Mark Tatum Becomes NBA’s Deputy Commissioner as Silver Set to Take Top Job
Mark Tatum has been appointed as the new National Basketball Association (NBA) Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer replacing Adam Silver who will step up to be NBA Commissioner.
A 15-year veteran of the league office, Tatum will assume his new role on February 1, 2014, the same time Silver (pictured) will begin his tenure as NBA Commissioner.
The NBA also announced the promotions of three other league executives, also effective February 1. Bill Koenig, NBA Executive Vice President, Business Affairs and General Counsel, has been promoted to President, Global Media Distribution, reporting to Silver. Sal LaRocca, NBA Executive Vice President, Global Merchandising Group, has been promoted to President, Global Operations and Merchandising, and Danny Meiseles, NBA Executive Vice President and Executive Producer, has been promoted to President and Executive Producer, Content. LaRocca and Meiseles will report to Tatum.
Jason Cahilly, NBA Executive Vice President, Strategy and Chief Financial Officer, will assume the position of Chief Strategic and Financial Officer, reporting to Silver. NBA Executive Vice President and General Counsel Rick Buchanan will now oversee all of the league’s legal matters, reporting to Joel Litvin, President, League Operations.
“Mark Tatum’s appointment as NBA Deputy Commissioner is recognition of the confidence our owners and teams have in his leadership ability and track record of success,” said Silver. “As Deputy Commissioner and COO, Mark will use his extensive industry relationships and knowledge of our game to help guide and grow our league.”
“Bill has played a key role in structuring and negotiating the league’s broadcast and digital agreements while developing strategies for dealing with the rapidly changing media landscape. Sal has worked closely with the NBA’s regional offices around the world while leading the NBA’s award-winning merchandising business. Danny has been instrumental in developing the NBA’s event and media programming and managing the league’s relationships with our television partners,” said Silver. “Together these executives have led their respective areas in a way that has earned them accolades from their colleagues and the industry.”
In his role as Executive Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships, Tatum oversaw the NBA’s marketing partnerships business across the NBA, WNBA, NBA Development League, and USA Basketball. He also was responsible for managing the league’s media sales, including sales of NBA TV, NBA.com, and other NBA-controlled media, along with leading the sales relationships with the league’s TV partners. Tatum joined the NBA in 1999.
Prior to joining the NBA, Tatum held marketing and sales positions with The Clorox Company, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and Major League Baseball. Tatum received a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from Cornell University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School.
As President, Global Media Distribution, Koenig will now be responsible for overseeing media distribution on a global basis. For the past seven years Koenig has served as NBA Executive Vice President, Business Affairs and General Counsel, where he was the head of business affairs and responsible for all legal work across a variety of league businesses including digital, television, media, sponsorship, and licensing. Koenig joined the NBA in 1990 and is a graduate of Harvard University, the London School of Economics, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Law.
As President, Global Operations and Merchandising, LaRocca will now oversee the NBA’s regional offices and international development. He will continue to manage the league’s merchandising and consumer products businesses. LaRocca joined the NBA in 1990 and is a graduate of St. John’s University.
As President and Executive Producer, Content, Meiseles will add oversight of the league’s Events, Marketing, Digital Media, and Operations & Technology departments to his current responsibilities.
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WTF Confirms Taekwondo Federation of India Ban
India’s national governing body for taekwondo has been suspended following the decision earlier this month to take action against the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
The Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI) will be banned from competing in all international competitions by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) until the IOA is recognised again by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOA were suspended earlier this month for holding elections that breached the Olympic Charter. Taekwondo is the second sport to be suspended following the IOC action.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) suspended the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) shortly after the IOC announced that they were taking action. Harish Kumar, capsule the head of the TFI, allergist is a close ally of Abhay Singh Chautala, the newly elected president of the IOA who the IOC are refusing to recognise. “Following the Indian Olympic Association’s suspension by the International Olympic Committee, the WTF can confirm that the Taekwondo Federation of India has been suspended with immediate effect in compliance with Article 2 of the WTF Statutes,” Jean-Marie Ayer, the secretary general of the WTF, was quoted as saying. “The Indian taekwondo team will be prohibited from participating in all WTF-promoted and sanctioned events and other activities until the IOA has been officially recognised by the IOC. The WTF takes our responsibility to the Olympic Movement very seriously and we are 100 percent committed to transparent governance at every level of our sport. We demand the same values of every single one of our MNAs (member national associations) and we are not afraid to take decisive steps to ensure that taekwondo is associated with fair play and respect all over the world.”
The suspension will now be top of the agenda when the TFI holds its next executive council meeting in Bhopal on January 18. India failed to qualify a competitor for the taekwondo competition at London 2012.
SIT to Provide Timing for 2013 FIA World Rally Championship
The FIA has entered into exclusive negotiations with Sistemas Integrales de Telecomunicación (SIT) to provide the timing and safety tracking services for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2013.
The Spanish sports technology group would also be responsible for delivering this all-important data to the Championship Promoter, mind the content being an integral part of its vision to develop and enhance the television and digital product.
Based in Madrid, health Sistemas Integrales de Telecomunicación has 78 employees dedicated to providing high-level technology across a broad range of sports. With its own fleet of seven airplanes and eight helicopters, the company’s experience in delivering rally-related expertise dates back to 1985. Its various telecommunications technology, timing, tracking, results, broadcast transmission and real-time internet services have since been used on the Spanish Rally Championship, Rally Cataluña, Rally de Portugal, Baja España, the Race of Champions and La Vuelta a España, a multi-stage cycling event which is part of the UCI World Tour. The company is also the exclusive Tag Heuer Timing representative for Spain since 1992.
Sistemas Integrales de Telecomunicación will use proven UHF radio wave technology, familiar within the World Rally Championship and frequently used for television broadcast purposes.
Special Report: Top 5 iSportconnect Discussions of the Month: January 2012
The discussions section is one of the most engaging and informative iSportconnect features. Here, order every member of the iSportconnect community can share their opinions and ideas, viagra 60mg or raise questions with fellow professionals. Members are welcome to contribute, so that everyone from the fields of sports commerce, finance, law, broadcasting, marketing and events can interact in one place.
January 2012 was one of the busiest months of iSportconnect debate to date, with members discussing topics such as Warrior Sports replacing Adidas as Liverpool FC’s kit manufacturer and the plans for NFL fixtures in London.
Each month, an iSportconnect member who contributes considered and insightful posts will receive a prize. Congratulations to January’s winner, Iain Taker, who receives a copy of Lou Imbriano’s Winning the Customer.
Top five iSportconnect discussions of January 2012
‘Are Adidas right to axe Liverpool?’
Synopsis: Did Adidas make the right decision in ending its tenure as Liverpool FC’s kit manufacturer? What will new kit manufacturer Warrior Sports gain from its association with Liverpool?
Main participants: Michael Cunnah (former CEO of Wembley Stadium), Alastair Marks (Head of UK Sponsorship, McDonalds), Stephen Pearson (Former Commercial Director of English Premier League)
Key quote: “This is clearly a deal from the strong connections of Fenway Sports. It also highlights again the attack on the dominance of traditional suppliers like Adidas, Nike and Puma – as we have recently seen companies like Under Armour come in with a huge deal at Spurs and brands like Xtep come in at Birmingham and Villareal.” Stephen Pearson
‘The Wembley Rams?’
Synopsis: What will be the impact of St Louis Rams’ agreement to play a regular season game at Wembley for the next three years?
Main participants: Lou Imbriano(former CMO of New England Patriots), Derek Harper (COO, Sports Xchange)
Key quote: “I love the idea of the runners up in the Championship game (so in 2012 the Ravens and 49ers) meeting every year. Putting a different spin and creating the aura of a larger event. I am looking forward to seeing how this all evolves over the years.” Lou Imbriano
‘What implications will the Westfield case have on the domestic and international game?’
Synopsis: Former County Cricketer admits to spot betting charge after other recent spot betting incidents, will faith in the integrity of the game be maintained?
Main participants: Peter Frawley,(CEO, International Cricket Group)
Key quote: “It’s difficult to believe that the domestic game can accept anything but zero tolerance given how completely reliant they are on TV revenue… They would not survive sponsors running for the hills to avoid any toxicity.” Peter Frawley
‘What role does social media have to play in sport?’
Synopsis: How can social media be used for sports marketing? What are the negative effects of social media in sport?
Main participants: Stephen Pearson (former Commercial Director of English Premier League), Iain Taker (Associate at Kemp Little LLP)
Key quote: “There are many problems – players tend to be young and whilst they are seen global sports stars are also not mature to deal with issuing public statements which formally was the territory of PR agents and lawyers. Seeing players tweet each other when they can surely communicate by mobile or email opens them up to abuse from fans. Tweeting is also leading to lazy journalism when tweets are quoted verbatim in the press the following day.”
‘Can an Indian under-17 World Cup in 2017 be a prelude to a successful 2026 World Cup bid?’
Synopsis: If India is, as expected, awarded hosting of the FIFA 2017 under World Cup, will it be likely to be awarded hosting of the senior tournament in 2026?
Main participants: Steven Falk(former Director of Marketing at Manchester United), Paul Freudensprung (Venue General Manager of 2006 Torino Organising Committee of the Olympic Games)
Key quote: “A lot needs to be done, in order to increase the possible impact of a World Cup within India. But reading in the press about the initiatives of building the Indian Football League and drawing former European and South-American star players to India shows there is money, determination and possibly a bigger game plan. It maybe not 2026 but the World Cup will go to India eventually, if they decide to bid.” Paul Freudensprung
Fulham to Increase Capacity of Craven Cottage
Fulham have revealed plans to increase the capacity of their Craven Cottage stadium to 30,000 dashing claims of a possible move.
The stadium has been the Whites’ home since 1896 and currently holds 25,700 after several refurbishment projects over the past decade.
Recent speculation suggested Fulham have been looking to move to a new stadium, and a potential ground share with West London neighbours QPR or Chelsea has also been reported.
However, the Cottagers have confirmed that no such talks have taken place with either club and that they intend to stay at a redeveloped Craven Cottage.
Fulham chief executive Alastair Mackintosh said: “Fulham has seen unprecedented success both on and off the pitch in recent years, and is now an established Barclays Premier League club, qualifying for European competitions and accommodating over 25,000 people on a regular basis.
“We are confident that a redevelopment will improve the fans matchday experience, and enhance our corporate offering, whilst remaining sympathetic to the design of this historic ground.
“Naturally our core family values, and the tradition of the football club, continue to be at the forefront of everything we do. This investment at Craven Cottage demonstrates yet again the chairman’s continued ambition to see the club prosper and grow and to continue to compete at this level for many years to come.
“We are still in the very early stages of the planning process and will be holding a public exhibition in mid-October, where we would very much welcome people’s thoughts on our initial ideas.”
Fulham are looking at ways to develop the Riverside Stand in order to increase the stadium’s capacity up to 30,000.
The venue would also be subject to wider facility improvements and, as part of the consultation process, the club will begin speaking to residents, supporters and other interested groups from next week.
Fulham thought they had played their last match at Craven Cottage at the end of the 2001-02 campaign, spending the following season at QPR’s Loftus Road with the intention of starting out a new stadium a year later.
Opposition to the proposal put paid to the process and spiralling costs eventually resulted in the Whites aborting plans for a new home. Instead, the club invested money in refurbishment work to increase Craven Cottage’s capacity to 25,700, while upgrading facilities.
Court of Arbitration for Sport Reject Bin Hammam Appeal Over Ban
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected an appeal by Mohamed Bin Hammam against his suspension as head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), discount the AFC said in a statement.
Mr. Bin Hammam had appealed the AFC’s decision in July to appoint Zhang Jilong as acting president pending Mr. Bin Hammam’s appeal against a world soccer body FIFA ban for life on his involvement in soccer on charges of bribery. Mr. Jilong was also mandated to temporarily replace Mr. Bin Hammam on FIFA’s executive committee.
Mr. Bin Hammam had hoped that a decision by the Lausanne, Switzerland-based CAS would enable him to participate in FIFA’s next executive committee meeting scheduled for October 18.
Mr. Bin Hammam, who has denied any wrongdoing, was banned by FIFA in July for allegedly bribing officials of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) to ensure their support his failed campaign for the FIFA presidency.
Mr. Bin Hammam, a Qatari national, withdrew his candidacy in late May hours before he was suspended pending the FIFA investigation that led to the ban. His withdrawal paved the way for the unchallenged re-election for a fourth term of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
By James M. Dorsey
Nike & Adidas Continue to Dominate Kit Supplier Deals in Europe says Report
Sports brands Nike and adidas are still the ones to beat when it comes to jit supplying according to Repucom and PR Marketing’s latest Kit Supplier Report.
Shirt sales in Europe continue to be big business for kit suppliers. Approximately, impotent 13 million shirts were sold by the 98 clubs of the top five European football leagues last season (2013/14), allergist up over 14% on the 2011/12 season two years prior.
English Premier League (EPL) clubs sold the majority of this figure, cialis selling over five million shirts in total. This compares with clubs of Spain’s Primera División (3.10m), the German Bundesliga (2.32m), France’s Ligue 1 (1.22m) and Italy’s Serie A (1.18m).
In the coming season however, of these top European leagues, it is only the EPL where Nike is not the most dominant kit supplier.
Of the 25 brands supplying kits to teams of Europe’s top five leagues ahead of the 2014/15 season, Nike has outpaced its German rival adidas for the first time since the 2009/10 season. The US sports giant will kit out 26 clubs, an increase of five on last year’s total, whilst adidas will supply 18, a figure which has dropped by four. Nike now supply the kits to just over a quarter (26.5%) of all clubs in Europe’s top five leagues. In comparison, Adidas’ kits represent an 18.4% share of the market.
Andrew Walsh, football expert at Repucom, said: “In terms of revenue it is the top ten European teams which dominate, delivering 65% of total shirt sales in the five key football leagues, most of which coming from clubs in the English Premier League, adidas’ strongest market. Whilst Nike may be winning in the quantity stakes, Aadidas is certainly not bowing out in the running for market superiority, far from it in fact. The brand is now starting to flex its muscles by supplying Europe’s biggest clubs.”
Currently, Nike’s top five deals which combined are worth approximately €125m per year include FC Barcelona, Manchester United FC, Paris Saint-Germain FC, Juventus FC and FC Internazionale. Adidas’ top five deals include Real Madrid FC, Chelsea FC, FC Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Olympique de Marseille and total approximately €135m per year, €10m more than Nike.
However, ahead of the 2015/16 season, Adidas will be taking two of Nike’s biggest club deals; EPL giants, Manchester United and Italian Champions, Juventus FC.
Andrew Walsh continued: “Manchester United’s Nike deal is currently worth an estimated €31.5m per year, a figure dwarfed by adidas’ new €94m deal, a difference of over €62m. The deal with Juventus will also increase, from €19m to approximately €23.25m per year.
“adidas’ position in the market is certainly one of ‘quality’, already official partner of World Football’s biggest tournament, the FIFA World Cup, as well as World Champions, Germany and the UEFA Champions League, now they are moving to kit out the world’s biggest clubs underlining their position as football’s leading sports brand in terms of sponsorship. A title that Nike will of course continue to rival.
“How the strategies of these big brands develop will ultimately play a defining role in shaping the commerciality of the industry itself and it is key for clubs to see how these two giants are carving up the European football apparel market. Whilst Nike looks to maximise the number of teams it supplies, Adidas is going for the most popular, most followed and ultimately biggest selling clubs in the world.”
Aside from the battle between Nike and Adidas, Puma has been able to strengthen its market position as the third major power in European football apparel with its new deal with Arsenal FC, formerly supplied, again, by Nike. Including its deal with German side, Borussia Dortmund, Puma now kit out nine clubs in Europe’s top five leagues. Italian brand Kappa’s eight deals means it is the only other company to supply more than four clubs ahead of the 2014/15 season.
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ITF Appoints Former Tennis Australia Director to Consult on Asia-Pacific Commercial Matters
The Intenational Tennis Federation has announced today that Steve Ayles will become ITF Executive Commercial Consultant for Asia-Pacific.
Ayles has held senior positions in sport for over 17 years, order including his most recent position as Director of Commercial for Tennis Australia where he was responsible for the successful strategy for the growth of the Australian Open in the Asia-Pacific Region. He was also the CEO of Tennis Queensland and tournament director for combined ATP/WTA Events for several years as well as the Hopman Cup, there the ITF’s International Mixed Team Championship and many Davis Cup and Fed Cup ties for Tennis Australia.
“The ITF is very happy to have Steve Ayles represent our commercial interests in the important Asia-Pacific region,” said ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti. “Steve has a wealth of experience in this area and is very well placed to promote our activities throughout this region. We think Steve is an excellent fit for the ITF because of his work at Tennis Australia and especially his involvement with our key competitions.”
“I am greatly looking forward to representing the ITF in Asia-Pacific,” said Ayles. “I have worked for a state federation and a national federation and now the international federation. As someone who has had a major involvement with and great respect for key ITF activities like Davis Cup and Fed Cup, I am convinced that there are many opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region for the ITF properties.”
Ayles will report to ITF Executive Vice President Juan Margets.
Swimming Takes Funding Hit for Rio 2016
Swimming’s below par performance at the London 2012 Olympics has resulted in their budget being slashed for the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016 with rowing and boxing being the major winners in UK Sport’s latest investment announcement.
UK Sport announced on Tuesday that a record level of £347m funding – an increase of 11% on London 2012 – will be invested in the new four-year cycle with 80% of that heading for Olympic sports and 20% for the Paralympians.
It is a huge, albeit not unexpected, blow for the swimmers, who have been hit for their disappointing haul of three medals in the summer having been set a target of five to seven.
They have already had three years of funding withheld until it can prove its new blueprint to increase numbers is working. Their budget has been reduced by £4m to £21.4m.
UK sport chairperson Sue Campbell said: “It isn’t about being popular. It’s about making the right decisions. It’s about tough compassion, investing money strategically to have greatest the impact.”
Two big beneficiaries are rowing and boxing. GB’s rowers will receive 19% extra money – up to £32.6m – having impressed with four golds, two silvers and three bronzes.
Boxing’s purse will be bulging by an extra 44% with an increase to £13.7m thanks to five medals, including three golds, though £9.55m is conditional on sport sorting out some internal issues.
Cycling (up 16% to £30.6m) and athletics (up 6.7% to £26.8m) also enjoyed increases, although basketball, wrestling, handball and table tennis have had their budgets completely cut.
With GB’s athletes winning 65 medals in the Olympics and 120 in the
Paralympics, UK Sport has targeted 66 Olympic medals and 121 Paralympic medals in Brazil in four years.
“We want to be the first nation in recent history to be more successful in the Olympics and Paralympics post hosting,” UK Sport chief executive Liz Nicholl said.
“We are very confident we can be even better in Rio than in London.”