Warner Bros. Discovery secure rights to FIS Swiss Ski World Cup Events

Warner Bros. Discovery will continue to showcase the most prestigious races in winter sport after further strengthening its comprehensive rights portfolio by securing the rights to FIS Swiss Ski World Cup events through a renewed partnership with Infront.

The multi-year agreement will provide even more live action for viewers across 45 markets* in Europe who can enjoy watching every FIS Ski World Cup event on Warner Bros. Discovery’s channels and platforms. Live broadcast coverage will be available across Eurosport 1 and 2 with uninterrupted streaming on the Eurosport App and on discovery+ in available markets**, offering even more ways to engage with the world’s most competitive and exciting ski races.

The first events under the new partnership include the FIS Ski Cross World Cup, which takes place in Arosa, Switzerland on 12 December and the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup from the world-famous St Moritz resort on 16 December. Last season, the Swiss sensation Marco Odermatt beat Norway’s 2020 FIS World Cup champion and Olympic silver medallist Aleksander Aamodt Kilde to the men’s overall Alpine World Cup title with Mikaela Shiffrin claiming her fourth women’s title.

Trojan Paillot, Vice President, Sports Rights Acquisitions and Syndication at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, said: “This year we have scaled coverage from the biggest events in skiing – including screening every unmissable moment from Beijing 2022 – to the widest possible audience while telling the stories of the athletes throughout the season.

“Our reputation as the ‘home of winter sport’ allows us to maximise viewer engagement around our live coverage and additional content, while also using the biggest events including the Olympic Winter Games to help bring in new fans. By working with our partners to showcase world-class FIS events across our channels and platforms, we are confident we can continue to expand our audiences while helping winter sports to grow further between Olympic cycles.”

Warner Bros. Discovery is recognised as the ‘home of winter sport’ with more FIS events than any other broadcaster and over 30 years of coverage in Europe through Eurosport. During the 2021-2022 season, it screened over 500 individual winter sport events and brought every unmissable moment from Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 to viewers across Europe, engaging a record number of viewers for an Olympic Games.

PGA TOUR and DP World Tour announce partnership with JGTO

The DP World Tour and PGA TOUR jointly announced today a new landmark partnership with the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) that will see the top three players on the JGTO Order of Merit earn membership onto the DP World Tour for the ensuing season, beginning with the 2022-23 campaign.

The formal pathway further enhances the existing global pathway system, as the leading 10 players on DP World Tour’s Race To Dubai Rankings [in addition to those already exempt] will earn cards on the PGA TOUR, beginning with the 2024 season, as part of the operational joint venture partnership between the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour announced in June.

In addition to these new formal pathways, which also includes access to DP World Tour Qualifying School for leading players not otherwise exempt, the JGTO will work alongside the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR on other key business areas, including strategic development and commercial growth, as well as further discussion about future areas of collaboration and support. Among those is a continued commitment to the ISPS HANDA – CHAMPIONSHIP, which is set to make its debut on the DP World Tour schedule next April 20-23, 2023, at PGM Ishioka GC in Omitama, Japan.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour, said, “The Japan Golf Tour Organization has produced many incredibly talented players over the years, and we are delighted to establish this formal pathway as part of golf’s meritocratic system, defining clear routes for players from the other international Tours to earn status on the DP World Tour and potentially go on to play on the PGA TOUR.

“There are players from 34 different countries exempt on the DP World Tour in 2023 and, alongside our first tournament in Japan next April, today’s announcement further underlines our position as golf’s global Tour.”

Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, said: “Japan has a long, storied history of producing world-class golf talent that deserves the opportunity to compete on the game’s highest stage, and today’s announcement is recognition of that. Over the past 30 years, 25 players have claimed at least one victory on both the PGA TOUR and Japan Golf Tour, including current Japan Golf Tour Chairman Isao Aoki, who in 1983 became the first Japanese-born player to win on the PGA TOUR when he holed out for eagle on the 72nd hole to win the Sony Open in Hawaii. His legacy continues today with eight-time JGTO winner Hideki Matsuyama and will now endure for years to come under this new pathway.”

Isao Aoki, Chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Organization, said, “We are proud of the rich tradition the Japan men’s golf tour has established over the last 40 years, and this development is the next step in the journey of our organization. Our players have made significant contributions to the global game since our tour’s inception in 1973, and we are excited that the next class of Japanese players will soon be able to reap the rewards that their predecessors helped create for them. We are looking forward to working with both the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour on the next era of professional golf development in Japan.”

Northampton Saints announce partnership with HellermannTyton Connectivity

Northampton Saints today announces a brand-new partnership with HellermannTyton Connectivity, which sees the Northampton-based company become an Official Partner of the Club.

HellermannTyton is a leading UK manufacturer, delivering innovative fibre and copper connectivity solutions to network operators and broadband providers both nationwide and globally.

A new multi-year partnership between HellermannTyton and Saints has already begun, with the company enjoying in-stadium branding exposure on matchdays at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens as part of the relationship, while also sponsoring two Saints players – Alfie Petch and Archie Kean – for the 2022/23 season.

“It’s very exciting for the Club to agree another brand-new partnership in another different brand category,” said Ulundi Makhanya, Saints’ Head of Commercial Partnerships.

“While our products are, clearly, worlds apart, the working cultures at HellermannTyton and Northampton Saints are perfectly aligned – both businesses look to deliver successful and innovative solutions for our customers, creating environments where talent develops, and facilitate effective collaboration to produce growth.

“So, we’re delighted to welcome HellermannTyton to our stable of partners and the Saints family.”

For over 30 years, HellermannTyton has been producing network infrastructure solutions in Northampton. With two local manufacturing sites, HellermannTyton Connectivity is part of the global HellermannTyton Group, offering a range of world-leading cable management solutions.

With over 6,000 employees working across 39 countries worldwide, HellermannTyton Group has enjoyed decades of success through in depth industry knowledge and experience. By working closely with its customers and understanding their business needs, HellermannTyton is a leading brand in a wide range of industry sectors.

“We’re delighted to be joining forces with Northampton Saints” said Matthew Hunter, Managing Director at HellermannTyton Connectivity.

“As a Northampton-based company, this partnership gives HellermannTyton the platform to reach a wider audience on both local and national levels. It gives us the opportunity to promote ourselves as a local employer and UK manufacturer.

“Saints are Northampton’s biggest sporting team, and to partner with such a prominent brand is a significant milestone for HellermannTyton and our plans for continued growth. Our employees’ wellbeing and development is very much at the top of our core values, and this partnership very much reinforces that.”

Manchester United launch MUTV app on smart TVs

Manchester United has launched the MUTV app on Samsung, LG and Android TVs allowing fans with the compatible televisions to access a range of exclusive and premium content on-demand directly from their homes. 

The club’s app is available on the latest generation of smart, or connected, TVs, allowing fans anywhere in the world to enjoy the entire portfolio of MUTV content, from live action, to documentaries, to over 1,000 archived Manchester United games from the past 30 years of the Premier League.

Fans can access exclusive club content 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year by downloading the MUTV app on their Samsung, LG* and Android TVs** in addition to Apple TV, Xbox, Amazon Fire and Roku, further strengthening the club’s push to widen the accessibility of Manchester United content globally.

On-demand through MUTV, supporters can watch unique behind-the-scenes content as well as feature programmes such as MUTV’s United Daily show, manager’s press conferences and player interviews and goal clips.

Distributed globally, MUTV will show live pre-season tour games – including the upcoming men’s first team friendlies in Spain – Academy and selected women’s games, together with highlights, full replays, and live audio commentaries of all first team matches.

The full archive of highlights from all 1,167 Premier League games played by Manchester United, including all 2,205 goals scored by the Reds, is also available to watch.

Millions of fans around the world consume MUTV content via the Manchester United app, which was relaunched this year to fully integrate the club’s live TV and on-demand video content into one digital platform. The app has been downloaded by fans in more than 240 territories, reaching number one in the App store’s sports category over 100 territories. Meanwhile, our linear TV network continues to make MUTV the most subscribed football channel in the UK and many other markets around the world.

Phil Lynch, CEO, Digital Products and Experiences, at Manchester United said: “We are delighted to make our fully integrated content offering more accessible to our global fanbase through the latest roll-out of the MUTV app on compatible connected TVs.”

“MUTV began in 1998 as a market-leading club specific channel and throughout the years we have continued to innovate with one common ambition – to serve our fanbase in the most engaging and accessible way.” 

“We are proud to be taking these steps to better engage our fans, further enrich our content and enhance direct-to-fan distribution.”

Ferriani re-elected as AIOWF President

Ivo Ferriani has been re-elected as president of the International Olympic Winter Sports Federation (AIOWF) as reported by insidethegames.

Ferriani was first elected AIOWF President during an online meeting in 2020 when he replaced Gian Franco Kasper, the former President of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), who retired from the position having only served half of his last term.

In addition to the 62-year-old Italian retaining his post, Kim Jae-youl, Einars Fogelis, Beau Welling, and Olle Dahlin have also been reinstated as AIOWF Council members.

They respectively hold the Presidencies of the International Skating Union, International Luge Federation, World Curling Federation, and International Biathlon Union.

International Ice Hockey Federation President Luc Tardif also takes a place on the Council.

The FIS did not present a nomination so the floor presented the body’s President Johan Eliasch as a member.

The FIS will then consider whether it accepts the nomination.

During the last AIOWF Presidential election in May, Ferriani prevailed although the process was disputed by Eliasch who argued that it was invalid.

British Basketball League appoint new CEO

British Basketball League announces the appointment of Aaron Radin as new Chief Executive Officer.

Following an extensive recruitment process carried out by the league’s board of directors, Radin’s appointment comes at a crucial moment for the BBL as the league looks to accelerate its growth to achieve its full potential. 

Radin moves to the BBL after compiling a successful track record across a 30-year professional career. He has held increasingly senior-level positions at a multitude of sports, media and tech organisations such as the NBA, The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal and Meta. His extensive knowledge of the commercial landscape surrounding the sport will help take the league to exciting new heights. 

Alongside his professional background, Radin has been significantly involved in his community for over 20 years through volunteering as a basketball coach, and helping to lead a grassroots program which helped generate opportunities for hundreds of inner-city youth to expand their educational and professional opportunities through the sport.   

Speaking on the appointment, British Basketball League Director, Lenz Balan said:

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Aaron to the BBL. His professional achievements, and passion for and understanding of the sport, make him the ideal leader to take British Basketball to the next level during this exciting period of growth.

“It has been a truly remarkable year for the league and Aaron’s appointment highlights our commitment to accelerating the commercial growth of the BBL and the longer term success of our clubs, players and partners both domestically and in Europe.”

Speaking on his arrival as the league’s CEO, Aaron Radin said:

“I am thrilled to join the British Basketball League at this critical point in its history. Between the new investment of capital into the league, the creation of new broadcast partnerships and the return to European competition, the BBL is just beginning to deliver on its goal to generate joy for its fans and value for its marketing and distribution partners.  I am excited for the challenge to help the league fully deliver on that promise and I look forward to working with our clubs, owners and investors, as we join forces to become one of the most competitive and exciting basketball leagues in the world.

“We are committed to continuing to attract the most talented players to the British Basketball League from across the globe, as well as providing a platform for British athletes to fulfil their potential here in the UK as well as on the global stage.”

Athens to host 2023 FINA World Youth Artistic Swimming Championships

The Greek capital of Athens is set to host the 3rd FINA World Youth Artistic Swimming Championships 2023 from 30 August – 3 September 2023.

Over 200 artistic swimmers from more than 30 countries are expected to compete. The five-day event will see the athletes, aged 13-to-15 years old, compete for medals in the Female and Male Solo, Duet, Figures, Mixed Duet, Team, and Combination events.

The youth event follows Athens jumping back into holding major global sports events, including last year’s FINA Artistic Swimming World Series 2022 Super Final.

The event is slated to take place at the Athens Olympic Sport Complex “Spyros Louis” Aquatic Centre, a facility built for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games that is now home to the Hellenic Swimming Federation.

Located just outside the Athens city centre, the 96-hectare sports complex provided the sporting hub for the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad. In addition to 11 swimming pools, the sporting grounds also include the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Hall, the Olympic Velodrome and sixteen tennis courts.

The venues are well used today, with 3,000 daily aquatics practitioners – from water polo teams training to artistic swimming clubs – using the venue facilities. 

Emerging youth artistic swimmer Karavasili Ismini of Greece expressed delight in hearing FINA selected Athens as the event host.

“I am especially excited about the fact that the FINA World Youth Artistic Swimming Championships are taking place in the summer of 2023 in Athens, the birthplace of the Olympic Games! We are setting high goals for the best possible results. We are asking for everyone’s support for a strong stand so that everyone can see this spectacular sport!”

NBA decides to allow sovereign and pension wealth funds

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has decided to allow sovereign and pension wealth funds to own passive stakes in NBA teams.

It was reported by Sportico that the decision was voted on by the NBA Board of Governors earlier this week.

League spokesperson Mike Bass said: “The NBA board of governors recently decided to allow direct, passive investments in NBA teams by institutional investors. All such investments are subject to league review and NBA board approval.”

This is the another move that the NBA is making to try an open up the opportunity of team ownership to another group of people.

The move comes while one the league’s most expensive franchises is up for sale.

The Phoenix Suns are believed to be valued somewhere north of $3 billion and there are rumours of a consortium involving President Barack Obama could be looking into purchasing the team.

Formula 1 confirm 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place

Formula 1 can confirm, following dialogue with the promoter and relevant authorities, that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 situation.

Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course.

China has not hosted a F1 Grand Prix since 2019, due to the pandemic. The Shanghai circuit had previously been a regular feature on the Formula 1 calendar.

IMG secures international broadcast deals for Fury Chisora

IMG, a global leader in sports, events and media, has secured a series of international broadcast deals for Queensberry Promotions Limited’s (QPL) all-British WBC World Heavyweight Championship trilogy fightbetween Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora.

To date, IMG has concluded over 30 separate deals to broadcast the fight in 120 territories, including with Fox Sports (Australia), Sky Sports (New Zealand), Bild (Germany & Austria), Viaplay (Scandinavia) and Globo (Brazil). The bout is set to take place on 3 December 2022 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Frank Warren, Chairman of Queensberry, said: “I’m delighted that our World Heavyweight Title double header will go out to a huge global broadcast audience. Tyson is a generational talent who continues to attract huge audiences around the world and we are set for another massive night on Saturday. IMG continue to be the best in the business at media distribution, which is just one of the multiple verticals we work with them across as our partnership continues to strengthen.”

Michael Ridout, Vice President, Media at IMG, said: “Fury vs Chisora III is set to become another historic event as Tyson Fury completes his second Heavyweight trilogy following 3 epic bouts against Deontay Wilder. The Gypsy King will be looking to cement his position as the dominant champion in the Heavyweight division but in Derek Chisora you have an opponent who has nothing to lose! The deals we have concluded for this event show the global appeal that Tyson has from audiences and broadcasters around the world and we’re delighted to continue our partnership with Queensberry and Frank Warren.”

IMG partnered with Hall of Fame Boxing Promoter Frank Warren in 2018 to exclusively represent its international broadcast rights in all territories, outside the UK and North America.

These deals follow the recent renewal of IMG’s long-standing, worldwide video archive partnership with Queensberry Promotions that will see all upcoming bouts and events produced and promoted by QPL made available on IMG’s digital archive platform, IMG Replay.

The full list of broadcast partners for Fury vs. Chisora III includes:

  • A1 (Bulgaria)
  • Athletic Sports Group (Belgium & Netherlands)
  • beTV (French Speaking Belgium)
  • Bild (Germany & Austria)
  • Canal+ (French speaking Africa & Myanmar)
  • Charlton LTD (Israel)
  • CJ ENM (South Korea)
  • Digicel (Pacific Islands)
  • Fox Sports (Australia)
  • FPT (Vietnam)
  • Globo (Brazil)
  • Polsat (Poland)
  • Protocol (Spain)
  • RMC (France)
  • Madison (China)
  • Mola (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia & Italy)
  • Network4 Media Group (Hungary)
  • Saran (Turkey)
  • Sky (New Zealand)
  • Sport Klub (Balkans)
  • Sport TV (Portugal)
  • STARZPLAY Sports (MENA)
  • Straight4ward Sports (Albania & Kosovo)
  • SuperSport (Africa)
  • TAF (Malta, Greece & Cyprus)
  • True Vision (Thailand)   
  • Viaplay (Scandinavia)