PTO and Warner Bros. Discovery announce landmark broadcast partnership

The Professional Triathletes Organisation and Warner Bros. Discovery have today announced an exclusive multi-year partnership to broadcast live and on-demand coverage of the new PTO Tour – a series of high profile, high prize fund, global events featuring the world’s best triathletes.

The agreement will see exclusive live coverage in 50 territories across Europe on its linear channels and be streamed via discovery+, the Eurosport App and GCN+*. 

The landmark deal builds on Warner Bros. Discovery’s far-reaching broadcast of the inaugural Collins Cup last year, the PTO’s $1.5M flagship race that pits Europe versus Internationals versus USA. That event reached a live and on demand TV audience in more than 175 territories – an unprecedented broadcast for the sport**. 

“The global broadcast viewing figures for the Collins Cup in 2021 surpassed all expectations and demonstrated that there is an appetite for compelling live broadcasts of Triathlon events that appeal not only to the fans of endurance sports, but also to the general sports enthusiast,” explained Tim Godfrey, Chief Marketing Officer at the PTO, a new body, co-owned by the professional athletes, seeking to grow the sport.

“That success, combined with the great numbers and engagement we saw around the Herbalife24 PTO Pro Am broadcast in May this year, helped shape our thinking on how to build this new partnership, which includes more standout events and an exciting combination of live, shoulder programming and editorial content across Warner Bros. Discovery’s impressive broadcast, digital and social platforms. This partnership around the PTO Tour is primed to take the sport and its superhuman athletes to the next level.”  

Highlights of the new partnership include: 

●       PTO Tour events broadcast exclusively live and on demand in Europe on Eurosport linear channels and streaming via discovery+ and the Eurosport App, as well as non-exclusively in Asia and exclusively across the Indian Subcontinent. 

●       PTO Tour events to benefit from Warner Bros. Discovery’s global scale and local delivery with each live broadcast delivered with localised commentary in 20 languages.

●       Tapping into the ‘Home of Cycling’ through reaching the passionate cycling audiences engaged by Global Cycling Network (GCN) globally and through the largest and best triathlon channel, with videos for everyone who loves triathlon, Global Triathlon Network (GTN). 

●       Amplify PTO triathletes and PTO Tour events on Eurosport.com, which engages more than 50 million people each month, through the creation of a dedicated triathlon section alongside news and feature articles, near live clips across social media.

●       Broadcast of shoulder programming, including linear countdown shows and athlete short-form features.

●       On-demand race highlights featuring the best moments from each event.

News of the partnership coincides with the reveal of the PTO’s new global marketing campaign, #TheRaceIsOn, which will build awareness and excitement around the first-ever PTO Tour.  Heralding a ‘new era of triathlon’, the #TheRaceIsOn campaign was created in-house by PTO media and features a global 30’ TV spot, social video clips, digital advertising and imagery, led by a two-minute hero film. 

Commenting of the partnership, Trojan Paillot, Vice President, Sports Rights Acquisitions and Syndication, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said: 

“The new PTO Tour is a fantastic proposition, as we saw first-hand from the Collins Cup last year. We are hugely excited to provide the scale and expertise of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, using the reach of our broadcast network and engagement at scale of our digital platforms to support the growth of the PTO Tour.”

“We have a unique ability to reach audiences wherever they are choosing to consume support – whether on TV, streaming or online. Alongside the breadth of coverage, content and programming we will present, this ensures we will engage existing and new fans of triathlon across Europe and beyond.”

Scott Young, Senior Vice President, Content and Production, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, added: 

“As Home of the Olympics in Europe, we know triathletes have some of the most compelling stories in sport. Our role as storytellers is to bring these stories to as many people as possible, offering the PTO and its athlete members a year-round platform to showcase their extraordinary talents.

“We will bring these stories to current and new audiences alike, supported by Warner Bros. Discovery’s extensive sports and entertainment expertise and the PTO’s outstanding production and capabilities to help tell the athlete’s stories. Taken together, this offers the potential to elevate and grow the sport as we establish an undisputed ‘Home of Triathlon’ for fans everywhere.” 

Reflecting on the news, Alistair Brownlee, PTO Athlete Board Member, said:

“Last year’s Collins Cup was a pivotal moment for the athletes as well as the sport, with the highest prize in the sport’s history and a ground-breaking made-for-TV format.”

“In 2022, we are all excited to see how we can partner with Warner Bros. Discovery to take this further and ensure the PTO Tourevents set a gold standard for broadcasting within our sport.”   

The PTO Tour race schedule for 2022 includes: the PTO Canadian Open (July 23-24); the second edition of $1.5M Ryder Cup-style Collins Cup (August 20)l; and the first PTO US Open (September 17-18).

In 2023 and 2024, the PTO Tour plans to expand with the PTO European Open and the PTO Asian Open, alongside their US and Canadian equivalents and The Collins Cup.  

Evision Racing announce multi-year partnership renewal with the Teijin Group 

Envision Racing have today announced a multi-year partnership renewal with the Teijin Group that will see the global technology-driven chemicals company continue to partner with the team.

Teijin uses the partnership with the “greenest team on the greenest grid” to increase awareness of their technologies and products that contribute to reducing environmental impact and to communicate to wider stakeholders about our corporate stance toward ” climate change mitigation and adaptation”.

Commenting on the announcement, Franz Jung, Vice President of Envision Group and Chairman of the. Board of Envision Racing said: “On behalf of Envision Group we are all delighted that the Teijin Group and our racing team are continuing their journey together. It is fantastic to have brands onboard with the team that share the same goals and objectives as Envision’.

Jun Suzuki, chairperson of Teijin Limited, added: “Teijin is committed to developing sustainable technologies and raising awareness of positive climate action, through our support of Envision Racing, we wish to convey our environmental commitments to Teijin stakeholders as well as promote Teijin technologies and products that are helping to reduce the automotive industry’s environmental impact.”

The collaboration sees Teijin step up to Principal Partner level of the racing team and will continue as an Official Partner of the Team’s Race Against Climate Change™ movement. Teijin will also look to support Envision Racing on technological initiatives to help the team drive sustainability and safety innovation with a view to transferring these learnings to our everyday lives.

Sylvain Filippi, Managing Director and CTO at Envision Racing said: “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the aim of implementing advanced solutions and using our platform in Formula E to increase awareness of Teijin technologies and products.”

Akimoto Uchikawa, President and CEO of Teijin Limited, said: “The partnership with Envision Racing is enabling Teijin to promote and implement initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change. As a people-focused company that develops innovative solutions for enhanced quality of life, Teijin strives to minimize the environment and societal impact of all aspects of its business.”

PointsBet to live stream events via partnership with IMG Arena

PointsBet, the leading sports book for live betting, today announced it will now offer bettors on-demand streaming access to more than 40,000 premium games and matches through a two-year streaming partnership with IMG ARENA, a sports data and technology hub serving the sports, sports betting, and sports media eco-systems.

Headquartered in London, IMG ARENA has one of the largest portfolios of live streaming content in the world, distributing over 45,000 hours of content annually on behalf of more than 200 federations, associations, and events. Their premium content includes properties such as the MLS, ATP Tour, Roland-Garros, FIVB volleyball competitions and leagues, EuroLeague basketball games, World Snooker, World Table Tennis, and much more.

“Our north star is in-play betting, and the ability to offer our users with on-demand streaming content to elevate live betting is paramount,” said PointsBet USA CEO Johnny Aitken. “PointsBet is recognized as the home of in-play betting, and this partnership with IMG ARENA solidifies our position as a leader in this space. We’re thrilled to tap into innovative concepts like this to improve the live betting experience for our users, all while bringing forth new ways to increase fan engagement throughout the year.”

Not only will bettors have 24/7/365 streaming availability, but they now also have immense access to tennis, a sport rising rapidly in sports gambling popularity, with over 10,000 ATP Challenger Tour matches and close to 25,000 total tennis matches. For tennis, PointsBet has seen a 163% increase in overall handle as well as a 189% increase in live handle. 

Brian Clayton, Senior Director of Sales at IMG ARENA, said: “We are excited to partner with PointsBet, one of North America’s leading and most innovative sports betting operators. The deal allows players to improve their betting experience safely and significantly by increasing access to engaging, official content and watching more of the sports that they are betting on live.”

Miami Dolphins and CBS4 announce multiyear partnership

The Miami Dolphins and CBS4 announced a multiyear renewal of their media partnership as the official home of the Miami Dolphins.

The relationship will feature an expanded lineup of exclusive content including “The Coach Mike McDaniel Show,” “Dolphins Weekly Live,” 5th Quarter Post Game Show and “The Fish Tank”. CBS4 will also be the exclusive home for special postgame shows and two weeks of nightly reports from Dolphins training camp.  In addition, the Dolphins will partner with Bally Sports on a new program taking fans inside the team this season. Bally Sports will also re-air preseason games and the “Coach Mike McDaniel Show.”

Miami Dolphins legend and Hall of Famer Jason Taylor returns to the CBS4 broadcast booth as an analyst for Dolphins preseason broadcasts alongside Steve Goldstein, who will call play-by-play and former linebacker/defensive end Kim Bokamper, who will continue to serve as the sideline reporter.

Miami Dolphins and CBS4 Exclusive Content

“Camp Dolphins” weeknights following the late news on CBS4

  • CBS4 Sports takes fans inside Dolphins training camp with special reports for each day of training camp with “Camp Dolphins” starting July 27 through August 12.

“The Coach Mike McDaniel Show” Sundays at 11am on CBS4

  • CBS4 Sports Anchor Kim Bokamper returns to host the show every week and will talk with Coach Mike McDaniel,  as they will preview and breakdown the Dolphins game starting September 11.

“Dolphins Weekly Live” Sundays at 11:30am on CBS4

  • The only live Dolphins TV Pre-game show in South Florida hosted by CBS4 Sports Anchor Mike Cugno and Kim Bokamper along with John Congemi will feature live interviews and exclusive access.

“5th Quarter Post Game Show” Following the game on CBS4 or MYTV 33

  • Hosted by CBS4’s Jim Berry with analysis from Kim Bokamper, Mike Cugno, and John Congemi. The show will feature interviews coaches and players along with highlights from the game.

The Fish Tank

  • Fans can dive in with Miami Dolphins all-time great, OJ McDuffie, and co-host Seth Levit as the guys are joined by their friends from Dolphins Nation for conversation that ranges from thought provoking to outrageously hilarious. 

RLWC 2021 confirms nations and fixtures for first disability Rugby World Cup


Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) is delighted to officially confirm the four nations who will line-up to compete at the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) World Cup showcase event which will take place from 23 – 30 October in Warrington.

PDRL is an adapted version of rugby league for players with physical disabilities and home supporters will have another chance to cheer on their nation as England are set to take on Wales, New Zealand and Australia at Victoria Park in Warrington. The final will take place at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington following the Samoa vs France men’s game on 30 October, with ticket holders for this match welcome to stay and watch what promises to be an exciting and intense PDRL World Cup final.

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021, said: “RLWC2021 is committed to being the biggest, best and most inclusive Rugby League World Cup in history, and hosting a PDRL World Cup showcase event alongside the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments is just one of the ways we are bringing that commitment to life.

“We are proud to be provide the platform for a PDRL World Cup showcase event, and we hope that the sport may follow Wheelchair Rugby League, which featured in the RLWC2017 as a showcase event and is now a cemented feature within the RLWC2021 tournament.

“In terms of hosting the PDRL World Cup showcase event, I can think of no better host than Warrington. The town is synonymous with our sport, and their support for PDRL via the Warrington Wolves Foundation is exemplary.”

Cabinet member for leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins, said: “We have an outstanding track record of championing people with disabilities in Warrington, including the pioneering work of both the Warrington Wolves Foundation and Warrington Disability Partnership.

“It is an honour for us to continue our commitment to raising the profile of disability sport by hosting the PDRL World Cup in Warrington later this year, and to equally support the tournament’s aim of being the biggest and most inclusive competition to date.”

Adam Hills, RLWC2021 Tournament Ambassador, said: “I’ve been looking forward to playing in the PDRL World Cup for a long time, and now the nations and fixture dates have been confirmed it’s feeling very real.

“To have the tournament in this country and as part of the RLWC2021 is a brilliant opportunity to really raise the profile of this fantastic game, and hopefully encourage more people with a physical disability to get involved. I’m proud to be an ambassador for a tournament as inclusive as the RLWC2021, and I’m looking forward to personally revealing more about the PDRL World Cup soon!”

Inter Milan launch new OTT service

The Italian club chosen StreamAMG to supply the technology behind their new online video service.

From the start of the 2022/23 season, the Nerazzurri will use StreamAMG’s services to run Inter TV, the Serie A club’s brand-new OTT service that offers on-demand exclusive club content around the men’s and women’s teams, plus live streaming from the club’s pre-season and academy campaigns.

A powerhouse of the European game, Inter have a decorated footballing history both in Italy and on the continent and as such attract a global audience. Fans across the world will be to subscribe and access a range of content throughout the season.

Inter will use:

  • MediaPlatform, StreamAMG’s core online video platform, provides world-class flexibility and scale, delivering hundreds of millions of hours of content across a wide range of devices every year.
  • The award-winning CloudMatrix content distribution system which offers powerful tagging and archive interrogation tools within a mobile-friendly, easy-to-use interface.
  • The CloudPay platform allows rights-holders to control and manage their subscribers within a user-friendly ecosystem

The OTT service forms part of Inter’s wider digital ecosystem launch that includes a revamped website, app and e-commerce store.

Hugo Sharman, CEO at StreamAMG added: “We are delighted to partner with a club with the history and stature of Inter, increasing our footprint across major football properties in Europe.

Sports Economy business events will reveal secret to successful sports events at Birmingham 2022

A major trade event focussed on the Sports Economy will take place at UK House: The Commonwealth Business Hub, during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on Tuesday 2 August 2022. 

The one-day programme, taking place at the University of Birmingham’s Exchange Building, will address:

·       Building sustainable sporting facilities for a long-term future  

·       How the hosts of international sports events can deal with uncertainty 

·       The role of technology for innovative fan engagement  

·       International best practice for sports events legacy 

Building on the cooperative spirit of the Commonwealth Games and the UK’s climate leadership at COP26, UK House is a platform to bring together business and government leaders to discover opportunities for international partnership and innovations for sustainable growth. 

Registration for Sports Economy Day at UK House is open to international sports federation and rights holders, future host cities for major sporting events and UK businesses interested in exporting internationally. Whether attending in person or online, it offers delegates a chance to discover the secret to delivering successful sporting events and major projects, from the London 2012 Olympics to the Pan American Games 2019, Birmingham 2022 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

Speakers confirmed include:  

·       Nigel Huddleston MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport 

·       Hassan Al Thawadi, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar 2022  

·       Alaina MacGregor, CEO, Blind Games 2023 

·       Trudy Lindblade, CEO, UCI 2023 Cycling World Championships 

Nigel Huddleston MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said:  

“Birmingham 2022 will showcase the UK’s strength at delivering major sporting events, ten years on from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We look forward to sharing that expertise with global trading partners at UK House, demonstrating what drives our thriving sports economy.” 

UK companies have an outstanding and proven track record of delivering the world’s most impressive and impactful sports competitions, for which end-to-end sustainability is of increasing importance. This specialist knowledge extends into legacy including the design, reuse and adaptation of venues, as well as widening access to sport, innovative solutions to securing greater fan engagement and participation, urban regeneration and social and economic legacy.

Rights holders and host cities will get the chance to connect with innovative companies from across the UK’s sports economy. Sessions will cover topics such as: how tech can boost engagement and revenue within the sports community (whether in person and virtually); the role inclusivity plays in delivering a true sports event legacy; how to overcome challenges and adversity (including invaluable insights from events organisers who have overcome challenging global circumstances).

For UK businesses, including supply chain, infrastructure, technology and services specialists, this is an opportunity to gain unique insights from international sporting events experts and to learn about the support for export available from Department for International Trade.

Beyond the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the West Midlands’ portfolio of major sporting events locally hosted include; the IAAF World Athletics Championships, World Gymnastics Championships, the Cricket World Cup, The Ashes Series, and the All England Badminton Championships. 

A recent report from WMGC highlights that the West Midlands MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector was worth £2.3bn to the region in 2019, with the industry supporting 65,000 jobs.  

Hosted by the UK’s Department for International Trade, in partnership with the region’s official economic development agency, the West Midlands Growth Company, UK House takes place at The Exchange – the University of Birmingham’s city centre community engagement hub. The event is part of the Business and Tourism Programme (BATP), the first programme of its kind aligned to the Commonwealth Games. It will boost the economic impact of Birmingham 2022.  

Business leaders and senior policy-makers are invited to register to attend in person or online: www.ukhouse2022.co.uk 

BATP is sponsored by E.ON, Airbnb, Reckitt, University of Birmingham, Bruntwood and Gowling WLG. 

Lancashire and Heineken extend partnership

A long-standing partner of the Club since 2016, Heineken will retain the pouring rights for Emirates Old Trafford across concourse, hospitality, hotel and conference and events areas of the stadium.

This new partnership will see Heineken supply a host of its much-loved beer and cider products inside the world-class stadium. All products will be available in draft and bottle form throughout concourses and premium areas. Fans will also benefit from Heineken’s industry leading Smart Dispense system, cutting the carbon footprint of the stadium by reducing wastage, water and promoting sustainability.

Heineken 0.0 will also be stocked across all bars inside the stadium, as Lancashire Cricket and Heineken recognise the growing need to offer zero percent alcohol alternatives to all guests.

Heineken’s ongoing support is an important factor in the new development at Emirates Old Trafford, which is set to be completed in 2023, and includes investment in new bar areas and improvements inside the stadium.

The partnership also includes support with the Club’s marketing plans from Heineken to enhance in-stadium activity – in areas such as the Fan Village – to improve supporter experience and enjoyment. Within the Fan Village, Heineken have assisted with the installation of a shipping container style bar complete with DJ Booth experience as part of an enhanced offering for guests this summer.

Daniel Gidney, Chief Executive at Lancashire Cricket said: “We are thrilled to extend our long-standing relationship with Heineken, who play an integral role in the matchday experience for Members and supporters attending Emirates Old Trafford.

“In addition to holding pouring rights for beer and cider across the stadium, Heineken are working closely with us to continue improving guest experience at Emirates Old Trafford, in areas such as the Fan Village for domestic and international cricket.

“Their support over the years has been so important in terms of the development of Emirates Old Trafford as a world-class, multi-purpose venue, and we look forward to working together over the next five years.”

Graeme Nicholson, Sales Director at Heineken, added: “We have been so impressed with the Club’s vision for Emirates Old Trafford since 2016 and we are excited to play our part in giving fans an unparalleled experience in a world-class venue.

“The stadium is home to generations of fans and we are proud that it will continue to be our beers and ciders that are available for another five years.”

McLaren announce multi-year partnership with K-Swiss

McLaren Racing announced a new multi-year partnership with K-Swiss, a Los Angeles-based heritage footwear brand, as an official partner of the McLaren Formula 1 team from 2023.

K-Swiss has nearly 60 years of heritage in creating footwear and will enter Formula 1 for the first time with McLaren to evolve its presence and reach new consumers globally. The partnership joins two brands with a strong history in their respective fields with an emphasis on elevated performance. 

McLaren and K-Swiss will create a bespoke performance-based footwear collection, designed to be worn by McLaren pit crews and engineers at race events globally. The two brands will also collaborate on a footwear and limited apparel collection which will be available to consumers. 

The team will work with K-Swiss to activate at tentpole moments globally, including key races on the Formula 1 calendar. 

Lindsey Eckhouse, Director of Licensing, ecommerce & esports, McLaren Racing, said:

“It is a pleasure to welcome K-Swiss to the McLaren Racing family and Formula 1. We are excited to work with a brand which has such a strong heritage and can provide our team with footwear that is reliable with a focus on performance while looking fantastic. I can’t wait for the release of the collection.”

Dave Grange, International Brand President, K-Swiss, said:

“We are honoured to be part of this exciting new and multi-year partnership and are looking forward to be joining McLaren on the racetrack. Each brand boasts a heritage that reflects the other’s, replete with perseverance, innovation, and excellence. We hope that with this new partnership we develop a new base of loyalists and extend our legacies further.”

Range Sports and British Taekwondo announce new partnership

Range Sports have become the new official uniform sponsor of British Taekwondo National Teams

British Taekwondo and Range Sports are pleased to announce a new partnership between the two organisations helping to strengthen relationships and provide high quality uniforms to members of our national teams.

The two-year official sponsorship agreement will see Range Sports support British Taekwondo national team. These include the British Taekwondo Cadet, Under-21, Poomsae & Para Poomsae national teams.

Kambiz Ali said “Range Sports & JC UK are thrilled to support and sponsor British Taekwondo and look forward to a growing partnership with our National Governing Body.”

Ian Leafe, Chief Executive of British Taekwondo said “This is the start of an extremely exciting period of growth for British Taekwondo and we have several significant developments over the coming years. A key part of our evolution is the development of a commercial partnership programme, and we are incredibly pleased to announce our new partnership with Range Sports.”

The sponsorship will kick off with Jcalicu uniforms being supplied to the National Teams at the World Taekwondo Cadet World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria in July and the European Under-21 Taekwondo Championships in Tirana, Albania in October.

Range Sports is a business with Taekwondo at its heart. Founders Master K. R. Ali and Master Mosy are instructors and 7th and 5th Dan respectively. This gives them the unique ability to understand the needs of Taekwondo practitioners and deliver quality products to enable people to train and perform to their best ability. Range Sports brings the Taekwondo tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit to the business and respects each and every one of their customers.

Range Sports are the UK’s official supplier and Distributor for Jcalicu (JC) World Taekwondo Approved Uniform, Belts, Protective equipment, Training equipment and accessories.

All British Taekwondo instructors can apply for a trade account with Range Sports from their official website.

British Taekwondo is the IOC and World Taekwondo-recognised governing body for Taekwondo in the UK. As well as being a successful Olympic & Paralympic combat sport with high profile athletes, Taekwondo is an accessible, fun and well-structured Martial Art for all ages and abilities, with deep rooted values of integrity and discipline.