eShot Labs launches real-time video NFT creation solution

 eShot Labs, is a French company founded by Fergus Leleu and Jean-Baptiste Kempf (President of VideoLAN – VLC Player) which develops Web3 solutions with expertise in video, today announced the first white-label solution for creating real-time video NFTs from live broadcast content. Available now, eShot Labs’ solution is part of a brand new market for NFT creation based on real-time or archival video content, but with the unique benefit of giving clients their choice of blockchain. 

The launch directly addresses a challenge experienced by many brands who are seeking to strengthen the emotional bonds with their communities. With exclusive content available instantly, these brands can establish and enhance their customers’ and fans’ the sense of belonging.

A disruptive innovation that supports the brands people love

The NFT market is currently undergoing a period of transition and consolidation, with the volume of exchanges falling by 24% between the first and second quarters of 2022. This loss, which represents a drop of between 10 billion to around 8 billion dollars, is related exclusively to “cold content,” meaning NFTs produced after an event. Still NFTs are gaining in popularity, representing a major development opportunity for brands. 

eShot Labs is innovating by offering brands, content creators and event organizers the possibility to provide their fan communities with content that is immediately available with just a few clicks on their phones. Brands, bands, and designers can leverage the opportunity to make key moments available to fans to own instantaneously, from the game-winning goal scored by a favorite player, to hit song performed at a concert, to an eye-catching outfit on the Fashion Week runway.

“At a time of transition to Web3, we have a great opportunity. Our ambition is to make NFTs accessible to as many people as possible, based on a common passion, whether it is sports, esports, or the range of content created on the web. It’s about going beyond the monetary aspect, by promoting the usefulness of NFTs in an emotional commitment over time between the brand and its community,” says Fergus Leleu, CEO & co-founder of eShot Labs.

An adaptable and customizable marketing tool 

By offering the first real-time NFT creation solution, eShot Labs has positioned itself as an innovative player in the global NFT market. Its plug & play and mobile-first solution can be easily integrated into any audio, video or API stream and can be available as a white label. This “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) approach will allow users to shape their NFTs as they see fit, leaving them in control of the entire process of creating and marketing them, from choosing the blockchain to making it available on the various Exchange platforms. 

“Our goal with eShot Labs is to bridge the gap between the worlds of video and Web3, two highly technical and complex industries that need integrated, accessible, and easy-to-use solutions. We help players in these two worlds to develop new products without having to master all the underlying complexity,” adds Jean-Baptiste Kempf, CTO & co-founder of eShot Labs.

“NFTs can now be integrated into brands’ marketing strategies to generate discussions with fans and engage communities, opening up new sources of revenue. Fans can, for example, get live video of the moment they are experiencing, and then share it on their social networks,” adds Fabien Arneodo, CMO of eShot Labs.

Already present at sporting events such as the FISE in Le Havre, eShot Labs is on its way to becoming a preferred partner in the entertainment industry. 

Extreme E announces streaming agreement with STARZPLAY Arabia

As it prepares for its very first event in Chile this weekend (24/25 September), pioneering electric off-road racing series Extreme E is pleased to announce its latest broadcast agreement with premium streaming service, STARZPLAY Arabia, ranked consistently among the region’s top 3 subscription video on demand services.

STARZPLAY will stream Extreme E’s live races in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), as well as highlights, magazine, preview and review show in English, on its platform.

STARZPLAY Arabia allows viewers easy access to an extensive library of blockbuster movies as well as a wide-ranging catalogue of premium shows, without the need for a cable or satellite subscription. In addition, the paltform’s incredible line-up can all be conveniently viewed via the app on a phone, tablet or Smart TV and Connected TV devices across multiple platforms, including Android TV, Apple TV, Samsung, and LG.

STARZPLAY is home to premium titles, such as original hit shows like Baghdad Central, Power, Vikings, Walker, The Flash, Your Honor, My Hero Academia, and much-loved classic shows like The Big Bang Theory, The Office, plus the biggest Hollywood blockbusters and the freshest Arabic content. With thousands of hours of premium content including the best western content, Arabic shows, Turkish favourites, anime, and live sports, STARZPLAY is today the number one streaming platform in the MENA region.  The service is available in 19 countries across the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan for fans to enjoy quality content anytime, anywhere, and from any device.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “Extreme E is delighted to be joining STARZPLAY’s wide-ranging programme line up in MENA, a vital and burgeoning region for our sport for purpose championship.

“Extreme E’s mission to ‘race without trace’ whilst simultaneously raising awareness of climate issues means it is vital that our series reaches as many audiences on as many platforms as possible throughout the world.

“Working with STARZPLAY will not only provide viewers with a thrilling and innovative motorsport championship, but also convey the message that we all need to play our part in looking after our planet.”

Andy Warkman, Head of Sport at STARZPLAY, said: “We are excited to welcome Extreme E to our growing portfolio of sports and are looking forward to streaming the Copper X Prix live from Chile this weekend. Not only does Extreme E bring high action racing in extreme environments, like NEOM in Saudi Arabia, it simultaneously raises awareness of climate issues, so it is important for us to be working with Extreme E on their mission to ‘race without trace’”.

Not only does Extreme E feature sharp, exciting, wheel-to-wheel racing, there is a wider purpose to the championship around the environment which is under threat.

Extreme E aims to shine a spotlight on climate issues through its sustainable motorsport, which utilises a variety of methods to reduce its carbon footprint, from racing electric SUVs to zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell charging.

By focussing on the environment through racing Extreme E encourages consumers to make small changes to reduce their own carbon footprint and help tackle the climate emergency.

The series visits remote locations which have all been affected by environmental issues such as desertification, deforestation, melting ice caps, plastic pollution, and rising carbon emissions. It’s latest location is the Atacama Desert in Chile, for the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix on 24/25 September 2022. Find out where you can watch the action here.

Philadelphia 76ers inks multi-year deal with Penn Medicine

The Philadelphia 76ers announced a multi-year partnership with Penn Medicine, the area’s leading healthcare provider. This unique partnership designates Penn Medicine as the official healthcare, orthopaedic, and hospital partner of the team.

“Penn Medicine has established itself as a leading healthcare organization not only in the Greater Philadelphia Area, but in the entire country,” said Tad Brown, CEO of the 76ers and Harris Blitzer Entertainment. “We’re fortunate to partner with such a respected, accomplished team of healthcare professionals and world-class doctors, and look forward to the collective impact we can have in the Philadelphia community. Together, we share a passion for this city and are eager to tip-off this partnership ahead of the 2022-23 season.”


Highlights of the 76ers and Penn Medicine partnership include:

A joint commitment to improving healthcare disparities in our region

Community basketball court renovations

Penn Medicine providing the 76ers players and personnel access to world-class medical care, including team physicians and exclusive orthopedics and urgent care services.

Penn Medicine branding on the team shooting shirts, worn pregame by 76ers players.

The launch of The Penn Medicine Court at The Center, with virtual signage visible by millions of fans watching home games on NBC Sports Philadelphia each season.

As part of this historic partnership, the 76ers and Penn Medicine will also come together on community engagement efforts designed to drive health equity and help reduce disparities. The joint efforts in the community will include:

Building awareness and pathways for breast and colon cancer screenings, with a goal of driving 7,600 local residents to get these lifesaving tests in the first year of the partnership, including programs to provide roundtrip transportation to support those getting screened.
Renovating and unveiling a basketball court in a Philadelphia neighborhood each season to promote physical activity and lend support to neighborhood safety and revitalization efforts
Moderating live-stream conversations with health experts to discuss issues impacting the Philadelphia community.

“Like the 76ers, our number-one commitment is to the people of this city and the communities around it, and this partnership allows us to expand our impact on the people we care so much about, in new ways,” said Kevin B. Mahoney, chief executive officer of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. “Working with the Sixers will greatly strengthen our support for public health and the well-being of our neighborhoods. This is an exciting time for the Sixers as an organization, and we’re thrilled to be on the same team.”

Everton adds Vera Clinic as official hair transplant partner

Everton has added aesthetics specialists Vera Clinic to its ever-increasing portfolio of international partners.

As part of the multi-year link-up, branding for Vera Clinic, who will become Everton’s first Official Hair Transplant Partner, will be visible around Goodison Park on a matchday and across the Club’s digital channels and marketing materials.

Established in Turkey and led by top-tier industry professionals, Vera Clinic specialises in hair transplants and has been recognised by health industry experts for its patient-centric approach and after-care support.

Indeed, since opening in 2013, the clinic has cared for more than 23,000 patients, welcoming people from upwards of 80 countries through its doors.

Kazim Sipahi, Board Member at Vera Clinic, said: “We are proud to be the Official Hair Transplant Partner of a well-established and strong team like Everton. The reason behind our success in the hair transplant sector in Turkey is that as Vera Clinic, we attach great importance to teamwork. Likewise, any success in football has to come from teamwork. We look forward to working alongside Everton to build a successful partnership.”

Globally, it is estimated that the hair transplant industry will be worth more than £25 billion by 2025. And, while a specialist in this field, Vera Clinic also excels in dental aesthetics and plastic surgery.

NFL appoints Claire Parnell as senior director, international communications

The National Football League has appointed Claire Parnell as Senior Director, International Communications.

Parnell will be responsible for communications in key overseas markets, helping to grow audiences, deepen fan engagement and elevate key NFL events, products, programmes and initiatives.

NFL International is invested in a long-term strategic plan to grow the game globally, including the delivery of the International Games, development of initiatives including the NFL Academy and the International Player Pathway, expansion of NFL Flag, plus the innovative International Home Marketing Areas programme allowing further opportunity for clubs to expand their brand and build new fan bases around the world.

Parnell brings more than 20 years’ experience in the sport industry to the League, spending nine years at Nike in European and UK Director roles, and was most recently Director of Marketing and Communications for England Netball. Parnell will be based at the NFL offices in London and will report to Alex Riethmiller, Vice President of Communications at the NFL.

“We’re thrilled to welcome someone with Claire’s deep experience and communications acumen to the NFL,” said Riethmiller. “Claire is an ideal fit not only for our work in London and across our international regular-season games but also to lead a strategy that helps the NFL establish a presence and grow its brand in additional markets around the globe.”

“NFL International is one of the League’s fastest growing business areas and a key strategic priority for the organisation and its 32 clubs,” said Parnell.  “I am delighted to be joining the team at such an exciting time and look forward to helping to continue to drive the growth of the game globally.”

Parnell joins the team effective 12 September.

Harlequins signs Saxo as official trading partner

Harlequins has inked a new partnership with investment platform Saxo who become the Official Trading Partner of Harlequins. 

Saxo, the leading fintech specialist focusing on multi-asset trading and investment, partners with Harlequins as the company reveals a new-look logo to celebrate 30 years of providing services to customers to look after their financial future. 

With Saxo’s new branding and tagline, ‘Saxo, be invested’, now seen across the Twickenham Stoop – the home of Harlequins, the two companies today celebrate the joining of two businesses that have learnt how to evolve and win. 

Much like Saxo within the financial sector, Harlequins has learned over time that risk management, technology and technical analysis are essential ingredients to success.  

Saxo has a history of sport partnerships including with the Tour De France and in Formula One once sponsoring Renault and Lotus, alongside some of the sport’s biggest stars including Romain Grosjean.  

Commenting on this new deal, Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple said: “As a sports club we strive for best-in class performance both on and off the field, with the lifting of the Gallagher Premiership trophy at the end of  each season the ultimate marker of success. 

“Having won the league two times during the club’s history, we are fortunate enough to have a good understanding of what it takes to be the best in class to reach the pinnacle of professional sport. We are delighted to partner with Saxo who are the pinnacle of their industry and understand what it takes to win.” 

Saxo UK CEO Charles-White Thomson added: “We are delighted to announce this partnership which we envisage growing further with time. It is a pleasure to partner with a rugby team with such a rich pedigree and a track record of winning. 

“Though from different fields, Saxo and Harlequins share many similarities, including a strong and competitive spirit, esprit de corps, a shared desire to continually evolve, and a keen focus on delivering an excellent experience for our engaged and loyal clients or supporter base. I look forward to developing this relationship further and evidencing that sport and finance make excellent teammates. ” 

The partnership has been agreed in association with Saxo celebrating 30 years since opening its doors in Copenhagen in 1992.

PGA TOUR partners with Autograph in long-term NFT deal

The PGA TOUR and Autograph, the web3 brand co-founded by Tom Brady, today announce a long-term deal to create a comprehensive “digital collectibles” NFT platform, revolutionizing golf fandom by allowing fans to celebrate their love of the game by owning a token of its storied history. 

The PGA TOUR will work with Autograph to create a digital collectibles platform that pulls from TOUR competition video, data, imagery and other competition-related components. Golf fans will have the opportunity to own and collect NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) featuring the best PGA TOUR golfers in the world as well as some of their favorite moments from the archives and the current FedExCup Season. Additionally, collectors will have a chance to earn rewards with a wide range of utility, including access to exclusive digital, in-person and onsite experiences, along with other program benefits. 

“The PGA TOUR is excited to work with Autograph to offer digital collectibles that highlight the most talented golfers in the world and their role in the sport’s history,” said Len Brown, PGA TOUR Chief Legal Officer, and EVP, Licensing. “The TOUR is continuously looking for innovative ways to engage fans to bring them closer to the game and their favorite players, so we’re thrilled to start building the future of golf fandom with the Autograph team.”

“We are thrilled to expand our roster of iconic partners with the addition of the PGA TOUR as our first professional league,” said Richard Rosenblatt, co-founder and co-chairman of the board at Autograph. “Over the last year, we have defined the future of fandom by leveraging NFT technology to bring fans closer to the icons they love across sports, music and entertainment and each other. We look forward to unlocking new potential and offering our community exclusive access to the PGA TOUR team through this partnership.” 

“I’m very excited to be a part of this next chapter with Autograph and the PGA TOUR,” said Tiger Woods, who sits on Autograph’s Board of Advisors. “Enhancing the golf world with NFTs will create a connection between us as players and the fans.”

The TOUR’s exclusive NFT Digital Collectibles platform with Autograph will launch in early 2023. To learn more and sign up for news and updates, visit autograph.io/pgatour.

Register your interest for inaugural Rabbit Hole Webinar with Tom Fleetham from Zilliqa

Introducing: The Rabbit Hole 🐰

A new series dedicated to exploring the Web3 and metaverse projects at the cutting edge within:

🏀 Sports
🎥 Entertainment
👾 Gaming 

Hosts Joe & Jay will be joined by inaugural guest Tom Fleetham, who leads the sports and gaming business at Zilliqa; one of the leading blockchain protocols.

Tom’s background is over a decade of experience at IBM, where he most recently held the position of Sports and Entertainment Lead. He was responsible for delivering digital transformation and developing partnerships with global brands across sports, gaming, and esports.

Join us down the rabbit hole on 29th Sept at 2pm!

Register here: https://lnkd.in/emPi3Wim

Looking back on our Lausanne Masterclass

The Lausanne Masterclass on the future of sports monetisation yesterday marked iSportConnect’s return to the Olympic Capital, the site of its annual Lausanne Summit at the Olympic Museum, for the first time since the pandemic.

There was a great mix of people in the room at the Maison du Sport Internationale for an event that out the focus firmly on group discussion in a friendly setting that encouraged people to share their thoughts, and they did so enthusiastically.

Archie Woodhead, CSO and co-founder of InCrowd, kicked off the day with a data presentation on the growth trends in sport. Federations, clubs and leagues have bucket loads of data, but the question of what to do with it and how to harness it seems to be on everyone’s lips.

After his insightful presentation the topic moved on to the key issue of the development of D2C and the future of television revenues. Appearing on the panel were Andrew Ryan, Managing Director of FIBA Media; Jan Olsson, Head of Sports Rights at SVT and Jerome Parmentier Head of Broadcasting and Media Rights for the IOC.

They were joined by Abhishek Ranade from Tata Communications and Aviram Sharon, InTheGame, representing two technology companies helping to shape the TV landscape of the future.

The discussion focused on direct-to-consumer as complementary to broadcast television rather than a stand-alone proposition. The experts addressed areas such as the complexities of managing rights around the world and how smaller federations can work with partners to build their own D2C offers.

The panel, presented in a fishbowl format that put the speakers in the middle of the audience, offered some great insights and valuable contributions came from people all over the room sharing their experiences and expertise.

A high point of the day was a freewheeling interview with Dan Rossomondo, Head of International Commercial Strategy & Development at the NBA who was full of frank and entertaining insights into the strategy and operations of one the world’s top leagues.

Our next masterclass is the Brands Masterclass, which will take place at stunning Orbital in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on October 19, to register your interest click here: https://www.isportconnect.com/event/isportconnect-brands-masterclass/

YMU expands into gaming and sports marketing as Digital Sports MGMT join group

YMU today announce the integration of leading sports marketing, gaming, and entertainment agency, Digital Sports MGMT (DSM), into their global YMU Sports division.

This exciting expansion sees YMU gain a majority stake in DSM and marks the group’s first move into the world of gaming and sports marketing. The merger comes at a time of growth for YMU as they further develop their sports offering and continue to establish their reputation as one of the most innovative, progressive, and forward-thinking talent management companies in the world.

Launched in 2016 by founders Rob Wadsworth and Tom Henderson, DSM is at the forefront of the sports marketing, entertainment, and gaming industry. Trusted by leading brand clients such as EA Sports, Sorare, Avery Dennison and Warner Bros, they also represent some of the world’s best gaming talent, including Danny Aarons, ShaunaGames, and AJ3.

Working collaboratively, DSM will leverage YMU’s extensive global footprint, talent management expertise and elite brand clients to break new ground in the ever-growing sports and gaming industry. This will see DSM’s gaming and esports talent benefit from the support of YMU’s unrivalled global management services.

The merger will also allow YMU Sports to expand its service offering to include esports consultancy, sports marketing, sponsorship brokerage, licensing, and live production. Further enhancing the expertise and support that can be provided to current and future clients.

Tom Henderson and Rob Wadsworth, Co-Founders and Directors, DSM, said: “YMU and Digital Sport Mgmt’s partnership strengthens our position at the crossroads where sport, gaming, technology, and entertainment meet and interact. Our collective expertise will enrich the services we provide our talent and brand clients and will allow us both to scale into new markets. YMU is the perfect partner to expedite our business plan globally and in turn extend the YMU Group’s premium services into the future.”

Mary Bekhait, Group CEO, YMU said: “We are thrilled to join forces with Digital Sports MGMT and diversify our Sports division into gaming and esports, marketing activation, and sponsorship. In Rob and Tom, we have found two phenomenal, industry-leading executives and I’ve been incredibly impressed with what they have built with Digital Sports Mgmt. Entering into gaming and esports has been one of YMU’s key strategic objectives and with the acquisition of DSM I am pleased to be able to offer further, exceptional expertise and bespoke knowledge to our current and future global sports clients.”