Cricket Australia Inks Digital Offerings Deal with Accenture
With the Ashes on the horizon, abortion Cricket Australia have announced a partnership with Accenture which will allow fans to be able to view cricket games on their computers, viagra smartphones and tablets.
Under a five-year agreement to deliver live streaming and subscriber management services, Accenture will support Cricket Australia’s new digital services offering by providing enhanced digital experiences directly to cricket fans viaCricket Australia Live: The Official App. Deployed on Telstra’s Cloud Infrastructure, the service is scheduled to go live later this month in advance of the Ashes Test Series.
Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager – Media, Communications & Marketing, Ben Amarfio, said the streaming service in Cricket Australia Live: The Official App will make it easier for cricket fans to follow the action this summer, no matter where they are.
“Given the huge demand for tickets to this summer’s matches, we know cricket lovers are eagerly awaiting the start of the season. While nothing quite compares to being at a match live, users of the Cricket Australia Live: The Official Appand the subscription streaming service will still be able to catch all of the cricket action wherever they may be,” said Amarfio.
Cricket Australia selected Accenture because it offers integrated digital solutions based on its Accenture Video Solution software products and specialized managed services like its Live Events & Sports solution and Accenture Mobility services.
“In today’s digital era, consumer feels more empowered, both in terms of what they expect to consume and how they choose to consume it,” said Russell Smyth, Accenture Australia Communications, Media and Technology Lead. “Designed with fans in mind, this innovative service will allow Cricket Australia subscribers to enjoy high-quality streaming on their computers, smartphones and tablets.”
Philip Freedman Becomes New Horsemen’s Group Chairman
Philip Freedman has been announced as the new chairman of the Horsemen’s Group from January 1.
Freedman, an owner-breeder and former board member of the British Horseracing Board, replaces Paul Dixon on an initial three-year term; he is currently managing director of Cliveden Stud.
“I am delighted to be taking up the post of Horsemen’s Group chairman and I am looking forward to working with the Horsemen’s Group members with a very clear focus on improving prize-money at all levels,” said Freedman.
“The re-introduction of Race Values under the Rules of Racing shows what can be achieved when racing’s stakeholders are prepared to work sensibly together and I have made no secret of the fact that I believe that an approach based on collaboration and constructive dialogue with the rest of the industry will provide the basis for achieving contractual agreements that would guarantee that a fair share of the sport’s revenue is allocated to prize-money.
“Such arrangements would represent a new dawn for the industry, allowing us to move on from the traditional state of acrimony to one in which all of racing’s stakeholders come together with a view to maximising the value of our combined assets.”
Julian Richmond-Watson, the Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s member director on the Horsemen’s Group Board, said: “Although Philip’s appointment has not been as straightforward as we had anticipated, all of the members are delighted that he has agreed to take up this vital role at such a crucial time.
“We have now established a sustainable model for the Horsemen’s Group, which means that the long term future of the organisation is much more secure.
“Philip will work very closely with the chief executives of the member organisations and we will all be focussing our combined efforts on achieving improved returns for all of our members.”
The Horsemen’s Group represents the common interests of British racehorse owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and thoroughbred breeders.
Its constituent bodies are the Racehorse Owners Association, National Trainers Federation, Professional Jockeys Association, National Association of Stable Staff and Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
ISEM 2012 Awards sell out
The 2012 International Sports Event Management Awards Ceremony Gala Dinner has now officially sold out. High level sports event management professionals are set to gather at the Cumberland Marble Arch Hotel in London on 7th November to celebrate one of the biggest nights in the sports event management industry.
The Awards have seen a record number of entries with some of this year’s most impressive sports event management work. This year’s shortlist includes entries from major events including London 2012, Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, Roland-Garros in Beijing, UEFA Euros 2012, Rugby World Cup 2011, Volvo Ocean Race, Americas Cup, Pan American Games amongst many others.
“We are delighted that the ISEM Awards have sold out this year. It highlights the high esteem with which the event is held in the sector and also the level of importance placed on competing to win an ISEM Award from the industry’s leading companies.” Commented the Founder of the ISEM event, Nigel Rushman.
The ISEM Awards are held alongside the International Sports Event Management Conference which addresses all the challenges and achievements in major sports events, presented through case studies, presentations and interactive panel debates. Speakers this year include Sir Craig Reedie, VP, International Olympic Committee, Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General, Qatar 2022, Ross Young, COO, England Rugby 2015, Marcin Herra, CEO, PL.2012, David Grevemberg, CEO, Glasgow 2014 and more.
For the full line-up and further information, please visit www.sportseventmanagement.com
AXS TV to Broadcast Legacy Fighting Championship
AXS TV Fights, cough which specialises in broadcasting mixed martial arts, ampoule have announced a multi-year broadcast TV rights agreement partnership with Legacy Fighting Championship.
The new long-term deal coincides with the Houston-based organization’s rapid growth since it debuted on AXS TV in May 2012. AXS TV Fights will broadcast 12 LIVE Legacy events in 2014, allergist a 100 percent increase from the promotion’s six nationally televised events in 2012.
Additionally, Legacy will venture outside of the state of Texas for the first time with events scheduled in New Mexico, Louisiana, and Tennessee in addition to regular stops in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
“Legacy Fighting Championship has brought us some of the most exciting fights in MMA this year,” said Andrew Simon, CEO of AXS TV Fights. “This new deal represents our commitment to bringing some of the best sports entertainment in the world to AXS TV.”
“Legacy Fighting Championship is excited to sign this new long-term deal with AXS TV and remain part of the network’s Friday Night Fights series, one of the leading live mixed martial arts event programs in history,” said Mick Maynard, president, Legacy Fighting Championship. “We look forward to working with the team at AXS TV to present a regular schedule of Legacy events throughout 2014 to the millions of MMA fans and AXS TV viewers nationwide.”
Manchester United Surpassed by Real Madrid as World’s Most Valuable Club
Manchester United have lost their mantle as the world’s most valuable football club with Real Madrid taking the title on Forbes’ List.
United had been top of the pile since business analyst Forbes first introduced the list in 2004, but now drop down to second. Barcelona lie in third place, while Arsenal and Bayern Munich are fourth and fifth respectively.
Real are valued at £2.15 billion ($3.3bn), making them the most valuable sports franchise in the world, and United at £2.07 billion ($3.165bn).
Forbes said in a statement: “This is the first time since Forbes began valuing soccer teams in 2004 that Manchester United is not No.1 on the list.
“Real Madrid has been consistently delivering the highest revenues of any soccer team in the world, despite an intense economic meltdown in Spain. With superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch, and coach Jose Mourinho on the bench, Real Madrid has thrived under the leadership of billionaire president Florentino Perez.
“According to this year’s soccer valuations, the top 20 teams are worth an average of 968 million dollars (£634 million), an increase of 26% over last year.
“Forbes’ team values are enterprise values (equity plus debt) that are based on multiples of revenue that teams garner from television, premium seating, media, licensing, merchandise and concessions.”
David Beckham remains top of the list for highest-earning players with an income of £33 million, £29 million of which came from endorsements. Ronaldo is one place below the former England captain with earnings of £28.8 million, while Lionel Messi sits in third place with a total of £26 million from his salary and endorsements.
Forbes Most Valuable Soccer Teams list:
|
Team |
Current Value (US$) |
|
Real Madrid |
3.3 billion |
|
Manchester United |
3.165bn |
|
Barcelona |
2.6bn |
|
Arsenal |
1.326bn |
|
Bayern Munich |
1.309bn |
|
AC Milan |
945 million |
|
Chelsea |
901mn |
|
Juventus |
694mn |
|
Manchester City |
689mn |
|
Liverpool |
651mn |
|
Tottenham Hotspur |
520mn |
|
Schalke 04 |
498mn |
|
Borussia Dortmund |
456mn |
|
Inter Milan |
401mn |
|
Olympique Lyonnais |
368mn |
|
Cornthians |
358mn |
|
Napoli |
330mn |
|
Hamburg SV |
300mn |
|
Olympique Marseille |
285mn |
|
Newcastle |
263mn |
{jcomments on}
Russ Brandon Promoted to President of Buffalo Bills, New Lease Deal Agreed
Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson announced that he had elevated Russ Brandon to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. The promotion provides Brandon with full authority over the entire organization’s operations.
“Russ Brandon has done a tremendous job in his 16 years with our organization and is very highly respected throughout the National Football League,” said Wilson in a team statement. “He has proven to be extremely successful with each new level of responsibility he has been given and has earned this opportunity. Russ is a proven leader and he will now have full authority over the entire Buffalo Bills operation. I have granted him full autonomy to run the organization as he feels is best.”
Brandon was moved by the opportunity to lead the Bills franchise.
“I want to thank Mr. Wilson for this incredible opportunity,” Brandon said. “I’m humbled and honored in his confidence in me to lead this organization into a new era and to provide a clear direction and winning pathway into the future.
“I met with Mr. Wilson yesterday. We had a wonderful visit. It was a rather emotional visit. He told me he was passing the torch to me to run this franchise in totality. He has granted me full authority to run this franchise with zero restrictions and zero limitations.”
With Wilson traveling a lot less in recent years back and forth between his Detroit offices and One Bills Drive the Bills Hall of Fame owner deemed it best to cede the responsibility of day-to-day operations to Brandon.
“I think when he looked at it from a day-to-day operation it’s difficult to manage from afar,” said Brandon. “He was very clear to me yesterday that it is now (my) responsibility moving forward.”
The Bills new team President did emphasize that GM Buddy Nix will remain in his current role and continue to run the football side of the operation.
“I will be real clear about one thing. I will not be drafting people,” said Brandon. “I will not be making the final decision on a free agent. I will empower the general manager Buddy Nix to do that. Do I have final authority and say? Yes, but that’s what Buddy Nix, the general manager does. He identifies personnel and runs that side of the operation.”
Assistant GM Doug Whaley remains in his role as well largely overseeing the college scouting operation while also assisting on the Pro Personnel side.
Brandon is only the third team President in the organization’s history joining Wilson and Tom Donahoe, who ran the organization from 2001-2005.
The team’s new organizational leader laid out three specific promises to Bills fans.
“Number one I can promise you this will be a forward thinking, progressive, attacking organization heading into the future,” Brandon said. “I also will promise that anyone that knows me that I will leave no stone unturned in taking this organization to a world class level.
“Most importantly I will empower people to do their jobs. It is well documented the success this organization has had off the field for the last 15 years. I get a lot of credit for that. Where the credit should go are to the people that run this operation on that side of the house. I will empower those people to do their job and I will empower the football people to do their job.”
Also the Bills have announced a new lease to keep the organisation in Western New York for at least the next seven years.
The Agreement signed by the Governor, the Buffalo Bills, and Erie County includes a commitment from the Bills to stay in Buffalo for at least the next seven years, and $130 million in upgrades to Ralph Wilson Stadium. The agreement also includes the creation of a New Stadium Working Group and Fund to explore the potential for constructing a future new professional sports stadium in Western New York.
“The Buffalo Bills are a central part of the cultural, economic, and of the entire Western part of New York State, and the state has never wavered in our commitment to keeping the Bills a thriving part of the Buffalo community,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “With a fan-base as diverse, passionate, and energetic as any professional sports team in the nation, the Buffalo Bills account for hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact as well as hundreds of jobs in Western New York, and today is a major victory for our entire state. This agreement ensures the Bills stay where they belong right here in New York, while also protecting tax payer dollars and putting in place a longer-term vision for the team’s continued presence in Buffalo. I commend the Bills leadership, our NFL partners, the ownership of the Stadium, and the County officials for their hard work in reaching this major agreement.”
Dick’s Tea Bar Becomes ISEM 2012 Partner
Dick’s Tea Bar, whose venues in Val d’ Isere and Meribel are at the epicentre of the stylish après ski scene in the Alps, has become a partner of the 2012 International Sports Event Management Conference at the Cumberland Hotel, London on November 7 and 8.
With the clock ticking down to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, Dick’s Tea Bar’s owners are exploring the potential of brand development in the winter sports sector.
Dick’s Tea Bar is among the best known venues and hospitality brands in the Alps. It was established by the Dick Yate-Smith in 1979 and by the mid-1980s had become the premier winter jet-set hang out in Val d’Isere.
In the late 90s it was sold to the first of a string of tour operators before being acquired by British entrepreneurs Seb Hall and Alex Fateh in 2010. They ushered in a new era for the venue by completing on a major programme of renovation to create a Dick’s Tea Bar in Val d’isere which meets the needs of today’s clientele without losing the ambience on which it built its worldwide reputation. In Meribel the group has complemented Dick’s Tea Bar by opening The Den Bar and Kitchen in the building above.
Further information on the Conference can be found on www.sportseventmanagement.com
Arqiva to Distribute Premier League Globally in HD
Arqiva, doctor a communications infrastructure and media services company, online has secured a deal with IMG Media to distribute the Barclays Premier League globally in High Definition.
As part of the deal the UK-based company will provide the encoding, ampoule encryption and satellite capacity to support the global delivery of the world’s most watched football league.
Arqiva will be the sole distributor of approximately 190 live fixtures globally per season.
Barrie Woolston, managing director of Satellite at Arqiva, said: “Working with IMG and the Premier League since 2007, we have provided valuable and trustworthy continuity, while persistently delivering new levels of technical innovation. Arqiva is proud to work with IMG to support the global distribution of the Barclays Premier League.”
Ollie Scott from IMG Media, commented: “Arqiva’s robust solution and service delivery via satellite enables the global licences to access all content. Arqiva’s technical innovation and robust service delivery means the service is of the highest standard and offers value.”
Larry Probst Gets Second Term as USOC Chairman
Larry Probst has been re-elected as U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) chairman for a further four years.
Probst, also the chairman at Electronic Arts, took over for Peter Ueberroth in 2008 during a period of turmoil for the USOC.
During Probst’s first four years, the USOC has solved a long-simmering feud with the International Olympic Committee over their revenue-sharing agreement and the USOC management has returned to stability under the leadership of CEO Scott Blackmun.
Blackmun said he welcomed another four years with Probst, whom he called “the ideal partner for me.”
“He really holds us accountable but in a supportive way,” Blackmun said. “He’s laser-focused on strategy and policy and that gives us the freedom to manage the day-to-day. But he also does that in a way that keeps us motivated.”
Last year, the IOC appointed Probst to its international relations commission — one of several steps the USOC sees as improving its reputation overseas.