Warner Bros. Discovery and BT Group complete transaction to combine BT Sport and Eurosport UK

Warner Bros. Discovery and BT Group have today completed their transaction to form a 50:50 Joint Venture (JV) that combines the assets of BT Sport and Eurosport UK. 

The move brings together one of the most extensive line-ups of live sport coverage for fans in the UK & Ireland – including the Olympic Games, the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, the Premier League, Premiership Rugby, MotoGP, UFC, Boxing, WWE, tennis Grand Slams, cycling Grand Tours and the winter sports World Cup season.

As work begins to develop the new sports offering for the UK & Ireland, BT Sport and Eurosport UK will retain their separate product propositions for a period of time. BT Sport and Eurosport UK customers can continue to enjoy the current sport offerings in all the same ways they do currently.  

Over time, the intention is to launch a new sports brand in the market and present this combined sports offering together with an entertainment offering from Warner Bros. Discovery.  

Marc Allera, Chairman of the JV and CEO BT’s Consumer division said: “As we enter our ninth season, today is day one of an exciting new chapter for BT Sport.  I am extremely proud of the teams and the established brand and broadcaster that BT Sport has become, and I look forward to working with Warner Bros. Discovery to create an exciting new sport TV offering for the UK.” 

Andrew Georgiou, board member of the JV and President and Managing Director, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said: “Today marks the start of our journey to build a new sports destination for fans in the U.K and Ireland. Combining BT Sport and Eurosport U.K. together with Warner Bros. Discovery’s world-class and growing entertainment offering will result in an exciting new proposition for consumers. 

“It’s important for fans to know they can continue to enjoy BT Sport and Eurosport U.K. as they do today and we’ll keep them updated on future plans as soon as we can. We are pleased the transaction has closed and we can now further engage all stakeholders in the process of establishing the JV and developing its extensive combined sports offer.”

The JV’s Board of Directors is equally represented between appointees of British Telecommunications plc and Warner Bros. Discovery. The first Chairperson, nominated by each shareholder on a rotating basis, is Marc Allera, CEO BT’s Consumer division. Andrew Georgiou, President and Managing Director, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, is also a member of the board and will lead the business.

Manchester City and Inspiresport extend partnership

Inspiresport, a provider of youth sports development tours and Manchester City Football Club are delighted to announce an extension of their domestic partnership for the provision of school and youth group tours.

The new agreement will take the partnership between Inspiresport and the current English Premier League Champions into a tenth year following its commencement in 2016.

During that time, more than 200 groups have attended training sessions at the City Football Academy on the Etihad Campus, with over 5000 young players of all abilities participating in innovative practical sessions led by the programme’s coaching staff.

Steve Butchart, MD inspiresport Group said: “We’re obviously thrilled to announce this partnership extension and extend our relationship with the club. From post trip feedback received from our groups who have attended the programme, Manchester City are one of our top performing partners for all round sporting experience, quality of training sessions and expertise of the coaching staff. Add to that, the quality of the campus training facilities, the Manchester City tour option has a real appeal for groups wanting a taste of an elite sport environment.”

Jorgina Busquets, Managing Director, Football Education and Recreation, City Football Group, “We’re delighted to further extend our relationship with inspiresport today. Since the initiative started in 2015, we have seen thousands of young players from all over the world visit City Football Academy to train with us, learn our philosophy and develop for the future. We look forward to welcoming many more groups here for years to come”.

This new agreement between the two organisations will also incorporate the North American market for inspiresport to provide bespoke soccer training tours to Manchester City. High school and club teams from the USA and Canada will have the opportunity to travel to Manchester to participate in the fabulous football experience.

TCL Electronics start latest sponsorship with football stars

Today, TCL Electronics, one of the leading players in the global TV industry and a fast-growing consumer electronics company, unveiled the 2022 TCL football team at IFA Berlin. With four of the world’s top footballers on board as brand ambassadors, TCL is kicking off a global campaign that aims to inspire people to pursue greatness in their own lives.

The TCL line-up brings together an exceptional young midfielder from England Phil Foden; rising superstar and Spanish international player Pedri; remarkable top-performer Rodrygo, a winger for the Brazil national team; and Raphaël Varane, famed defender and a key player in the French national squad.

TCL will share messages and insights from the four football players in the lead up to the 2022 major football event starting in November and beyond through traditional and social media channels. TCL will also provide numerous opportunities for fans to engage with their idols in vivid new ways through exclusive content, signed merchandise and competitions, with prizes including a chance for lucky fans to talk to their hero.

Access their first joint video here.

“Having the chance to connect to fans worldwide and inspire them to greatness is a fantastic opportunity. I’m glad to have this possibility to associate myself with a brand like TCL, whose track record shows their dedication to providing top-quality experiences for our supporters.” explained Raphaël Varane.

“My passion for football comes from playing on the streets of Stockport with my mates and watching our idols on TV. I am excited to join the TCL family and together I hope we will inspire and connect the next generation to football.” said Phil Foden.

“Thrilled to have a chance to begin this new relationship with TCL. We all wish to provide positive experiences for fans and spread our passion for the sport, and as a TCL brand ambassador, I’m sure we can spread a positive sporting spirit that inspires our fans.” Pedri added.

“I’m happy to play a role as a TCL brand ambassador and collaborate with a company that places quality and inspiring individual greatness at the heart of their products.” indicated Rodrygo.

Frédéric Langin, Vice President Sales and Marketing of TCL Europe, said, “As some of the best players in the world today, Phil Foden, Pedri, Rodrygo and Raphaël Varane are renowned as generational talents that inspire on and off the pitch. TCL is passionate about inspiring our customers through sport and we are delighted to be able to help fans connect with these football greats and get inspired to recognize and nurture their own greatness.” 

UFC and VENUM announce outfitting and apparel partnership

UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, today announced that VENUM, the world’s leading designer, marketer, and distributor of combat sports apparel and accessories, will continue as UFC’s exclusive global outfitting partner. 

The multi-year renewal was facilitated by IMG’s licensing business, which exclusively represents UFC and brokered the original agreement with VENUM in 2020.

The announcement of UFC’s renewal with France-based VENUM comes as UFC prepares to hold its first-ever event in the country, with UFC FIGHT NIGHT: GANE vs. TUIVASA set for Paris this Sat., Sept. 3, at Accor Arena.

“We’re thrilled to renew our partnership with VENUM,” said Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President, UFC Global Consumer Products.  “VENUM is an iconic combat sports brand that understands the unique needs of MMA athletes, and the feedback on the craftmanship, style, and performance of the VENUM-designed Fight Kits and apparel has been tremendous.  We’re looking forward to continue to work with Franck Dupuis and his team at VENUM to deliver outstanding fight gear and training apparel for our athletes and fans.”

“VENUM’s return to UFC in April 2021 has been a source of great pride for the VENUM team,” said Franck Dupuis, VENUM Founder and CEO.  “The enthusiastic reception from UFC athletes and fans to the launch and release of our UFC collections has convinced us to continue our adventure inside the Octagon, and to continue to improve our products to serve a demanding and passionate public.  The best is ahead of us.”  

The VENUM UFC Fight Kits and apparel line are high quality MMA gear and performance apparel specifically designed and developed for UFC’s world-class athletes competing inside the OctagonÒ and for fans and practitioners of an authentic MMA lifestyle.

Bundesliga returns to Middle East and North Africa after two year break

The Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 are back in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) after a two-year absence, with beIN SPORTS adding the MENA region to its broadcast rights portfolio for the next three seasons.

This ensures that fans across the 24 countries included in the agreement are able to follow their favourite teams as well as the league’s stars and local heroes, such as Algerian international Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Egyptian striker Omar Marmoush (VfL Wolfsburg), Moroccan Bundesliga newcomer Noussair Mazraoui (FC Bayern München) and Tunisian midfield ace Ellyes Skhiri (1. FC Köln).

As one of the world’s biggest sports leagues, with more goals per game than any other top European division and excitement each matchday, the Bundesliga is once again reaching more than 200 FIFA member countries through its global partner network. As part of the existing agreement with Bundesliga International, beIN SPORTS already has the rights to broadcast the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 matches in France, Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. The new agreement means that beIN SPORTS has, as they did until 2020, the rights to show all matches from the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, as well as the relegation play-offs and the German Supercup. The agreement also includes full clip and highlights rights across digital and social media channels, in addition to on-demand programming such as highlights and magazine shows. The contract begins immediately and runs until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Bundesliga International CEO Robert Klein: “With stars such as reigning African Player of the Year Sadio Mane lighting up the league each week, we look forward to working with beIN SPORTS to deliver world class localised content and showcase the best of the Bundesliga over the next three years to the millions of football fans throughout the region, who can now follow the league as well as their favourite teams and players again.”

beIN SPORTS MENA CEO Mohammad Al-Subaie: “We are delighted to welcome the Bundesliga back to beIN SPORTS in the MENA region. As one of the biggest and most significant leagues in world football, we’re proud to give German football fans the best viewing and engagement experiences, while helping German football flourish and grow in the region.”

Lebron James and Drake backed RedBird Capital announce purchase of AC Milan

RedBird Capital Partners (“RedBird”) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Associazione Calcio Milan (“AC Milan”, “Milan” or the “club”) for €1.2 billion.   

For one hundred and twenty three years AC Milan has been synonymous with championship level football.  Since its founding in 1899, AC Milan has won 19 Serie A Championships, 7 Champions Leagues/European Cups, 7 Supercoppa Italianas, 5 Coppa Italias, 5 European Super Cups, 3 Intercontinental Cups, 2 European Cup Winners’ Cups, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup. 

As the new owner of AC Milan, RedBird will continue to invest in all the key areas that will advance the Club’s sporting and commercial interests, building on last season’s achievements that culminated in the club’s Serie A championship. RedBird’s experience in operating and building global sports businesses will ensure that the next chapter in AC Milan’s storied history will build on its current momentum. 

Priority areas of focus include supporting the club’s sporting and business leadership to ensure that the team is consistently competitive at the highest levels of football; ensuring that it has the infrastructure and facilities befitting one of the world’s most prominent sporting organisations; and strengthening the Club’s women’s and youth teams, as well as its charitable arm, Fondazione Milan. 

Gerry Cardinale, RedBird Founder and Managing Partner, said: “Our vision for Milan is clear: we will support our talented players, coaches and staff to deliver success on the pitch and allow our fans to share in the extraordinary experiences of this historic club.  We will look to leverage our global sports and media network, our analytics expertise, our track record in sports stadium developments and hospitality to deliver one goal – maintaining Milan’s place at the summit of European and world football.”

The deal will also see Yankee Global Enterprises (YGE), owner of the New York Yankees, one of the world’s most valuable sports franchises, enter into a strategic partnership with the club with a minority equity stake in AC Milan. RedBird has a longstanding relationship with the Yankees and the Steinbrenner family, with whom it is a co-owner of the Yankees Entertainment Sports (YES) Network, the most-watched regional sports network in the United States. 

On the partnership with YGE, Mr. Cardinale said: “We have a multi-decade relationship with the New York Yankees and the Steinbrenner family that has resulted in the creation of some of the most successful businesses in sports, entertainment and hospitality.  We are very pleased to continue our partnership with them and will look to explore opportunities together to broaden our fan reach and expand commercial opportunities that are only available to franchises that operate at the highest levels of sports globally.” 

The completion of the purchase of Milan takes RedBird’s assets under management to approximately $7.5 billion and adds AC Milan to RedBird’s portfolio of global sports and entertainment investments that include Fenway Sports Group (Liverpool FC, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins), Toulouse FC, the Rajasthan Royals, the YES Network, the SpringHill Company, Skydance Media, the XFL, OneTeam Partners and Dream Sports. 

ESI confirms schedule for 2022 London Event

Esports Insider (ESI), the leading global B2B esports events company, is excited to reveal the agenda and full lineup of speakers for their upcoming 2022 ESI London event. ESI London will take place at BOXPARK Wembley for the second year in a row, across 6th & 7th September. With over 75 industry-leading speakers and a range of sessions, workshops, and panels to attend, ESI London has elevated this exciting networking experience to the next level.

Esports is considered to be one of the fastest growing industries worldwide, with a predicted market size of over $12 billion USD by 2030 and a growing audience of over 475 million active watchers globally. Recently, public interest in esports has increased following the Commonwealth Esports Games with multi-million dollar sponsorships by mainstream brands and investments from celebrity-status athletes coming into the esports industry. ESI London provides the perfect place to discuss the growing market with brands, professionals, and organisations.

This year, ESI London will begin with the Hall of Fame awards on September 5th at gaming venue, Platform in Shoreditch before a takeover of BOXPARK Wembley on September 6th-7th providing an expansive 20,000 square foot for esports professionals to connect, network, and enjoy the main events. In addition to the networking zones, conference area, and other lounges, ESI London will offer a quiet work zone and a Safe Space, supported by Women In Gaming International (WIGI) and Swipe Right PR. The Safe Space is designed to provide attendees with a moment of solitude and respite from the hustle and bustle of the festival.

ESI London introduces many C-Level executive speakers from the top global esports teams and tournament organisers, international consumer brands, ethereum technologies, education, investment and betting services. These organisations include decision makers and C-level speakers from investment firms, esports teams, and brands such as:

CEO – DUX Gaming

CEO – Team Liquid

Founder & CEO – Hotdrop

Chief Strategy Officer – Alliance

CEO – AXR Edge

Co-Founder – Subnation

Chief Innovation Officer – BLAST

CEO – FITCHIN

Founder – MetaGameHub

CRO – BETER

CEO & Founder – GRID

CEO & Founder – Abios

International Sector Director Esports and Gaming – YouGov

Sessions include:

Tuesday 6th September:

The Esports Team Identity Conundrum

Speakers from DUX Gaming, Team Liquid, Hotdrop, and Alliance

SPORTFIVE x Fnatic & Guild – The Evolution of Esports Sponsorship, sponsored by SPORTFIVE

Speakers from SPORTFIVE, Guild Esports, and Fnatic

Revenue Sustainability In Esports – A World Outside of Sponsorship

Speakers from Blinkfire Analytics, Omnicoach, and Nuvei

The UK Esports Scene

Speakers from The Story Mob and YouGov

Location, Location, Location – How Esports Offers Destinations a Major Opportunity, sponsored by London & Partners

Speakers from ESL Pro League, Iceland Esports Association, HPN Global, and Subnation

Empowering Brand Partnerships through Deep-Level Data and Insights

Speakers from Shikenso Analytics, EXCEL, and EE

Building Your Esports Presence, sponsored by AXR Bridge

Speaker from AXR Edge

Mid Lane, Mirage and the Meta – How can we widen the Viewing Audience via Content, Broadcast & Production.

Speakers from BLAST and ESL Gaming

Wednesday 7th September:

Unlocking Fan Power: A Seat at the Table for Global Esports Communities

Speakers from FITCHIN and MetaGameHub

Esports as a Vehicle of Social Impact in Communities

Speakers from Teleperformance Portugal, IN4 Group, and NSE

US V UK: The University Esports Experience

Speakers from Shenandoah University and the University of Warwick

What can Web3 actually bring to Esports?

Speakers from FITCHIN and MetaGameHub

The Clutch:

Judges from Overwolf, Bidstack, Esports Global and Hiro Capital

The Devil’s in the Data

Speakers from BETER, GRID, and Abios

Good Foundations – Localised & Accessible Infrastructure is the Key to Esports’ Future

Speakers from Riot Games, Sidequest, and Intel UK

LVL Up – Designing Platforms for Esports Communities and Professionals

Speakers from EXCEL, SeventySix Capital, and Esports Awards

“We are elated to welcome you to BOXPARK Wembley for the second year in a row for ESI London 2022” Sam Cooke, Managing Director & Co-Founder of ESI comments, “We can’t wait for attendees to hear the thoughts of world-leading minds in esports and experience the networking activities we have prepared designed to feed your mind and provide you with unique networking experiences to connect you with brands and individuals across the esports industry.”

World Table Tennis partners with Agricultural Bank of China

On 31 August, World Table Tennis (WTT) announced that the Agricultural Bank of China has officially become 2022 WTT China Partner.

The Agricultural Bank of China will provide support to the 2022 Chengdu World Team Table Tennis Championships and other WTT events in China.

As one of the major comprehensive financial service providers in China, the Agricultural Bank of China is an important part of China’s financial system. With the most extensive network system and leading information technology advantages, it provides hundreds of millions of customers worldwide with convenient, efficient, and high-quality financial services. The Agricultural Bank of China is also committed to contributing extensively to environmental sustainability and sports development.

Table tennis is an iconic sport in China, and the Chinese table tennis team features some of the best players of the moment. The Agricultural Bank of China and World Table Tennis are joining hands to become strategic partners for WTT events in China in 2022, sharing high expectations for future cooperation and the development of table tennis.

Matt Pound, Managing Director of WTT, said: “As a well-known brand in China with an excellent public reputation, the Agricultural Bank of China shares the same values as World Table Tennis and and we are excited to welcome them as a new partner. World Table Tennis is the highest level of table tennis, hosting top-level events across the globe. We look forward to working with the Agricultural Bank of China over several events of the WTT Series. Together we will create sportsmanship and an energetic experience for our fans which will help develop both brands worldwide. Let’s look forward to more exciting WTT matches in 2022.”

There is less than a month until the start of the 2022 World Team Table Tennis Championships, held in Chengdu from 30 September to 9 October 2022.

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).