacy in Scotland and throughout the Commonwealth. I’m delighted that the iSportconnect Directors’ Club has offered me  a unique opportunity to share with industry peers our journey thus far and the ambitions we have for and around the Games .. I look forward to joining the panel..”

Jordi Bertomeu, President and CEO, Euroleague Basketball said: “Euroleague Basketball is Europe’s premier basketball property and we have a long-term vision in the UK beyond this year’s Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four edition. The iSportconnect Directors’ Club is a powerful way to network with industry leading sports professionals and will give us the opportunity to share our view for how Euroleague can support the development of basketball in the UK.”

Sree Varma, Founder and CEO, iSportconnect.com said: ‘We are delighted to announce both David and Jordi joining the panel for the next iSportconnect Directors’ Club. We received a great response from our previous events and found that the Question-Time format gives the audience in-depth insight into topics within sport business. We look forward to making further speaker announcements in the next couple of days.”

Attendees have the opportunity to post questions for the panel in advance as well as arrange meetings via the iSportconnect Directors’ Club London networking tool, adding further value to the delegate experience. To register interest, please email: william@isportconnect.com

Follow the iSportconnect Directors’ Club event with @iSportconnect and through #iSCDirectorsClub.

AS Roma Reveal Plans for New Stadium

AS Roma have revealed plans to build a new stadium in Rome for the 2016-17 season.

The location for the new stadium will be Tor di Valle in the southwest part of the city.

Roma’s new stadium will have a capacity of 55, cough 000 to 60, health 000 and will be developed and managed by leading Italian real estate firm Grupo ParsItalia.

Club officials have stated that more than 100 sites were considered for the stadium and while financial details were not disclosed, discount the project will be entirely privately funded. The club will also consider entering into a naming rights partnership for the new venue.

“Building a new stadium for AS Roma has always been our goal,” said Pallotta.

“We will construct a stadium that will deliver an unparalleled experience for our passionate and loyal fans, as well as one capable of hosting a Champions League final in the near future. This will also provide global brands the opportunity to reach a worldwide audience through this truly unique platform – elite football in Rome in a world-class stadium.”

Roma and city rival SS Lazio both currently rent the Stadio Olimpico, which was developed for the 1960 Olympic Games, from the Italian Olympic Committee.

Luca Parnasi, CEO of Grupo ParsItalia, added: “The construction of a new stadium for AS Roma will not only strengthen the team’s global presence; it will also contribute to the revitalisation of the distressed Italian economy, creating more than 1,000 jobs in the next 24 months.

“I thank all the institutions, from the Municipality of Rome to the LazioRegion and all the other Italian institutions who will give their total support for the project and demonstrate to foreign investors that projects of this size can be a great success in Italy.”