ELLE UK Partners With Nike For ‘Everyone’s Game’ Campaign To Celebrate The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Championship

ELLE UK and Nike have collaborated on a multi-platform partnership, spanning print, digital and video, to mark England hosting the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Championship, which begins on 6 July, and recognises those driving change both on and off the pitch.

The campaign, which celebrates football at all levels, is brought to life with three limited-edition ELLE UK covers featuring inspiring women who are leading change in the sport to create the future of football, both on and off the pitch, including:

  • Four players from the England Women’s national football team – Lucy Bronze, Demi Stokes, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Beth Mead
  • Chelsea F.C. Women and Denmark national team captain, Pernille Harder and Chelsea F.C. Women captain and Swedish national team player, Magdalena Eriksson
  • Somali-born and England FA football coach and referee, Jawahir Roble

The limited-edition issues will be distributed on newsstand, at the first England game at Old Trafford on 6 July and in selected Nike stores including Nike Town London (Oxford Street). A mural and billboard of one of the limited-edition ELLE UK covers will also be unveiled on Camden High Street, London. 

The July/August issue of ELLE UK, on sale today, includes a striking 16-page feature written by Felicia Pennant, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Season Zine, a trailblazing football and fashion platform, and a fashion shoot with a host of England’s players styled in Nike clothing and the new England National Team kit, which will be worn during the tournament.

As part of the collaboration, director Lydia Garnett and Oscar-winning production company, Somesuch, have created a bespoke film which aims to celebrate the growth of, and inclusivity in, women’s football. The film features prominent figures including players from the England Women’s national football team, football education charity Football Beyond Borders Project Lead, Roya Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy, the Co-Founder of Level 7 Academy and TV Presenter, Mollie Kmita, and young players from Girls United and Bloomsbury Football with the hope of inspiring future generations. The video is live on ELLE UK’s website and social media channels, and will be showcased in the Nike Town London, store.

Jane Wolfson, Chief Commercial Officer, Hearst UK, says:

“ELLE has a long history of championing women, so we are thrilled to partner with Nike on this inspiring multi-platform EURO 2022 project to celebrate the Women’s EURO 2022 Championship being held here in the UK as well as shining a light on all those striving for change in the game. From world-class players to grassroot communities, the partnership aims to open up football to people at all levels and from all backgrounds.”

MK Dons Partner With Castore For Kit Deal

Milton Keynes Dons are delighted to announce Castore as the Club’s new official Technical and Retail Partner as well as our official Kit Supplier. 

The partnership begins from the 2022/23 season following the conclusion of the Club’s seven-year association with Errea.

MK Dons Chairman Pete Winkelman said: “We are grateful to Errea for all their help and support over the past seven years but we felt now was the right time to move in a different direction when it comes to our retailing and kit manufacture.

“Castore are an exciting young company who are establishing themselves as one of the top sportswear providers in the country and that is why this partnership makes real sense and is why we are so enthused and energised by this opportunity to work with them.”

As official kit and retail partner, Castore will supply the first-team squad with all their match and trainingwear. What’s more, they will also take control of the Club’s retail operation, including a brand-new store at Stadium MK as well as a fresh online platform.

The Stadium MK store is set to open in August, due to licencing restrictions owing to the UEFA Women’s EUROS, while the online shop will be launched in time for supporters to get their hands on the new kit prior to the start of the 2022/23 season.

Performance Director Simon Crampton commented: “We wanted a kit that would utilise the latest scientific and technological know-how, as well as one that would help optimise our athletic performance on the pitch – Castore absolutely met our brief across all areas.

“Castore have a philosophy of ‘Better Never Stops’ and that completely resonates with our journey at Milton Keynes Dons and we are all very excited about this partnership and are looking forward to the 2022/23 season, and beyond, wearing a Castore kit.”

Castore was founded by Tom and Phil Beahon in 2015 and has built up a high-quality reputation working with the likes of Rangers, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as supplying apparel for the McLaren Formula One team, England Cricket, and Sir Andy Murray.

Tom Beahon, Co-founder of Castore, said: “We’re incredibly excited to announce Castore’s latest partnership with MK Dons and to be expanding further in to the world of English football.

“MK Dons have a spirit from the players to the backroom staff and fans that embodies the ‘Better Never Stops’ philosophy that is in the DNA of everything we do at Castore.”

Next season, MK Dons players will wear a Castore pro shirt, crafted from ultra-lightweight performance fabric that’s been engineered to offer superior breathability and moisture-wicking, with enhanced ventilation. The high-stretch properties also allow for complete ease of movement and comfort of fit during play.

MK Dons are set to unveil their kits for the 2022/23 season within the coming weeks. Stay tuned to mkdons.com and across the Club’s social media channels for further updates.

beIN MEDIA GROUP And The French Tennis Federation Extend Their Partnership For The Broadcast Of Roland-Garros In The Middle East And North Africa Until 2026

The French Tennis Federation (“FFT”) and beIN MEDIA GROUP (“beIN”), the global sports and entertainment group, today announced a multiyear extension of their existing partnership that will see beIN SPORTS, beIN’s flagship sports channel, continue to broadcast the Roland-Garros tournament until 2026 across all 24 countries in the Middle East and North-African (MENA) region.

Under the agreement, beIN SPORTS will broadcast the Parisian Grand Slam, including all the night-session matches in the following countries and territories: Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

beIN SPORTS has been an Official Broadcaster of Roland-Garros for more than 15 years and has actively contributed to the development of the Parisian Grand Slam in the region through their extensive coverage of the tournament on its TV channels and digital platforms, coupled with first-in-class commentary and analysis.

On the occasion of the partnership extension, Gilles Moretton, FFT President, said:

We are delighted to continue our long-term partnership with beIN SPORTS, the leading live sports platform in the MENA region, until 2026. We have many tennis fans in the region who look forward to Roland-Garros every year, and we are happy that they can continue enjoying the tournament and live all its emotional moments.”

Mohammad Al-Subaie, CEO of beIN MENA, added:

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the FTT. As we gear up for, arguably, the biggest year in beIN’s history – broadcasting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM live and exclusively in MENA – it is partnerships with the likes of the FTT that continue to enable us to provide the very best variety of world sports to our millions of subscribers and viewers. We look forward to broadcasting all the action from Roland-Garros over the coming years.”

iSportConnect Web3 Summit Presented By Tezos Partners With eShot Labs

The iSportConnect Web3 Summit, presented by Tezos, has partnered with eShot Labs, the builder of live content NFTs and creator white-label B2B solutions.

The iSportConnect Web3 Summit, presented by Tezos, will be held on June 28th and 29th, 2022, at Emirates Stadium in London. For more information, the full schedule, and tickets, head to https://www.web3summit.sport/

eShot Labs brings out the best of Web3 & Video to turn ideas into white label B2B solutions.

They reinvent the idea of IP ownership, collaboration empowerment & value sharing. eShot Labs provides reliable, cost-effective & scalable business solutions.

eShot Labs Founder & CEO Fergus Leleu said: “NFTs are the marketing tool of the next decade. What sets them apart is the emotional connection that allows brands to connect with consumers in a way that has never been done before.”

Commercial and Marketing Lead for the iSportConnect Web3 Summit Joe Condon commented: “NFTs have been on the tip of the tongue of every sports executive for the last 18 months. But we know there is so much more to come from the space as it becomes more sophisticated. 

“The event will champion innovative solutions, and eShot Labs certainly fits the billing. So, we are delighted to have them with us on June 28/29 at the Web3 Summit.”

Purchase your tickets to the iSportConnect Web3 Summit now – https://www.web3summit.sport/event-details/tickets/ticket-form

Infront And River Media Partners Join Forces For EPCR Media Rights Agreement

European Professional Club Rugby has appointed Infront and River Media Partners to distribute the international media rights for the Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup for the next three seasons.

It is the first time Infront and River Media Partners – the EPCR’s current international media rights representatives – will collaborate to achieve a perfect combination of vision and capabilities from both organisations. Infront will fully leverage its extensive media rights network and act as the driving force behind agreements while benefitting from decades of in-depth rugby expertise from River Media Partners.

François Vergnol, Marketing and Commercial Director for EPCR, said: “We are very pleased to appoint Infront and River Media Partners together to bring our incredible tournaments to an international audience. A key part of our strategy is to deliver our exceptional rugby product to new fans, and Infront and River Media Partners have the exact expertise to help us realise that vision.”

Julien Ternisien, Senior Vice President Summer Sports, Infront, said: “We see huge potential in this new agreement, and it marks a significant step in our summer sports strategy. The Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup have untapped potential beyond traditional markets, and we are keen to be part of EPCR’s drive to grow the game on a global scale. Thanks to our global network and portfolio we believe Infront is in the best position to deliver that growth in an efficient and sustainable manner.”

Nick Chesworth, Director, River Media Partners, said: “River Media Partners has had a successful partnership with the EPCR over the last few years and the introduction of Infront will substantially build on what has already been achieved. I’m delighted to enter this new phase of European rugby and believe this collaboration is the perfect blend of expertise in both rugby and the media rights landscape as a whole.”

Top14 sides dominated at last weekend’s Finals, with Lyon winning their first-ever European title with a 30-12 victory over Toulon in the EPCR Challenge Cup, while Stade Rochelais won the Heineken Champions Cup beating Irish club Leinster 24-21 following a dramatic try in the final two minutes of the match.

Wasserman Acquires Esportif; Launches ‘Wasserman Rugby’ Division

Global sports, music, and entertainment agency Wasserman has acquired Esportif and launched their first-ever rugby division, which will be re-branded and operate as ‘Wasserman Rugby’ effective immediately, announced today by Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Fahri Ecvet. Esportif, now Wasserman Rugby, is widely-regarded as the global authority in their sport, and will continue to deliver the knowledge and innovation to maximise potential for all clients, whilst also incorporating their career and life ambitions.  

Ryan Constable, Craig Innes, Rhys Parsons, Duncan Sandlant, Bruce Sharrock, and Mark Spoors and their team of over 40 executives and agents, will join Wasserman, effective immediately.

Wasserman Rugby will continue to operate globally, stretching worldwide from the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Australia, Argentina, Italy, and Japan, to  other regions where rugby is growing substantially. Some of the biggest names in the sport comprise the talent roster, including active players and coaches alike, such as Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Alun Wyn Jones, Richie Mo’unga, Gregor Townsend, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Taniela Tupou.

“The launch of Wasserman Rugby is another milestone in Wasserman’s strategic global growth,” said Ecvet. “Wasserman Rugby offers the most comprehensive service to clients in the sport, and that’s a credit to what Ryan, Craig, Rhys, Duncan, Bruce, Mark, and their entire team have built over the last decade-plus. Their work is renowned and respected, and their approach to the sports and entertainment world matches the culture of Wasserman, and will complement our other industry-leading talent representation practices.”

Executive Vice Presidents and Managing Directors Constable, Innes, Parsons, Sandlant, Sharrock, and Spoors said: “We are delighted to be expanding our rugby division by joining the team at Wasserman.  The acquisition is huge for us and offers an exciting opening for growth in the rugby industry. It enables us to accelerate our ability to offer our clients much more of a holistic service and will strengthen our existing practices and expand our expertise to current and future clients. We are excited about the platform this will provide for rugby players to take their place alongside other Wasserman global superstar athletes & artists on the world stage.”

This footprint expands Wasserman’s presence in over 30 locations globally, and further strengthens the most comprehensive global footprint of any sports, music, and entertainment agency.

LIV Golf To Be Broadcast On YouTube And Facebook; Mickelson Recommits To Breakaway Tour

LIV Golf has confirmed that six-time major champion Phil Mickelson, owner of 57 career professional victories, will tee off at the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series tournament June 9-11 at Centurion Club, in a deal worth a reported $200 million.

Reinforcing its mission of growing the sport of golf and reaching new fans across the world via a new and innovative entertainment product, LIV Golf today announced broadcast details and the experienced, diverse team of talent and award-winning producers that is set to modernize how golf is watched. Beginning Thursday, June 9 at 9:00 am EST / 2:00 pm BST, complete, live coverage of LIV Golf’s historic launch at Centurion Club will be globally available direct to consumers on LIVGolf.com, YouTube and Facebook. The LIV Golf event broadcasts will also be aired live on a global roster of leading premium and free-to-air broadcasters providing coverage in 138 territories around the world.

LIV Golf’s shotgun start will feature the 12-team, 48-player field teeing off all at once, and more than 50 cameras will capture every moment from start to finish. The broadcast will present views from 16 different towers, drones, and mobile steady cameras, with tracer technology highlighting the action throughout the course. Fans will also hear the sport like never before through more than 60 microphones incorporated from tee to green on every hole, including player and caddie mics that will bring fans inside the competition. Meanwhile, on-screen graphics will showcase innovations to the viewing experience while keeping fans updated in real time on the teams and individuals leading the field. Additional modernizations to the broadcast will be unveiled throughout LIV Golf’s inaugural season.

“The LIV Golf broadcast will be unlike anything fans have seen before,” said Will Staeger, LIV Golf Chief Media Officer. “The innovations we are introducing to the sport will be distributed to existing and new audiences all over the world as we deliver golf coverage dedicated to entertainment and access. We’ve built a world class production team that has combined the industry’s best practices with a reimagined experience for viewers to create a one-of-a-kind broadcast. We’ve been counting down the days to Thursday’s start so fans can tune in and watch what we have been working on.”

Arlo White, the heralded voice of the Premier League in the United States for nearly a decade, takes the role as lead play-by-play caller for LIV Golf. White has called matches on some of the world’s biggest stages, including the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Major League Soccer, five Super Bowls and the Cricket World Cup. His global experience announcing international soccer and cricket competitions includes coverage duties for BBC Sport in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan and the Caribbean. White’s distinguished voice and personality have been showcased on the award-winning show Ted Lasso, where he serves as the voice of the popular fictional club AFC Richmond.

Experienced and versatile golf broadcaster Jerry Foltz will serve as an analyst and color commentator from the LIV Golf booth. Foltz, who played professionally for over 15 years, has spent more than two decades as an analyst, play-by-play host, studio host, instructional series host and on-course reporter for networks including the Golf Channel/NBC Sports. Over the last 13 years, Foltz has been an on-course reporter for various tours, with a focus as a leading voice for the LPGA Tour. In London, the three-person booth will be completed with Dom Boulet, a former player on the Asian Tour who is widely known throughout Asia as the voice of golf. Boulet has served as a broadcaster of golf’s major championships and has helped expand coverage of marquee global golf events in international markets including the Eurasia Cup, CIMB Classic and CJ Cup.

Su-Ann Heng, a former No. 1 ranked golfer of her native Singapore and six-time member of the Singapore Ladies National Team, will lead on-course commentating. An experienced golf analyst with networks including FOX Sports Asia, she has covered women’s major championships and hosted marquee global events for more than seven years. The bilingual Heng has served as a contributor for Women’s Golf Magazine and has established herself as an accomplished athlete and influential voice on the global golf scene.

The multi-talented Troy Mullins will serve as an on-course reporter and social influencer for LIV Golf. The former Women’s Long Drive Record Holder (402 yards) and a regular contributor on the Golf Channel, Mullins brings her unique and engaging storytelling skills to LIV Golf’s courses. A standout heptathlete at Cornell University where she majored in China Asia Pacific Studies, she will carry on her role as a global golf ambassador through entertaining reporting and content development that will showcase the players and personalities featured throughout the LIV Golf Invitational Series.

Staeger has assembled an award-winning team of producers responsible for some of the most renowned broadcast creations in the sports and entertainment industry to lead LIV Golf’s in-house production team. David Hill, former Chairman of FOX Sports who has spearheaded some of the world’s biggest networks, television programs and production innovations, serves as LIV Golf’s Production Consultant. Senior Vice President of Global Production is James Watson, who has produced worldwide championships including the Australian Open Golf, Australian Open Tennis and ICC Cricket World Cups. Steve Beim, a nine-time Emmy award winner and one of the premiere directors in sports broadcasting serves as Live Event Coverage Director and Executive Producer. Beim holds more than three decades of credits directing global events including the Olympics, Indianapolis 500, Super Bowl coverage, the U.S. Open on FOX and all six versions of The Match for Turner Sports. LIV Golf’s Creative Director is Will Newell, a live event specialist who has delivered promotional and on-air assets for the Olympics and major sports leagues throughout the world. Executive Producer of Non-Live, Social, Short Form and Pre-Show Content is multi-Emmy award winning producer and documentarian Michael Mandt. And veteran FOX Sports executive Clark Pierce serves as Head of Innovation and Production Partnerships. The LIV Golf original music theme, to be unveiled with LIV Golf’s inaugural broadcast, was composed and produced by Scott Schreer, NJJ Music, composer and producer of the popular NFL on FOX theme.

AS Roma And Fendi Agree Landmark Partnership

AS Roma are delighted to announce a new two-year partnership with iconic Italian fashion brand FENDI, an agreement that brings two Rome institutions together for the first time.

The world-renowned fashion house, based in the Italian capital, will provide an official wardrobe for the Giallorossi first-team players for both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, to be worn as the team travel to compete in both Italian and European competitions over the coming campaigns.

“This partnership is another step from the Club towards international excellence, while maintaining a unique sense of Roman heritage,” said Pietro Berardi, CEO of AS Roma.

“What FENDI and AS Roma represent together for the city of Rome, its history and traditions, speaks for itself – and was the main driver of the unique partnership we have created.”

Serge Brunschwig, Chairman and CEO of FENDI, added: “This unprecedented partnership between FENDI and AS Roma originated from the common values and origins we share, celebrating the city of Rome and two firms that were founded here, one shortly after the other; FENDI in 1925 and AS Roma in 1927.”

FENDI’s Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear, Silvia Venturini Fendi, has designed a range of formal and casual looks for the players that meet the renowned FENDI codes of tradition and innovation, all created with an attentive eye to craftsmanship.

The palette and fil rouge of the collection is dark blue, symbolic of elegance and sophistication, accented with the iconic yellow and red colours of both AS Roma and its city.

The materials are all of the highest quality and are all Made in Italy.

“The idea within this collaboration is to reinterpret FENDI’s and AS Roma’s codes and values creating a meeting point between the sports and fashion world through a common denominator, Roman roots and a strong link to the Eternal City,” Venturini Fendi added.

The FENDI looks will be presented at the beginning of the 2022-2023 Italian season, with an official launch scheduled for the end of August 2022.

Watford Football Club And ClearVUE Announce Partnership

Watford Football Club is delighted to announce a long-term partnership with leading global energy management and net zero consultancy ClearVUE in a strong collaboration to support the Hornets’ ambition to achieve net zero.

The club aims to be a leader in the drive to decarbonise and improve sustainability standards within the football industry, which is why the selection of ClearVUE – an innovative energy management and net zero consultancy, part of international B2B energy consultancy, Global Procurement Group (GPG) – makes perfect sense with the eyes of the world focused on sustainability.

GPG has consistently grown its global operations to over 800 people today, with offices across three continents in Gateshead (HQ), Newcastle, Leeds, France, Malta, India and the USA.

The agreement comprises of net zero consultancy, awareness training and support on government legislation, as well as the installation of ClearVUE’s energy management systems at the club’s Vicarage Road Stadium and London Colney Training Ground.

These systems will provide Watford with insightful data which will inform on where, when and how energy is being used. This data allows the Hornets to put in place carbon reduction strategies. Reducing energy use will lead to a reduction in carbon emissions and associated costs – something Watford FC is completely committed to.

Watford FC’s Head of Procurement and Sustainability, Tarang Panchal, said: “We have the vision, the passion, and commitment to pursue net zero and play our part in reversing the climate emergency. But we realise the road to net zero, without a knowledgeable partner, would be an insurmountable task.

“It’s been hard to find a partner that not only aligns with our sustainability and net zero ambitions, but also has the expertise and knowledge to guide us on the net zero journey. We can’t stress enough the importance of finding the right partner, but with ClearVUE, we are confident we have the right partner to help us drive towards our longer-term objectives.”

Dan Smith, Director of Energy Services at ClearVUE, said: “At ClearVUE our ambition is to mitigate the damage businesses inflict on our climate – and ultimately reduce their carbon emissions to preserve our planet and create a more sustainable future. Our mission is to provoke and inspire change for the better by enabling businesses – through our technology – to understand how their operations and behaviour affect the climate.

“By enabling businesses to understand exactly how, where, and when they are emitting carbon, they can begin to address their impact on our planet.”

Paul O’Brien, Watford FC’s Commercial Director, concluded: “We are very excited to embark on this journey over the next decade and get Watford FC to net zero. This is a family club at the heart of the community and always has been. Our hope is that one day when people look back at history, it is our generation they will credit for pioneering the transformation towards a greener, cleaner and more sustainable planet.

“We firmly believe that our partnership with ClearVUE will allow us to do our part in tackling the climate crisis, leaving the world a better place for future generations to come.”

Spark Sport Granted Exclusive Live TV And Digital Rights To US Open In New Zealand Through 2024

Spark Sport is now the exclusive home for the US Open in New Zeland: It has been granted the country’s exclusive live television and digital rights to the Grand Slam tournament through 2024.

The three-year deal, announced Thursday, begins at the 2022 US Open; the tournament will be available live and on-demand on Spark Sport from the start of the US Open Qualifying Tournament on Aug. 24. It also comes as Spark Sport positions itself to become the epicenter of world-class tennis in New Zealand, having also renewed its WTA rights through 2024.

“It’s the perfect time to partner with Spark Sport in New Zealand, as they continue to grow and prioritize their tennis coverage within an ever-expanding live sports portfolio,” said Lew Sherr, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, USTA. “We’re excited for the next three years and are looking forward to Spark delivering a high level of US Open coverage to the great fans in New Zealand.”

Head of Spark Sport, Jeff Latch adds: “Our goal is to bring Kiwis more of the sport they love, and we know we have a lot of tennis-mad fans in Aotearoa. Our subscribers will now have access to the US Open, a tournament that has evolved into one of the most popular sports and entertainment spectacles around the globe, as well as WTA tournaments already available on the platform. August 2022 will be our first time bringing this global showpiece to the local market and we hope subscribers will take advantage of our exclusive coverage of the tournament.”

The main draw of the 2022 US Open will take place from Aug. 29 through Sept. 11 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y.