Google becomes FIBA’s first-ever Global Partner of Women’s Basketball World Cup

 Efforts to increase visibility and expand the popularity of women’s basketball received a massive boost today as Google becomes FIBA’s first-ever Global Partner of Women’s Basketball and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

The partnership will start with this year’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney, Australia on September 22, where Google will be the Exclusive Presenter of the All-Star 5, recognizing the best players of the tournament.

Additionally, Google and FIBA will collaborate with ESPN to distribute the entire Women’s World Cup. Six games will air exclusively in the United States on ESPN2 and ESPNU – the most Women’s World Cup games to ever air on live television in the U.S. The remaining games will be available on ESPN+. Fans can also watch an additional six games live on FIBA’s YouTube channel and the remaining games on FIBA’s Courtside 1891 subscription streaming platform.

“FIBA is determined to further build women’s basketball and take it to the next level, and we are delighted to welcome on board Google as a Global Partner for the women’s game. We are excited to work with such a prestigious brand with whom we share the same strategic goals in regard to women’s development,” said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis.

“This partnership promises great things for women’s basketball and the interest in the game globally. Google and its worldwide reach opens countless possibilities to push women’s basketball in the future and we look forward to working with them to enhance the game and attract new fans.”

“At Google, we’re committed to championing equal representation in sports,” said Kate Johnson, Director of Global Sports, Media and Entertainment Marketing, Google. “As FIBA’s first-ever Global women’s partner, we’re proud to help bring even more women’s basketball content to US airwaves and introduce fans to the global game. Through this partnership with FIBA and our collaboration with ESPN, we want to continue to extend visibility and exposure to women’s basketball globally and provide women athletes the recognition they deserve and have worked so hard for.”

Google’s work with FIBA is an extension of the brand’s efforts to increase visibility and coverage of women’s sports. As a WNBA Changemaker for the past two seasons, Google joined forces with the league and ESPN to deliver more nationally televised regular season WNBA games and added a dedicated segment for women’s sports on SportsCenter.

Pakistan Cricket Board to donate gate proceeds from first T20 against England to flood victims

The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced ​that gate earnings from the first T20I against England will be donated to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022. The match will be played on 20 September at the National Stadium in Karachi and will begin at 7.30pm (local time).

The PCB has urged cricket fans and followers to purchase tickets in big numbers ​once they are made available online for sale next week to show unity with all those affected by the calamity, ​help with rehabilitation of the affected population and support the local and federal governments in their relief and rescue operations.

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “We at the PCB express our grief and sorrow for all those affected by the extreme monsoon rainfall and floods, which has ​resulted in havoc and devastation beyond imagination, killing over 1,000 and leaving around a million homeless. As cricket unites our proud nation, we stand firmly with the victims and all those involved in​ the flood relief and rescue operations.

“As a responsible and caring organisation, the PCB has always stood with its fans and public in tough, challenging and testing times. In this regard, we have decided to donate gate proceeds from the first T20I against England ​next month to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund.

“I encourage all spectators to participate in this initiative by purchasing tickets for the first T20I and turning up in big numbers so that we as a cricket family can donate ​a substantial amount to the fund and show solidarity with those affected by the catastrophe.

“We have already sent trucks full of food, medicines and other commodities to the affected areas and will continue to support our ​nation and rescue operational teams in any way we can. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Pakistan.”

England will play seven T20Is on their first tour of Pakistan in 17 years. Karachi will stage matches on 20, 22, 23 and 25 September, while Lahore will be the venue for the remaining three matches on 28 and 30 September, and 2 October. England will return in late November for three Tests, which will be played in Rawalpindi (1-5 December), Multan (9-13 December) and Karachi (17-21 December).

MotoGP eSport Championship returns for third successive season

The talent promotion series for the MotoGP™ eSport Championship is back for a third successive season.

On the back of six highly successful years, the MotoGP™ eSport Championship continues to innovate in a variety of ways in 2022. After debuting in 2020, the Rising Stars Series, an eSport talent promotion initiative, returns for a third year and gets underway in September – played, as ever, on the official MotoGP™22 from videogame developer, publisher and longstanding partner Milestone.

Aimed at finding and fostering fresh eSport talent around the world, the Rising Stars Series mirrors Road to MotoGP™ initiatives out on track such as the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup, the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and more, as it seeks to promote young talent towards the pinnacle of the sport. 

Two seasons in, and the results already speak for themselves. Of the eleven riders competing in this year’s MotoGP™ eSport Global Series, one – PieroRicciuti55 – first came to the world’s attention in the inaugural Rising Stars Series, and have climbed to MotoGP™ eSport’s blue riband event in a short period! As well as that, two other Rising Stars Series alumni – Vindex813, and U-Mastru21 – are competing in this year’s Global Series. 

There have been changes to streamline the series in 2022. The programme consists of three Online Challenges, where results will be separated by three World Regions (the Americas, Europe and Africa, Asia and Oceania). This year, there will be just one final to determine the winner, with the top four gamers from each region qualifying.

The series kicks off in September and the winner gets a guaranteed place in the 2023 MotoGP™ eSport Championship Pro Draft. 2022 MotoGP™ eSport Official Riders will not be able to compete in the Rising Stars Series.

The Rising Stars Series comprises two phases: the Online Regional Challenges and the Online Final. Gamers will be divided into three categories, depending on their location: Americas (North and South), Europe and Africa, and finally, Asia and Oceania.

The Online Regional Challenges (Qualifiers) are disputed in time attack mode and run throughout September, with the gamers who achieve the fastest lap times awarded points. Only the fastest laps count and each Challenge is played on three different tracks with three different machines and riders.

The four gamers from each region who have the most points from each region after the final Challenge will qualify for the final outright, set to be held on 19th October. They are online only, disputed on the PC and each will be held on different virtual circuits, with the winners of each Online Regional Final awarded a place in the 2023 MotoGPؑ™ eSport Pro Draft.

Disney Star will be the home of ICC cricket in India for another four years

The International Cricket Council today confirmed Disney Star will be the home of all ICC cricket in India for the next four years having won the TV and digital rights to both men’s and women’s global events through to the end of 2027.

Disney Star won following a single round sealed bid process which has yielded a significant uplift to the rights fee from the previous cycle continuing the impressive growth and reach of cricket.

The decision followed a robust tender, bidding and evaluation process, which started in June 2022.

ICC Chair Greg Barclay said: “We are delighted to continue to partner with Disney Star as the home of ICC cricket for the next four years which has delivered an outstanding result for our Members and will support our ambitious growth plans. They will play a crucial role in the future of our sport and connecting and engaging with more fans than ever before.

K Madhavan, Country Manager & President, Disney Star said: “We are delighted at being able to continue our association with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and look forward to strengthening our partnership by growing the sport of cricket in the years ahead.

“With the acquisition of the ICC Digital and TV broadcast rights, Disney Star has further strengthened its status as the premier destination for marquee cricket events in the country.”

Barclay added: “Having a broadcast and digital partner for women’s events in India is a significant step forward in our ambition to accelerate the growth of the women’s game. Disney Star presented impressive plans for the promotion of women’s cricket and they clearly share our vision so I’m incredibly excited by the size of the opportunity ahead.

“This was an incredibly competitive process, which isn’t surprising given the huge audiences that cricket consistently attracts with more than a billion fans that passionately follow the game globally. I’d like to thank all of the bidders for their interest in and support of cricket.”

AC Milan partner with Oro Rosso Milano

AC Milan is delighted to announce a new partnership with Oro Rosso Milano, Italian saffron producer that is getting ready to launch its brand in the domestic and international market soon.

Oro Rosso Milano stands out in the international market for the quality of its product, with bulbs grown in Italy and then processed in Uzbekistan, which is known for its history of spice production. Local Uzbek artisans are renowned for their ability to transform the raw ingredients into the finished product, ensuring the process results in very high quality so that the saffron may be used in both the catering and pharmaceutical industries, thanks to the plant’s many medicinal benefits.

AC Milan and Oro Rosso Milano have thus embarked on a journey based on a mutual hunger for excellence and passion, which distinguish the two brands in their respective sectors.

Mauro Tavola, Partnership Director of AC Milan, said: “We are extremely proud to welcome Oro Rosso Milano to the Rossoneri family. Saffron, like very few other products, reflects the excellence of Italian produce, which is so beloved around the world. And it is this excellence that forms the foundations of this partnership, as it is a fundamental value of the two brands, which drives everything that this Club does on and off the pitch.”

Roberto Tucci, President of Oro Rosso Milano, added: “This partnership with AC Milan will allow us to effectively position our new brand on the domestic and international market. It unites the world of sport with food, two sectors that are profoundly rooted in the Made in Italy movement and the aspiration for excellence. Oro Rosso Milano has tried, since its birth, to bring these values to tables in Italian homes.”

World Table Tennis announce new board member

World Table Tennis Pte. Ltd. (WTT) has announced the appointment of Liu Guoliang as a new Board member.
 
An extremely well-respected leader within the table tennis community and the current WTT Council Chair, Mr Liu Guoliang takes the position of WTT Board Member for better participating in the ITTF Group tasks. He will use his unparalleled experience to further boost WTT in its mission to transform table tennis and grow the sport worldwide.
 
He commented, “As Chair of the WTT Council, I worked to ensure the entire table tennis family work in unison to make WTT a global success. Now, being a member of the Board too, it will be my honour to continue helping WTT strive for the benefit of our sport. It has long been my dream to make table tennis as big globally as it is in my country. I believe in the potential of our sport, and in WTT being the right vehicle to reach that goal.”
 
This decision follows his election as ITTF Executive Vice President during the ITTF Annual General Meeting held in Houston, USA, on 24 November 2021. As Mr Liu Guoliang was entrusted with the “Commercial (WTT)” portfolio during the Executive Committee meeting held on 29 January 2022, WTT decided to appoint him to the Board.
 
ITTF President Petra Sörling, who will be regularly invited to the WTT Board meetings, stated: “Mr Liu Guoliang is a legend of our sport who has demonstrated great leadership as President of one of our most successful Member Associations. He has the ITTF Executive Committee’s full trust as we know he will be instrumental for World Table Tennis.”
 
Mr Liu Guoliang replaces Mr Matt Pound, Managing Director of WTT, who will be able to focus on day-to-day business operations and activities. The other board members of WTT – Mr Khalil Al Mohannadi, ITTF Executive Vice President, and Mr Steve Dainton, WTT Director and ITTF Group CEO – remain in their position.
 
“I am delighted to welcome Liu Guoliang to the Board. I am convinced that, following our initial successes, he is the right person to help us reach the next level in our mission to make table tennis one of the leading sports in the world,” said Mr Al Mohannadi.
 
“We are at a crucial moment as the sports industry is evolving after the pandemic hit us all,” added Dainton. “Having one of the most influential figures in table tennis that has been an athlete and a coach at the absolute highest level joining our Board now shows that WTT is ready to lead the whole table tennis community to new heights.”
 
A legend of the sport, Liu Guoliang has won all the major titles both as a player and head coach of the Chinese men’s team. In 2018, he was elected President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association. In 2021, he was elected as an ITTF Executive Vice President.

INEOS Hygienics partner with Lewis Hamilton

The UK’s fastest-growing hygiene solutions provider, INEOS Hygienics has collaborated with Formula One legend, Lewis Hamilton, to lead a national campaign called #Limitless.

Known for his endless drive, the aptly dubbed #Limitless campaign shows the Seven-Time World Champion amongst an infinite series of reflections – positioned to dramatise what life could look like with limitless potential, through staying fit and healthy. 

Believing no one should ever miss a day of what keeps people at their best, the INEOS Hygienics campaign with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team driver unveils a new range of hand washes to keep hands clean and protected – designed to ensure Britons are stronger and more resilient than ever before.

The record-breaking athlete is pictured wearing a striking red outfit whilst holding a bottle of INEOS Hygienics hand wash, created to ensure smart hygiene and high-performance.

Hamilton, who has teamed up with the British hygiene solutions powerhouse to launch their #Limitless campaign said “I believe as humans, we really are capable of anything, and I find putting good habits in place and creating routine helps me perform and be at my best”. 

“The pandemic taught us all the importance of good hygiene. We were all washing our hands thoroughly and constantly sanitising surfaces.

“Being slowed down by sickness or fatigue isn’t an option for me – so hygiene has always been something that I have been very focused on. Even more so now. 

“We all want to be able to live without limits – so we need to make sure we are looking after ourselves by washing and sanitising our hands, and INEOS Hygienics gives me and my team the tools we need to live life to the full; both on and off the track.”

As a trusted name in high-performance hygiene, INEOS Hygienics is Principal Partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, and backs Seven-Time World Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton, teammate George Russell and their entire team with a smart hygiene routine – giving them the tools to live life to the full: both on and off the track. 

Commenting on the partnership, Fran Millar, CEO of INEOS Hygienics said: “Have you ever imagined what life could be like if you were completely limitless? 

“To never be held back by sickness, injury, fatigue, anxiety or stress. To get out of bed every morning knowing that each and every day you will perform at your very best? 

“There is a palpable excitement this summer as the world is opening up quickly. Life is back on track, and INEOS Hygienics are on a mission to keep it that way. 

“As a trusted name in high-performance hygiene, we believe that no one should ever miss a day of what keeps us at our best – and want to give people the tools to live life to the full. 

“Lewis is the perfect embodiment of what it means to be ‘Limitless’. He constantly goes beyond the ordinary and practices a smart hygiene routine to never miss a day of what keeps him at his best.”

By bringing together the benefits of performance and science, INEOS Hygienics backs everyone to go beyond the ordinary and live a limitless life – without missing a day of what keeps them at their best. 

Meet the Member: “It is going to inspire, it is going to entertain, and it is going to be the hottest ticket in town.”

Jane Fernandez is the COO (Australia) of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. She spoke to iSportConnect’s Content Manager Alex Brinton from Sydney, just after the conclusion of the Women’s European Championships here in England.

When was the idea of hosting the tournament first come about and how did that process play out?

A number of years ago Football Australia always had hosting these major football events as part of their strategy. The Women’s World Cup was one of those.

And when I was working on the AFC Asian Cup, with my colleague, Mark Falvo, who’s the COO of Football Australia, we entertained the idea of bidding for the 2019 tournament. 

We just weren’t ready. It wasn’t the right time. And they say timing is everything. And thankfully, we went forward and bid for 2023, and here we are today.

Both Australia and New Zealand are sports-mad countries. But football isn’t traditionally one of the biggest. How big is the fan base going to be for this tournament?

In Australia, football is the largest participation-based sport. There are over 2 million participants in our game here. And as you say, Australians and Kiwis are sports mad, we love going to major sporting events. We have a strong supporter base of those that are very proud of their countries, and really love watching international sport. 

The other thing that we have here is that we’re both very multicultural. Over 300 languages are spoken, over 200 nationalities represented. And we saw during the Asian Cup that matches like Iraq v Iran can sell out stadiums.

It was just so, so exciting. It’s a true reflection of the multicultural nature of Australia and New Zealand as well. The supporter base will be huge, every person will have a second team and maybe even a third team. We’re confident of seeing all of the fans in the stands, singing in full voice and supporting every team, all 32 teams that are going to participate in this competition.

There are big challenges around two nations hosting a tournament – as opposed to one – how have you dealt with that?

The first challenge was the COVID pandemic. We actually won the bid during the pandemic Then we recruited our staff during the pandemic as well. So a number of staff, a large number of my heads of department, actually didn’t meet in the flesh until a year into the job. 

It is going to be a tournament of firsts. The first time a FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held in the Asia Pacific region, the first time in the southern hemisphere and the first time it will have 32 teams, the best footballers in the world coming from 32 countries. 

That brings with it the opportunity to increase participation, to really excite more girls and boys to lead active healthy lives, to put on their football boots, have a kick, and to really enjoy the game that we all love.

What exciting things can the fans expect when they attend games?

This FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the biggest event we’ve hosted in Australia since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. This is going to be an absolute moment in time and people will have memories for a lifetime. 

You know, I can see people saying ‘Where were you on the 20th of August 2023? When that winning goal was scored at Stadium Australia in the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.’

We will see the best footballers in the world taking centre stage, but it will also be a connection between sport, art, music and culture. We’re going to bring our cities to life through the FIFA fan festivals. So, fans can really taste football outside of the stadiums as well. This will be a huge community celebration and using football as the platform, as the tool to bring people together.

After the Euros, everyone is calling it a turning point, not just for women’s football, but for women’s sport. Have you got the same impression on the other side of the world?

We’ve been watching here and soaking it up, taking it all in, what an unbelievable tournament. I think women’s sport in Australia and New Zealand has really seen this growth, this momentum for a number of years now. I was lucky enough to be at the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup final at the MCG. I remember sitting in the stands and really feeling then that this is an absolute turning point in women’s sport and in women’s major sporting events. 

We’ve seen that growth across all sports, and specifically in football. We know that the Matildas are now such a household name, such a strong brand, attractingthousands of fans to games. 

It does take time. But absolutely the momentum is 100 per cent behind it.

Is it the perfect time to be hosting a Women’s World Cup?

I believe this is absolutely the perfect time. As I said, you can see this growth is on an upwards trajectory. We’ve just seen 50,000 people attend the Morocco v South Africa match at the Africa Cup of Nations. This is the moment I think, and I really do believe that in the winter months next year, we’re going to see that this tournament will capture hearts and minds. It is going to take people to this next level of understanding and appreciation. It’s going to inspire, it’s going to entertain, and it’s going to be the hottest ticket in town.

A lot of brands have thrown their support behind women’s football at the moment. How much of a boost is that?

Investing in the game is absolutely critical for its success. It’s critical for its commercial sustainability. We know greater investment leads to a better product and a better outcome. For the first time FIFA has actually implemented a standalone commercial pillar for the women’s game. It’s fantastic that we’ve now got Visa onboard, we’ve got Xero onboard. And there’s more to come.

https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1552202133730013185

If lots of money does find its way into the women’s games, and it’s starting to, is that only a good thing?

I believe so. I believe it’s a great thing that smart investors got on board from the very beginning when this growth started. And you know, there are a lot more investors out there now who know that this is a great product. This is something that we want to be part of now. But they shouldn’t wait. They should get onside now, and really ride that momentum with us.

Both countries are in the fortunate position of having a large amount of sporting infrastructure in place already and you’ll be utilising some of each country’s biggest stadiums. How much of a statement is it that you’re going to use in places like Stadium Australia and the Cake Tin in Wellington?

They’re the most prestigious, the biggest venues. And they’re the venues that have held Olympic Games and amazing tournaments for other sports as well. I believe it is an absolute sign of the importance and the level at which we will be delivering the FIFA Women’s World Cup at.

I can’t wait to be there in the stands at the final at Stadium Australia with a full house. But I think it is a really important message that the competition will kick off here in Sydney on July 20 at our brand-new Sydney Football Stadium. It places the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the top of major sporting events, which is exactly where it should be.

The women’s T20 World Cup was hosted in Australia just before the pandemic it was a huge success for the crowd over 80,000 attending the final. So, there’s obviously great interest in women’s sport in the country. What does success look like for you from this tournament?

Our aim is always to continue doing better to take this tournament Beyond Greatness. We know in France, there were 1.1 million attendees, we want to take that to 1.5 million, we know the broadcast was over a billion, we want to continue to grow that let’s get to 1.2 billion. 

I think ensuring that there is continual growth, continual investment in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, to make sure that we can take it to the next level. I think that’s what this is all about. It’s also about ensuring that the legacy outcomes are achieved through hosting the tournament. You know, the data, the numbers that are critical around viewership, and attendees, but also, the social and economic benefits are really critical as well.

What can the legacy of this tournament be both in the host countries and around the world?

Well, globally, FIFA are investing over $1 billion dollars into the investing in women’s football and the growth of women’s football. We have a target of 60 million women and girls playing football by 2026. So from a participation base, we want to absolutely continue to grow that right across the globe. We also want to make sure that we’re investing in the development of female leaders in football. 

Football Australia and New Zealand Football are bringing their legacy plans to life. They are really focused on participation growth, with the target of getting to 50:50 by 2027. 

The investment in facilities is another really important legacy outcome, and will have a real impact from hosting the tournament. 

There’s the leadership pillar ensuring domestically, female leaders are developed to continue to be working in and leading the game. We want football to be the sport of choice for women and girls both on and off the pitch. So developing female leaders, coaches, referees, administrators is really, really critical. 

Obviously, there’s a high-performance pillar. We want to keep investing in the development of the game. And then there is no better way to remind the world that Australia and New Zealand are open for business. So ensuring that from a tourism perspective and an International Relations perspective, we are front and centre and that is the power of football. That is the power of the global game. 

It opens doors internationally. It’s a sport that the world plays and the opportunities are just endless.

Audi announce entrance to Formula 1

Audi enters the premier class of motorsport. From 2026, the premium brand will compete in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with a specially developed power unit. The project will be based at Audi Sport’s facility in Neuburg near Ingolstadt. This is the first time in more than a decade that a Formula 1 power train will be built in Germany.

Audi announced its entry at a press conference at the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. At the event, Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, and Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, answered questions in the company of Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed ben Sulayem, President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA). 

“Motorsport is an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” says Markus Duesmann. “Formula 1 is both a global stage for our brand and a highly challenging development laboratory. The combination of high performance and competition is always a driver of innovation and technology transfer in our industry. With the new rules, now is the right time for us to get involved. After all, Formula 1 and Audi both pursue clear sustainability goals.”

The key to getting involved is the world’s most popular racing series is the clear plan to become more sustainable and cost-efficient. The new technical rules, which will apply from 2026, focus on greater electrification and advanced sustainable fuel. In addition to the existing cap on costs for teams, a cost cap for power unit manufacturers will be introduced in 2023. In addition, Formula 1 has set itself the ambitious goal of being a carbon-neutral racing series by 2030. 

Actively Shaping Formula 1’s Transformation 

Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development, says: “In view of the major technological leaps that the series is making towards sustainability in 2026, we can speak of a new Formula 1. Formula 1 is transforming, and Audi wants to actively support this journey. A close link between our Formula 1 project and AUDI AG’s Technical Development department will enable synergies.”

From 2026, the electric power output for the power units, consisting of an electric motor, battery, control electronics, and a combustion engine, will increase sharply compared to today’s Formula 1 drive systems. The electric motor will then be nearly as powerful as the combustion engine, which has an output of about 400 kW (544 hp). The highly efficient 1.6-liter turbo engines run on advanced sustainable fuel – also a prerequisite for Audi’s entry into the series.

High Popularity in Key Markets and with Young Target Groups

Globally recognized, highly emotional, and technologically advanced – that’s how Formula 1 has met Audi’s exact requirements. The series holds races in all relevant markets of the brand. As a spectacular platform for the most demanding electrified racing cars in the world, it is of particular interest to car manufacturers. Audi is taking on the challenge of proving its “Vorsprung durch Technik” in this competitive environment.

The great interest in Formula 1 is global and the racing series is one of the sporting events with the highest reach in the world. In 2021, more than 1.5 billion TV viewers watched the races. Formula 1 is popular in key markets such as China and the USA, and the trend continues to rise – even among young target groups. On social media, Formula 1 is now experiencing the highest growth rates among the world’s most popular sports.

Neuburg Site to Develop the Power Unit 

The power unit will be built at Audi Sport’s state-of-the-art Competence Center Motorsport in Neuburg an der Donau, not far from AUDI AG’s company headquarters in Ingolstadt. “For the development and manufacture of the Formula 1 power train, we will build on the valuable expertise of our motorsport employees, continue to invest in our motorsports center, and also recruit highly specialized professionals,” says Audi Sport Managing Director Julius Seebach, who organized the entry into Formula 1 as part of Audi’s realignment of motorsport.

In Neuburg there are already test benches for F1 engine testing as well as for electric motor and battery testing. Additional necessary preparations are currently being made in terms of personnel, buildings, and technical infrastructure, with everything essential to be in place by the end of the year. A separate company was recently founded for the power unit project as a wholly owned subsidiary of Audi Sport. Adam Baker will take over the management of the company and thus the Formula 1 project as CEO. The trained engineer has held various senior positions for manufacturers and teams in motorsport. Before joining Audi in 2021, he worked for the FIA for three years.

Audi will announce a decision on which team they will be lining up with in 2026 by the end of this year.

Formula 1 Decision Governs Motorsport Focus

Audi Sport is pooling its strengths for the Formula 1 project and as a consequence is discontinuing its LMDh project. The motorsport division had recently suspended the development of the sports car for endurance racing. Alongside customer racing, Audi Sport will continue its innovation project with the RS-Q e-tron in the Dakar Rally. Next year, Audi’s aim is overall victory in the desert.

Whether the World Rally Championship, World Sportscar Championship, US motorsport, DTM, Le Mans, or Formula E – Audi Sport has set standards in many categories with numerous titles. “Formula 1 is the next major milestone in Audi’s motorsport history,” says Julius Seebach. 

Rolf Michl to succeed Julius Seebach

Audi’s entry into Formula 1 marks the conclusion of its motorsport restructure, but also the close of a formative period at Audi Sport GmbH. Managing Director Julius Seebach will join AUDI AG on September 1, 2022, and will take on a new strategic business area in Technical Development, reporting directly to the Executive Board.

Hoffmann, who, in his role as an Executive Board member also serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Audi Sport GmbH, would like to thank Seebach for his performance: “Julius stands for strategic foresight, consistent action, and sustainable results in challenging times.” Under his leadership, Audi Sport GmbH has repeatedly achieved record sales and earnings figures. Sales doubled with the RS model offensive and the all-electric RS e-tron GT was successfully brought to market.

In 2020, Seebach also assumed responsibility for motorsport at Audi and resolutely made it ready for the future. Under his leadership, the most complex racing car in Audi history was developed in record time: the RS Q e-tron for the Dakar Rally. Following its successful debut with four stage wins at the Dakar Rally in January, the Audi RS Q e-tron achieved its first overall victory in Abu Dhabi in March – the first triumph of a car with an electric powertrain in a desert rally. Entering Formula 1 is the successful conclusion of his work.

Starting September 1, Seebach will be succeeded by Rolf Michl, who has been Chief Operating Officer Racing at Audi Sport since February. Together with Dr. Sebastian Grams, he will form the Management Board of Audi Sport GmbH. Michl has a degree in business administration and is a long-standing member of the Audi Sport family. After holding various positions in marketing at AUDI AG and Audi Sport, he took over as Head of Product Marketing RS Models in 2016. After moving to Abt Sportsline as Director Vehicle Customization, he returned to Audi Sport GmbH as Head of Sales/Marketing in 2019. Michl has played a key role in shaping the company’s portfolio and sales successes over time. Hoffmann notes that “Rolf is an authentic leader and brings with him the experience he will need from motorsport and series production.” In addition to his positions in marketing, Michl was responsible for devising and implementing the Audi Sport TT Cup in 2014. 

ITF Annual Report finds more children picking up a racket for the first time

More young people are picking up a tennis racket for the first time, according to the latest annual reporting data released today by the world governing body of tennis, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), as the sport rebounds from the global pandemic. 

The ITF’s Junior Tennis Initiative – which introduces tennis to 14-year-olds and under – saw 213,212 children participating last year, up by 23.1% from 173,194 during the previous 12 months. Just over half of participants (51%) were girls across a record 142 countries where the initiative was delivered. 

A total of 6,090 school teachers and tennis coaches delivered sessions as part of the Junior Tennis Initiative in 2021, up 15.5% on 5,273 in 2020, while 3,570 primary schools and tennis clubs created playing opportunities for the youngsters, up 7.8% from 3,312 the previous year. 

The ITF initiative is the launch pad for many aspiring competitive players. It is highly encouraging, therefore, for the sport for competition entries amongst participating children to increase by 47.1% last year to 193,231, up from 131,375 entries in 2020. 

By comparison, at the highest level of global tennis, the Davis Cup enjoyed its highest participation in 20 years with 137 nations competing in the latest edition of the men’s World Cup of Tennis (four more than in 2019). The Billie Jean King Cup, the women’s World Cup of Tennis, attracted its highest participation ever, with 107 nations competing (14 more than previously). 

Global development of the game 

In research conducted by the ITF, their Global Tennis Report identified that Africa accounts for 2.2% of professional ranked players but by contrast has 6.4% of junior ranked players. Central America and Caribbean is responsible for 1.4% of professionals but 5.2% of junior ranked players. Asia is responsible for 14.9% of professional ranked players and 18.2% of junior ranked players; in South America it is 7.6% and 9% respectively; and in Oceania it is 3.4% and 3.8% – all indicating the global development of the game. 

The Report identified Europe as the region of the world with by far the most professional ranked players, representing 58.7% of the global total, and junior ranked players, 46% of the total. However, these statistics also highlight that Europe is the region with the greatest difference between the number of ranked professionals and juniors, and is one of only two regions globally responsible for a smaller percentage of junior ranked players compared to professional ranked players. The other is North America, where the difference is very small with 11.7% of ranked professionals and 11.4% of ranked juniors from the region. 

In terms of individual nations, the USA tops both lists, accounting for 10.1% of all professional ranked players, but slightly fewer junior ranked players (8.9%). Second for professional ranked players is France, responsible for 6.3% of the total, but it is third in terms of junior ranked players with 3.8%, behind Russia in second with 5.4%. India has the fourth most junior ranked players, 3.4% of the total globally, but the second most populous country in the world sits outside the top 10 for today’s ranked professionals (14th most in the rankings with 2%). 

David Haggerty, President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said: 

“There are more than 87 million tennis players around the world and all of us at the ITF are committed to increasing participation levels even further. It’s vitally important that the game is for everyone; for all ages, genders, playing standards and physical abilities, and anywhere the game can be played, which we are working hard to ensure is everywhere, in one form or another. 

“Following the pandemic, to see more children picking up a racket as part of the ITF’s Junior Tennis Initiative is hugely rewarding and a sign that things are on a positive track for the future. At the very core of ITF2024, our strategy for sustainable growth, is developing the game globally and how we can support national tennis associations in delivering around the world. Together, with the right strategy, funding and commitment, I believe the future is very bright for our sport.” 

A decade of major investment in the world game 

The ITF also revealed today that it has contributed more than half a billion US Dollars over the last decade into tennis globally, in addition to the significant contribution of national tennis associations around the world. 

Between 2012 and 2021 the ITF invested $621.9 million – or £527.2 million or €623.9 million – to support all aspects of the game, including funding for staging major events such as the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup and their associated participation payments and prize money; tennis development programmes, grants and education costs; tours and player pathways, including the ITF World Tennis Tour (and Juniors), junior team competitions, UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour, Seniors tennis and Beach tennis; investments in integrity, science and technical aspects of the game; commercial development; and communications and marketing to promote the sport globally. 

Given the ITF’s mission is to deliver tennis for future generations, each year it reinvests approximately 90% of its income back into growing the sport and this level of investment is set to continue. This means that a growth in the ITF’s commercial revenues as it continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and develop the game globally will produce more funding for tennis. 

In addition to the ITF’s reinvestment into the game, funding for the development of tennis is also provided by the four Grand Slam tournaments via the Grand Slam Player Development Programme (GSPDP). Since its inception in 1986, the programme has contributed more than $57 million to international player development. In 2021 the GSPDP delivered $1.12 million in support of talented players worldwide through grants, tournaments and touring teams. This investment was pandemic-impacted in 2021 but is expected to return to the pre-pandemic figure of circa $3 million in 2022. 

Annual financial snapshot 

The ITF’s newly published Annual Review containing its fully-audited 2021 financials confirmed that the international federation’s operating income in 2021 grew to $66.6 million from $35.6 million in 2020, having been impacted over the course of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The last full year of pre-pandemic accounts was 2019, when the ITF generated operating income of $88.7 million. 

In 2021 the ITF increased operating expenditure – its investment in tennis – by 67.3% to $74.8 million from $44.7 million in 2020 as part of its journey back to recovery.  

In 2021 the ITF chose to draw on $5.5 million of its reserves in order to continue to deliver high levels of investment. The ITF has built significant financial reserves for such an eventuality through prudent financial management and at the end of 2021 still held reserves totalling $44.4m. 

The Covid-19 global pandemic cost the ITF more than $75 million in revenues over two years (2020 and 2021) when compared to 2019 operating income**. For example, the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup generate vitally important revenues for the ITF to reinvest back into tennis. Those competitions taking two years to complete over the course of 2020 and 2021 reduced their financial contribution in this period, before they have returned to annual contests from 2022. 

Kelly Fairweather, Chief Executive Officer of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), said:  “It’s a source of real pride that the ITF has been able to contribute more than half a billion dollars to tennis globally over the last ten years. We are working hard to develop and support the health of the game around the world, for all abilities and ages to play, and for the enjoyment of more than a billion fans.

“It’s so important we remain robust financially to ensure strong grassroots funding right through to the highest levels of our sport, and we embrace innovative ways in which people can participate or engage with the game and its variants, from beach tennis to padel tennis. 

“I’m confident we’re on a growth trajectory as we recover from the challenges of the global pandemic and I’m proud of how the ITF team and the global tennis family is responding. Now, as one generation of heroes evolve into the next stage of their lives having made such an incredible contribution to our sport, the next is stepping up; whether that’s in the playground, on the podium or everything in between.”