Community, Author at iSportConnect

Biotiful Become Official Dairy And Dairy Alternatives Partner Of British Gymnastics

We’re pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with Biotiful Gut Health who become the Official Dairy and Dairy Alternatives Partner of British Gymnastics.

Biotiful are the UK’s leading kefir brand, with their range of naturally delicious products promoting a healthy, happy gut.

Nick Horswell, British Gymnastics Head of Commercial, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Biotiful, as we look to continue our work promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

Biotiful have a diverse range of dairy and plant-based products, which I’m sure our gymnastics community will enjoy. We look forward to working with everyone at Biotiful and thank them for their support.”

Biotiful Gut Health Managing Director and Founder, Natasha Bowes, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring British Gymnastics. We started our journey in 2012 with the vision of making Gut Health universally accessible. We are proud to celebrate the company’s 10^th anniversary with British Gymnastics; we share the values of promoting a healthy lifestyle.

We look forward to supporting British Gymnastics and wish the best of luck to all gymnasts.”

OneFootball Seals Global NFT Rights Deal To Become Official Partner Of The Bundesliga

OneFootball, the world’s largest football media platform, and Bundesliga International, a subsidiary of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga, have today announced a global partnership. The deal will bring digital collectibles to football fans around the world, taking the real life visceral experience of the game through Web2 into Web3.

Starting with the 2023/24 season, OneFootball will become Official Partner of the Bundesliga in a deal that will see the Bundesliga – one of the biggest and most successful leagues globally – tap into OneFootball’s vast user base of over 100m digital-first football fans to bring Germany’s top-tier competitions into the world of Web3. Fans across the globe will get access to official licensed digital collectibles from the Bundesliga’s top players and clubs, including German powerhouses FC Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

The partnership, which runs for 2 consecutive seasons, focusses on Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in the form of digital player cards that fans will be able to collect, exchange and trade on the Bundesliga’s personalised digital marketplace on Aera by OneFootball. OneFootball also secured the exclusive rights for NFT-based videos from the Bundesliga, known as “Digital Video Moments”, which can likewise be collected, exchanged and traded.

These products will be offered at a range of price points to make them widely accessible and help drive mass adoption of blockchain technology in football. Fans will also be able to purchase and store digital collectibles with only their email address and a credit card. The NFT platform Aera by OneFootball is being built on the Flow blockchain in collaboration with Animoca Brands and Dapper Labs, the digital collectible company behind NBA Top Shots.

This announcement builds on the long-term partnership between OneFootball and Bundesliga International, as OneFootball is the official broadcast partner of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 in Brazil.

Lucas von Cranach, CEO & Founder at OneFootball, said:

“We couldn’t have imagined when we first started working with the Bundesliga that we would build the partnership and achieve Official Partner status. Now as Official Partner of this incredible organization, one of the most innovative leagues in the world, we have the chance to build an even longer term relationship that gives us the chance to take tens of millions of football supporters from Web2 to Web3.

“As a founder and as a fan this is fantastic for our organisation and for fans around the globe. Our vision is to connect the world of football and amplify the game. This long term relationship means we can do just this, giving fans the opportunity to own digital assets – so they have more access, more ownership and get even closer to the game we all love, in a way that’s never been done before. And where better to do this than with one of the best leagues in the world which is home to so many of the most exciting players.”

Donata Hopfen, CEO of the DFL, said:

“The investment from our partners underlines the enormous popularity that German professional football enjoys. I am delighted that the design of the rights packages with classic products and innovative digital opportunities has been well received.”

Clare Connor To Take Interim ECB CEO Role Following Tom Harrison’s Exit

Tom Harrison has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after more than seven years in the role. He will leave the organisation in June.

The ECB Board will now begin a comprehensive search process to identify the next CEO who will lead the ECB and work with stakeholders across cricket to ensure the continued growth and development of the sport. A key part of this role will be taking on leadership of the game-wide programme of action and improvement to make cricket a welcoming and diverse sport, including through the continued implementation of the action plan agreed in November 2021 to drive out discrimination within the game.

Clare Connor, currently Managing Director of England Women’s Cricket, has agreed to become interim CEO when Harrison leaves until a permanent successor is in post.

Since taking up the role of CEO in January 2015, Harrison has overseen record levels of investment across the game at all levels and has led the delivery of the ECB’s ‘Inspiring Generations’ strategy, which aims to make cricket a bigger and more accessible and inclusive sport. He also led the ECB’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic as cricket confronted unprecedented financial challenges and became the first sport to achieve the return of competitive international fixtures in July 2020.

The growth of the game – including the launch of children’s participation programmes All Stars and Dynamos – has been supported by significantly increased investment in the sport, as the ECB’s annual revenue almost trebled during Harrison’s tenure. Support from broadcast and commercial partners has been crucial to this growth, including through a successful long-term partnership with Sky and the return of live cricket to free-to-air TV with the BBC.

*Clare Conner will step in as interim CEO.*

Tom Harrison said: “It has been a huge honour to be CEO of the ECB for the past seven years. Cricket is an extraordinary force for good in the world and my goal has been to make the game bigger and ensure more people and more communities in England and Wales feel they have a place in this sport. The long-term health of cricket depends on its ability to grow and remain relevant and be more inclusive in an ever-changing world.

“The past two years have been incredibly challenging, but we have pulled together to get through the pandemic, overcome cricket’s biggest financial crisis, and committed to tackling discrimination and continuing the journey towards becoming the inclusive, welcoming sport we strive to be. I have put everything into this role, but I believe now is the right time to bring in fresh energy to continue this work.”

Martin Darlow, Interim ECB Chair, said: “Tom has been an outstanding CEO and deserves our sincere thanks for all he has achieved in his time at the ECB. Through the Inspiring Generations strategy, he has set the game on a path to growth and to being played and watched by more people from all backgrounds, underpinned by record investment in cricket.

“When the pandemic struck, it was Tom’s leadership that brought the game together and saved us from the worst financial crisis the sport has ever faced. He has always put the interests of the game first and worked to lead important change to make our game more accessible and inclusive, though we all know there is still much more work to do.

“We will now begin the search for his successor who can build on all that he has achieved. I’m pleased that Clare Connor has agreed to step into the role on an interim basis while this process is under way.”

Kuehne+Nagel To Support Women’s Tour And Tour Of Britain

Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics companies offering highly specialised solutions for worldwide industries, has been appointed as the Official Logistics Supplier to the upcoming Women’s Tour and Tour of Britain cycle races.

Both races will benefit from Kuehne+Nagel’s support for the transportation of key race infrastructure and vital equipment between host venues during the 14 days of competition. Combined the two races will visit 26 venues and cover more than 2,100 kilometres of racing across England, Scotland and Wales.

Kuehne+Nagel were also chosen as the Official Event Logistics Providers of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, taking place this summer.

Alex Walton, Business Development Manager from Kuehne+Nagel, said:

“Kuehne+Nagel are excited to partner with the Women’s Tour and Tour of Britain. Not only does this give us the opportunity to provide the series with a comprehensive & complex logistics solution but it also complements our core values and offers the chance for us to engage with a renowned sporting event.”

Tour of Britain and Women’s Tour Commercial Director Miles Rose said:

“We are excited to be working with Kuehne+Nagel on this year’s events. Our races are a complex logistical challenge and utilising the support and expertise of Kuehne+Nagel helps us to minimise that complexity significantly.”

The Women’s Tour, the UK’s longest-running UCI Women’s WorldTour event, returns to its traditional early summer date in 2022. The six-stage race will take place between Monday 6 – Saturday 11 June, beginning in Colchester and finishing in Oxford city centre.

This year’s Tour of Britain (Sunday 4 – Sunday 11 September) will see over 100 of the world’s best riders race from Aberdeen to the Isle of Wight in what promises to be another memorable edition of this country’s flagship cycling event.

NBA Africa And KFC Africa Announce Marketing Partnership

NBA Africa and KFC Africa today announced a marketing partnership that will see NBA Africa and KFC Africa collaborate on a number of promotions and activations for basketball fans across eight countries on the continent: Botswana, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal and Tanzania.

Through the partnership, KFC Africa and NBA Africa will launch co-branded product campaigns, limited-edition merchandise giveaways, and limited-edition KFC x NBA promotions, including the opportunity for basketball fans to win tickets to live NBA games in the U.S. and complimentary access to NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service. Additional details about the promotions will be announced at a later date.

“We are proud to announce this exciting partnership between our iconic KFC brand and one of the most epic sports brands in the world,” said KFC Marketing Director, Rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, Emmanuel Kasambala. “As a brand that has been on the continent for 50 years, we are passionate about connecting with the youth at the touchpoints that really mean something to them. So, beyond the extremely cool products and merchandise we will offer, we have longer-term plans to inspire the youth to achieve more in life through basketball. We are exploring various grassroots basketball initiatives, like the refurbishment of courts, and basketball clinics in communities. It is about inspiring and enabling the youth to reach for, and achieve, their dreams.”

“We are excited to partner with KFC Africa to launch a series of fan-centric activities and promotions as part of our efforts to provide compelling ways for basketball fans across the continent to engage with the NBA,” said NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams. “We want to meet our fans where they are and make the game of basketball more accessible, and through this partnership with one of the world’s most iconic food brands, we look forward to reaching new and existing fans and providing them with more opportunities to experience the NBA.”

Extreme E extends collaboration with EY

Extreme E, the sport for purpose electric off-road racing series, has extended its collaboration with EY for Season 2.

EY will support Extreme E in its commitment to minimise its environmental impact and measure its carbon footprint across its events, logistics and operations, outlined in the Championship’s inaugural Sustainability Report. The report displays how Extreme E became carbon neutral in 2021, with 8,870 tCO2-e emitted during Season 1 (1,774 tCO2-e average emissions per race). Sustainability tactics and achievements are documented, whilst also outlining their strategy and focus for 2022 and beyond.

EY also developed the series’ Social and Environmental Impact Assessment framework, which supports the Extreme E operations team to carefully assess impacts of the event in each race location, guiding them to help enhance the company’s capability and drive a high-quality and responsible output.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer for Extreme E, said:

“I’m delighted to extend our collaboration with EY. An important member of the Extreme E family, EY adds credibility to our sport for purpose championship by providing key actionable insights which help us to assess and understand the impact of our series. Extreme E aims to continue delivering a championship that pushes the boundaries and challenges ways that traditional motorsports and sports events run, in addition to reducing the impact of our events, educating our audiences on their effects of climate change and to inspire them to take positive actions to protect our planet.

“We have already achieved important milestones with EY, such as delivering Extreme E’s first Sustainability Report, and this is just the start of our journey. We are excited to continue working with EY as we further develop our championship.”

EY previously collaborated with Extreme E during the 2021 Island X Prix, during which Sardinia used an innovative wildfire mapping model created by EY teams. The AI technology was created as part of this year’s EY Better Working World Data Challenge in collaboration with Microsoft, The Australian Country Fire Authority (CFA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Typically, fire mapping officers receive imagery from aircrafts and use manual methods to create fire maps. The goal of the winning AI solutions is to streamline this process so officers can spend valuable time on other essential tasks. For example, where decisions are being made to prioritise regions that need to be evacuated, the winning solutions will aim to provide the right information at the right time to help make those decisions more easily and effectively.

Serge Colle, EY Global Energy Leader, said:

“This extended collaboration will see EY continuing its work with Extreme E in a shared mission to highlight the impact of climate change and the benefits of electric vehicle adoption. Electrification in mobility presents unique opportunities across multiple industries, including energy, automotive, and manufacturing among others. EY and Extreme E will further develop innovative insights that will accelerate new advancements in mobility technology and ultimately help build a better working world.”

Matt Bell, EY Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader, said:

“This collaboration with Extreme E has been a real source of pride across EY and it’s fantastic to see it extended. It’s now more important than ever for organizations to understand the impact they have on society and the environment. The work that EY is doing together with Extreme E is a powerful example of how a sport can completely re-think it’s approach and create an engaging series that not only minimizes its impacts, but also highlights the challenges we all face from climate change.

“Organizations that can demonstrate progress on sustainability, just as Extreme E continues to do, will create greater trust with their stakeholders, and drive more sustainable ways of working for our future. EY is committed to helping organizations around the world to understand and strategically address sustainability challenges.”

In each location Extreme E visits, it leaves behind a long-lasting positive impact through its Legacy Programmes by working with local NGOs and the series’ Scientific Committee to try and support the issue the series is trying to mitigate. Projects so far includecollaborating with MEDSEA to support recovery response to devastating forest fires in Sardinia, teaming up with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) on its Forest Restoration Programme in Pará, Brazil, and a partnership with the Ba’a Foundation in Saudi Arabia on a conservation initiative for the endangered green turtle and critically endangered hawksbill turtle.

Last week, Extreme E was crowned the inaugural winners of the Environmental Sustainability Award at the coveted Sports Industry Awards 2022. New for this year, the award recognises organisations that are delivering environmental benefits through sport.

OG & LDN UTD Join Forces On Valorant

legendary Dota 2 and esport brand OG Esports (OG) and purpose driven organisation LDN UTD announce the beginning of a strategic and exciting partnership which will see the current LDN UTD VALORANT team rebranded to OG LDN UTD.

Having retained its VCT status, the OG LDN UTD team will subsequently be competing in the upcoming VCT Challengers Stage from May 13 with all players wearing co-branded OG LDN UTD jerseys to represent this new partnership.

Through this unique partnership, both organisations will provide world class support, including regular high end bootcamps and other performance services to the players, whilst also focus on community growth and joint events, with some taking place at LDN UTD’s Centre Of Excellence in Camden Town, London.

The Roster will continue to be comprised of the existing LDN UTD roster:

Ričardas “Boo” Lukaševičius (IGL)
Lukas “feqew” Petrauskas (Main Duelist)
Tomas “Destrian” Linikas (Initiator)
Michał “MOLSI” Łącki (Initiator);
who will be joined by Tautvydas “hype” Paldavicius (Sentinel) on transfer from Alliance.

Tommaso “joYnt” Gavioli will continue in his role as Coach and will be joined by OG analyst Tyler “Bambino” Jay.

Day to day operations will continue to be under the auspices of LDN UTD, and in particular Head of Esports Ali “Rezi” Rashid, alongside OG’s Head of Esports, Mike Schwartz.

JMR Luna, CEO of OG Esports: “Very rarely do we have a chance to work with another value driven company and in LDN UTD we have found a perfect match. We love their community driven initiatives and what they are building, so when we all sat down together and spoke, we became very excited about this adventure together. We think they have done a very good job building and nurturing this project and we hope we can contribute to its success this new season

Land Rover Agrees Further Three Year Deal With Rugby Australia

Rugby Australia is proud to announce Land Rover has renewed their partnership as the Official Vehicle of the Wallabies until the end of 2024.

The three-year deal extends the relationship to seven seasons, with Land Rover first joining the Rugby Australia family in 2018.

Through the major partnership, the Land Rover logo will adorn the back of the Wallabies team shorts on game days and at training, and be displayed prominently on the Gilbert Test match rugby balls.

Land Rover has been at the heart of global Rugby for over two decades, from grassroots to the elite, via partnerships with Rugby World Cup as well as national and club teams. The extension of the Wallabies partnership reinforces Land Rover’s commitment to supporting rugby at all levels and creating unforgettable experiences for the Australian rugby community.

Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said: “Rugby Australia is thrilled to be able to continue our partnership with Land Rover for another three years.”

“The values of Rugby Australia have great synergy with those at Land Rover and the Wallabies will wear their logo with pride throughout the Test seasons.

“Land Rover have a long history of supporting Rugby around the globe and we look forward to continuing to have a successful partnership that benefits both organisations for many years ahead.”

Shannon Edwards, Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Australia, said: “For over 20 years, Land Rover has actively supported rugby through partnerships globally, nationally, and through grassroots programs.”

“With shared values of passion, integrity, leadership, and a commitment to going above and beyond, we couldn’t be more excited to write the next chapter of our partnership with the Wallabies, engaging with fans across the country and helping to grow the game.”

Reckitt Named Official Partner Of The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Reckitt has been appointed as an Official Partner of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, with its market-leading Dettol brand serving as the Official Hygiene Partner, and its Durex brand the Official Intimate Wellness Provider.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, set to run from 28 July to 8 August, is a multi-sport event started in 1930. It aims to unite Commonwealth countries with a celebration of sport and human performance. Dettol Pro Solutions, Dettol’s business-to-business offering, will support athletes and spectators over the 12-day event, bringing hand sanitiser dispensers, disinfectant products and educational hygiene messages to the 15 competition venues across Birmingham, Coventry, Royal Leamington Spa, Sandwell and London, as well as Dettol hygiene kits for all athletes and volunteers in attendance.

This partnership follows the launch of the Dettol Pro Solutions programme in 2021, which is also set to support the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in June. Dettol was also the hygiene partner at COP26, the UN’s global climate change conference in 2021, which played host to more than 25,000 delegates. Building on this, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games celebrates human achievement, perseverance and dedication; attributes that Reckitt champions in its purpose to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world.

As part of its science-led approach, Reckitt and Dettol Pro Solutions will provide hygiene protocol guidance to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games for athletes, spectators and officials.

Dettol Pro Solutions’ offering uses science-backed measures to enhance hygiene standards and help reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. The team has already delivered hygiene programmes for industry leaders in the UK including British Airways, Avis Budget Group and Hilton Hotels, amongst others.

In addition, Reckitt’s brand Durex will be the Official Intimate Wellness Provider, working with Birmingham 2022 to make 100,000 Durex condoms and educational materials available in Athletes’ Villages and medical facilities during the Games.

Nick Sedgwick, Regional Director for Reckitt’s Health business in the UK & Ireland commented: “We’re delighted to bring two of Reckitt’s iconic brands, Dettol and Durex, to support Birmingham 2022. As a UK business with strong roots across the Commonwealth, we’re beyond proud to support the athletes and spectators at this year’s Games, with confidence, pride and strength, to make it an event to remember.”

Ian Reid, CEO at Birmingham 2022 said: “It’s more important than ever before to ensure that Birmingham 2022 has all the necessary measures in place to help protect all participants and supporters. This new partnership with Reckitt will give us added reassurance as we look ahead to the Games in a few months’ time. Alongside working with health experts and authorities to ensure we deliver a safe Games, we look forward to working with a major hygiene brand like Dettol who is committed to developing world leading practices.”

Jonathan Weiss, Commercial Director of Reckitt’s Pro Solutions said: “Dettol Pro Solutions is helping to elevate consumer confidence with our enhanced hygiene measures, which can help reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria. So much has changed since the last Commonwealth Games in 2018, and hygiene standards have become one of the most important requirements. We’re committed to supporting Birmingham 2022 with a gold medal standard of hygiene across the facilities and are proud to play a part in reassuring thousands of people to come together and enjoy live events in a hygienic environment.”

Katie Sadleir, Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “We are proud to welcome Reckitt to the team. As the Official Hygiene Partner, Dettol’s industry leading knowledge and expertise will help us deliver a successful and safe competition for athletes, officials and fans.”

OneFootball And CONMEBOL Agree Innovative New Highlights Deal To Bring CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana To Latin American Fans

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the world’s largest football media platform, OneFootball, have today announced a groundbreaking new streaming partnership.

The deal will give the millions of passionate OneFootball users across Brazil and Latin America access to an innovative new highlights format for South America’s most prestigious club competitions: the CONMEBOL Libertadores and CONMEBOL Sudamericana. Running from 2023 to 2026, the deal brings OneFootball’s mission to create the most immersive fan experiences, on and off the pitch, one step closer.

Starting for the 2023 season, for the first time fans will be able to view near-live highlight clips, just 3 minutes from game play. Clips of all decisive match action will be available, as well as full post-match highlights after the final whistle. All highlights will be free-to-view giving fans the chance to see the best action from the biggest clubs of the continent. The 2022 edition of CONMEBOL Libertadores sees the participation of South American powerhouses Palmeiras, Flamengo, River Plate and Boca Juniors, amongst others.

The deal covers 314 matches per season, including every game of the CONMEBOL Libertadores and CONMEBOL Sudamericana, as well as both matches of the CONMEBOL Recopa Sudamericana, a match-up between the reigning Libertadores and Sudamericana champions. The CONMEBOL Libertadores, the equivalent to UEFA’s Champions League, is one of the most followed football events in the world. It reaches hundreds of millions of football fans every season and the 2021 final was broadcast in nearly 200 countries.

Unique fan experience

This cutting edge approach furthers OneFootball’s ambitions to offer young, mobile-first fans a more flexible approach to watching football, allowing them to follow all of the action from multiple matches at once in near real time.

The partnership will provide fans with a unique and accessible experience when following their favourite teams. OneFootball users will be able to see a dedicated CONMEBOL Libertadores section on the platform and follow a live match feed with in-app alerts and push notifications on all key events, such as goals, red cards, penalties and more, genuinely amplifying the experience of these thrilling tournaments for football fans. On top of the highlights offer, OneFootball’s newsroom will also produce dedicated editorial and video coverage in Portuguese and Spanish.

Nikolaus von Doetinchem, Vice President OTT Streaming & Media Rights, OneFootball, said: “As we continue to build our streaming offer at OneFootball, getting fans even closer to the game they love, we’re looking for innovative new ways to give fans more access and greater flexibility when it comes to watching football. This partnership with CONMEBOL is unique, letting fans enjoy South America’s top club competitions for free and in near real time. Whether on our app, website or CTV, they can follow the action whenever and wherever suits them. Fans right across Latin America deserve access to the best football the region has to offer, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”

Juan Emilio Roa, CONMEBOL’s Commercial Director added: “Our goal is always to share the joy of living and enjoying the best soccer in the world with the millions of fans of CONMEBOL tournaments, wherever they are and at any time. We explore new ways and means to make the emotions and passion of South America available to everyone. CONMEBOL and FC Diez Media developed this unprecedented and innovative Instant Highlights package to follow the market trends of clips and highlights’ consumption on digital platforms. OneFootball is the right partner not only to increase the distribution of our content in Brazil and Latam, but also to reach a new and younger audience through innovation and new technologies. We are confident that the unforgettable moments of the CONMEBOL Libertadores and CONMEBOL Sudamericana will more easily reach new audiences across the continent.”