Scuderia AlphaTauri Partners With RapidAPI To Improve Performance And Digital Integration

Scuderia AlphaTauri announces a major multi-year partnership with RapidAPI, provider of the world’s largest API Hub. RapidAPI offers an API platform that enables developers and enterprises to find, connect to, and manage APIs across multiple cloud environments. Millions of developers utilize RapidAPI to connect to tens of thousands of APIs using a single account, helping to power modern software development by improving data sharing and collaboration between multiple environments. The Scuderia AlphaTauri will utilize RapidAPI to improve in-house software applications and ultimately, performance on the track.

Franz Tost, Team Principal of Scuderia AlphaTauri, commented: “We are excited to start this partnership with RapidAPI to showcase how their technology is supporting our team to compete at the highest level of motorsport. No other sport is as reliant on information technology as Formula 1 and achieving the maximum performance requires a combination of human effort and state-of-the-art technology. Iddo shares the same ambition as we do, and I am looking forward to this long-term partnership.”

In a sport where every millisecond and data insight can impact the outcome of the race, RapidAPI enables AlphaTauri to collaborate more efficiently and continually drive performance improvements on the car for every race. In short, RapidAPI enables AlphaTauri:

  • A standardized and centralized hub: RapidAPI Enterprise Hub provides all teams visibility and enables collaboration across all APIs.
  • Faster time-to-market. While some development is long-term projects, many are agile that need to be completed within hours or days. The faster developers can find and deploy code, the better the car performance will be.
  • Maintenance and cost of management. With proper management and visibility into custom APIs, RapidAPI’s platform can save the team management and maintenance costs.

“Scuderia AlphaTauri and RapidAPI have a shared commitment to ensuring that the team is always at the front of the pack by optimizing the relationship between the data and the many teams and partners working behind the scenes on every aspect of the race,” said Iddo Gino, founder and CEO of RapidAPI. “As innovation partners, we are solving the data and integration challenges that have existed across the sport, making Formula 1 a truly API-driven industry. We look forward to collaborating with the team to continue to improve performance and excellence across every aspect of the Formula 1 experience.”

Raffaele Boschetti, Scuderia AlphaTauri Head of IT, commented: “Nowadays, F1 car performance is influenced by the ability to exploit advanced technologies and innovation. We design, simulate and set up the car using different software, many of which are bespoke applications developed over the years using in-house code. With its centralized, Cloud-based API platform and expertise, RapidAPI will play an important role in improving team performance. They will allow us to speed up our development process while having top-quality software available at the track to support our engineers and gain an important competitive edge. We are very pleased to welcome RapidAPI as an important technical partner.”

ELEVEN Secures Belgian Jupiler Pro League Rights In Poland

ELEVEN has secured live and exclusive rights to the Belgian Jupiler Pro League in Poland. ‍Coverage got underway last weekend and will run until the end of the 2024/25 season. ‍

In addition to Belgian’s top-flight league, ELEVEN Poland will be bringing audiences all the action from Belgian cup competitions the Croky Cup and the Pro League Super Cup. ‍

ELEVEN is already the domestic home of the Pro League in Belgium. ELEVEN Belgium delivers a comprehensive package of men’s and women’s football to local fans and has secured 100% distribution for the Belgian game for the first time.‍‍ The ELEVEN Group also holds the international rights to the Pro League in Portugal and Italy.

‍‍Krzysztof Świergiel, ELEVEN Poland MD, said: “The Pro League is a fantastic competition and home to some of the most exciting young talents in football. It will be a great addition to our portfolio of live sport and further strengthens ELEVEN’s partnership with the Belgian game.” ‍

ELEVEN Poland’s portfolio of live football also includes Serie A, LaLiga Santander, Ligue 1 Uber Eats, Liga Portugal and the Emirates FA Cup. From next season ELEVEN Poland will also have the rights to the DFB-Pokal German Cup.

WTA And ATP Team Up To Launch Joint Mobile App

The ATP and WTA have joined forces to launch ATP WTA Live, an all-in-one mobile app for the modern tennis fan. It marks the latest in a series of strategic collaborations to unify the fan experience and storytelling across the Tours.

Available from today, ATP WTA Live brings tennis fans closer to the game than ever before, featuring real-time updates, scores and stats, and behind-the-scenes content from across the ATP and WTA universe.

The new app enables fans to keep up with official scores and results across the men’s and women’s tours, all in one place. Fully customizable notifications will allow fans to tailor their experience around their favorite players, providing up-to-the-minute breaking news, results, and movements in the official rankings. Plus, an integrated library of the latest and greatest behind-the-scenes content will mean fans won’t miss a beat of what’s going on beyond the court.

The app’s launch comes at a time of high demand for a unified fan experience, with a growing contingent of tennis fans signaling their support for both tours. It follows a series of collaborations between the ATP and WTA to align storytelling across the sport, including Tennis United, the hit digital show launched in 2020, and integration of both Tours’ brand and marketing teams.

The focus on delivering a premium mobile-first experience reflects an acceleration towards on-the-go consumption of tennis, with over 60% of web traffic on ATP and WTA channels coming from mobile users, a figure that has more than doubled over the last decade. From today, ATP WTA Live will officially replace both Tours’ existing apps.

“The ATP Tour and Hologic WTA Tour are part of the same season-long narrative and share many of the same events. ATP WTA Live has been launched to make it easier for fans to follow the story of both Tours in one app”, said Dan Ginger, SVP Brand and Marketing, ATP & WTA. “Our broader ambition is to make tennis a more unified, consistent, premium product that serves the modern tennis fan. Launching ATP WTA Live today is a significant step in that journey.”

ATP World No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas said, “As players, we know how passionate tennis fans are about both tours. I think it’s really powerful when our sport can come together to tell its story. It’s great to offer fans another window into our shared world through the new joint app.”

WTA World No.3 Paula Badosa said, “Similar to our fans all over the world, we as professional athletes are often on the go. This new joint app will help all of us keep up with the latest tennis news and scores in a much easier way. I’m excited to share this with the fans so they can follow all the action throughout the season.”

San Diego Padres Announce Motorola As First Official Jersey Patch Sponsor In MLB History

The San Diego Padres, in conjunction with Motorola, today announced that the Chicago-based telecommunications giant will serve as the official jersey patch partner of the organization beginning with the 2023 Major League Baseball regular season. A patch of the iconic Motorola “batwing” logo will be woven into the shoulder of the different versions of the Padres uniform. The jersey patch partnership, which was unveiled today through a video featuring third baseman Manny Machado and pitcher Blake Snell, is the first of its kind across all 30 Major League Baseball clubs.

In addition to becoming the official jersey patch partner of the Padres, Motorola will serve as the presenting partner of the Padres Hall of Fame, including all-new interactive technology displays and product integration throughout the exhibit. Additionally, Motorola is prominently featured on signage in left field and in various locations throughout Petco Park.

“Motorola and the Padres share a commitment and passion towards creating meaningful consumer experiences,” said Rudi Kalil, VP and general manager, North America at Motorola. “Being woven into the San Diego Padres jersey is an exciting and pivotal moment for the Motorola brand and our innovative product line, and we’re thrilled to connect with Padres and worldwide baseball fans through this first-of-its-kind MLB partnership.”

“We are thrilled to partner with a quintessential and innovative brand like Motorola to bring cutting-edge technology, design, and performance to Petco Park,” said Padres CEO Erik Greupner. “Motorola’s iconic logo on our jersey is a perfect alignment with our Padres brand, and we look forward to teaming up to provide a great experience for our fans.”

Effective immediately, Motorola will also serve as the Official Smartphone Partner of the San Diego Padres and play a key role as Sponsor of the Padres annual Back to School shopping event providing school supplies and clothing to underserved youths in the area.

Peroni Nastro Azzuro Announced As Official Beer Of Ascot Racecourse And Royal Ascot

Premium Italian beer brand, Peroni Nastro Azzurro today announces a landmark sponsorship with Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire. The agreement will see the popular Italian beer become ‘The Official Beer of Ascot Racecourse’ reinforcing the brand’s premium heritage at the home of some of the most prestigious race meetings in horse racing.

To celebrate this five-year sponsorship Peroni Nastro Azzurro have teamed up with three-time Champion Jockey, Frankie Dettori, who has ridden the winners of more than 500 Group races. The Champion Italian Jockey has been featured in a piece of art created by award-winning artist and art director, Clym Evernden, in one of his signature ink-based designs. The artwork vividly captures a day at Royal Ascot, showcasing the passion, style, glamour, and top-class horse racing that make this event the jewel in the crown of British racing. 

Commenting on the experience, Frankie Dettori said: “I have so many great memories over the years racing at Royal Ascot where I have built a fantastic connection with the fans. Royal Ascot and Peroni Nastro Azzurro embody passion and style, so It’s been a lot of fun working with Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Clym on bringing a touch of Italy to a landmark of the British summer. Hopefully lots of fans can take the time in between the racing to go and see the piece of art inside the House of Peroni at Royal Ascot this summer”

The artwork will take centre stage during the iconic Royal Ascot meet in June where racegoers will have the opportunity to take a break from the action-packed day and relax in the House of Peroni, located in the Village Enclosure situated in the centre of the race track. The House of Peroni will pay tribute to the brands Italian heritage with a Mediterranean-inspired Aperitivo Bar which will proudly display Clym Evernden’s Royal Ascot artwork, further elevating the experience of those in attendance.

Renowned artist, Clym Evernden said: “Royal Ascot is such a huge part of the British summer. It’s been fun delving into what makes it such a special event for so many while adding a touch of Italian style. It’s been a pleasure working on this project with one of the all-time sporting greats. Frankie is one of those athletes that transcends his sport with his infectious character and charisma which I have looked to capture in this piece.”

In addition to the Apertivo Bar, Peroni Nastro Azzurro will also be poured at Royal Ascot restaurants and bars and will be listed on private box menus and as part of the package within the Parade Ring Restaurant for the duration of Royal Ascot.

Tim Clay, Asahi UK, Managing Director said:

“Over the past 300 years, Ascot Racecourse has established itself as one of the most prominent sporting venues in the world, with Royal Ascot becoming a centrepiece of the British social calendar and the ultimate stage for some of the best racehorses in the world. Ascot and Peroni Nastro Azzurro both have a rich history behind them and a very bright future ahead in their respective fields. We’re delighted to be embarking on this sponsorship journey together, and excited in helping to create memorable moments for fans of live racing at Ascot this summer and beyond.”

Felicity Barnard, Ascot Racecourse, Commercial Director said: 

“We are thrilled to welcome Peroni Nastro Azzurro to the Ascot and Royal Ascot family. This sponsorship is another boost to the return of spectators inside sporting venues, and we look forward to many people enjoying a Peroni Nastro Azzurro. We hope to create a long-standing legacy together that will have passion at its very heart.”

As well as Peroni Nastro Azzurro, racegoers will be able to experience other premium beers from the Asahi portfolio including, Asahi Super Dry, Grolsch, Cornish Orchards Gold Cider, Meantime and Fuller’s London Pride.

The drama of Royal Ascot returns on Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th June, promising to be one of the social occasions of the Summer.

The UCI And Tissot Extend Their Partnership

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Tissot are delighted to announce that they have agreed to extend their long-term partnership, which began in 1995.

A highly committed supporter of track cycling, a discipline in which reliability and innovation are very much to the fore, Tissot is the Title Sponsor of the UCI Track World Championships and the UCI Track Nations Cup, and the Presenting Sponsor of the legendary UCI Hour Record.

Tissot’s commitment to cycling extends to all its disciplines, however, as shown by its status as the Federation’s Official Timekeeper and as an Official Partner of the UCI Road World Championships, the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, the UCI BMX Racing World Championships and the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships (which comprise the UCI BMX Freestyle and Trials World Championships).

The Swiss watchmaker is also a Main Partner of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland (Great Britain). The event will be the first to bring all the UCI World Championships in cycling’s various disciplines together across an 11-day period in the same region. More than just a sporting event showcasing elite performance better than ever before, the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds will also celebrate the values of cycling shared by Tissot.

In 2017, Tissot became the UCI’s first World Cycling Partner, a status that reflects its long-standing commitment to cycling as a whole, to both its classic and its newest disciplines.

The partnership between the UCI and Tissot also encompasses the Federation’s Solidarity Programme, through which Tissot is committed to working with the UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC) by supplying a cutting-edge timing system. Together they are looking into projects that support watchmaking-industry training and apprenticeship initiatives.

UCI President David Lappartient said:

“I am delighted with the continuation of our long-term partnership with Tissot and I look forward to its ongoing development. The UCI and Tissot share a genuine attachment to tradition and history and a belief in the essential need to keep on innovating and offering quality products that appeal to the expectations and tastes of the public and meet its needs. We are proud that a prestigious brand belonging to the world’s biggest watchmaker group has lent its image to cycling. It gives us great pleasure to think that this relationship has benefitted both parties for more than a quarter of a century now.”

Tissot CEO Sylvain Dolla said:

“We are very proud to strengthen our partnership with the UCI and to provide it with state-of-the-art timekeeping that meets the standards of its events and riders, who encapsulate passion, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence. These values are dear to Tissot and reflect what the brand is all about. The dedication of these athletes is worthy of the greatest precision and provides the ideal platform for demonstrating our expertise in this area. Cycling is now part of Tissot’s DNA and a source of inspiration in the creation of quality watches that not only tell the time but also conjure up memories and emotions.”

Buffalo Bills And Legends Announce Expansive Partnerships For New Bills Stadium

Legends to Lead Planning, Project Management, Sales and Partnerships for New Stadium

The Buffalo Bills and Legends announced today an expansive partnership for the data-intelligence fueled global premium experiences company to lead planning, project management, sales and partnerships for the new Bills stadium project. The Bills recently secured a signed Memorandum of Understanding with New York State and received NFL approval for G-4 funding, significant steps towards final approval of the stadium.

Legends has been involved in the Bills new stadium project for the past year, working closely with the team and Pegula Sports & Entertainment on the feasibility study for the project and more recently, conducting valuable initial focus groups and surveys to help inform stadium design and sales. In addition to its work on the new stadium project, Legends currently handles e-commerce for the Bills.

“As we continue toward our goal of constructing a new stadium for our team, our fans and the Western New York community, having the right partners in place is critical to our success,” said Ron Raccuia, Bills executive vice president. “As we have seen in recent years at SoFi Stadium and Allegiant Stadium, the team at Legends brings an incredible level of expertise, success and understanding around NFL stadium development as well as sales and partnerships. We are proud to partner and get to work with them on our new stadium project.”

“Legends is proud to partner with the Buffalo Bills and Pegula Sports & Entertainment to apply our data-intelligence fueled 360-degree service solution to bring their fans a new, modern stadium that will dramatically enhance the game day experience,” said Shervin Mirhashemi, CEO, Legends. “Our seasoned execution team will apply their vast experience and institutional knowledge working with NFL teams on project development, sales campaigns, PSL programs, naming rights and founding partner engagements to deliver a stadium that is unique to Buffalo.”

Legends has provided its holistic solution powered by data and analytics to a number of high-profile stadium and venue projects that have opened in the past few years. Most recently, Legends provided planning, project management, sales and partnerships, including naming rights, for the Los Angeles Rams’ and Chargers’ SoFi Stadium, the Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, Hollywood Park’s YouTube Theater, Los Angeles Football Club’s Banc of California Stadium and the Columbus Crew’s Lower.com Field.

BUCS Announces BT As Headline Partner Of Outdoor Athletics

BUCS is delighted to announce a new partnership with global telecommunications company BT, which will see them headline one of BUCS’ largest student events and provide global career opportunities to talented student athletes.

Back after two years, the three-day event held in Chelmsford at the end of April will bring together over 1,500 students from universities across the UK to compete at the highest level in both track and field events.

The event is well respected in the athletics world for producing athletes who have gone on to shine on the world stage. Multiple BUCS champion Holly Bradshaw became the first ever British pole vault Olympic medallist, BUCS alumni Laura Muir won silver in the 1500m at Tokyo 2020, and the events have also featured the likes of Adam Gemili and Emily Campbell.

The backing from BT will help BUCS continue to raise the profile of the important pathway the event creates for elite athletes, and showcase BT as a valuable employer for graduate opportunities to the rest of the athletics community.

Duncan Jones, Chief Operating Officer at BUCS commented on the partnership: “I’m delighted to see such an internationally recognised brand as BT become our latest partner. The Outdoor Athletics Championships is always a memorable event in our calendar, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will bring.

Following the interruption caused by COVID-19, this season has demonstrated the role sport plays in shaping the diverse skills and abilities of student athletes is as important as ever. It’s great to see BT recognise their potential and offer valuable early career opportunities.”

Paul Sobers, Head of Early Careers at BT said: “BT is thrilled to be partnering with British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) and to become the headline partner of the 2022 Outdoor Athletics Championships. We have seen how the skills student athletes gain through their involvement in university sport enhances their employability, and BT is excited to be supporting these talented student leaders in their future career paths.”

Macklemore And Marshawn Lynch Become Minority Owners Of The NHL’s Seattle Kraken

Grammy-winning rapper Macklemore and retired Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch have become minority owners of the Seattle Kraken.

Macklemore and Lynch attended the Kraken’s 4-2 win against the Ottawa Senators at Climate Pledge Arena on Monday to celebrate joining the ownership group and Macklemore said he plans to attend a lot more games going forward.

“I am a Seattle sports fan through and through, have been my entire life,” Macklemore said. “I think that sports define a city. They bring people together. It gives us one common purpose to root for. It’s really the spirit of the city in so many ways, and to be a part of that new era that is the Kraken, that is the NHL in Seattle, that is the new arena, to do that was a no-brainer in terms of the opportunity. It’s just something that I can’t really even put into words. 

“It’s a big moment for myself, for Marshawn — we’re both super pumped to be involved — for my family and for the future.”

Macklemore and Lynch join the Kraken Investor Group led by David Bonderman, founder and majority owner, and Samantha Holloway, chairperson of the Kraken’s executive committee. In their new roles with the first-year NHL expansion team, Macklemore and Lynch are expected to lead Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena initiatives to connect with hockey fans, music lovers and community members.

“We are fortunate to have an incredibly strong investor group, which has guided the franchise over the last four years,” Holloway said. “We are now adding two hometown heroes who share our values and desires, to give back to this great city and continue to make hockey a sport for everyone.”

Macklemore, whose given name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, is a Seattle native who cofounded The Residency, a hip hop and youth development program creating prominent opportunities for aspiring young artists in the region and a long-time supporter of the community and arts. He will work with the Kraken and arena to produce music events to serve the community.

“We have a really cool opportunity with Climate Pledge because it’s not just sports,” Macklemore said. “We have an arena that puts on some of the best concerts in the world, a state-of-the-art sound system, everything is brand new. It sounds amazing. I’ve been to a couple shows. So there’s that side of it, but there’s also what type of activation can we do while there are sporting events, and I think that the Kraken have done a great job of imagining local musicians in this space and giving folks a platform that they normally wouldn’t have to be able to perform in different pockets of the arena while sporting events are going on.”

Lynch played seven of his 12 NFL seasons for the Seahawks and helped them win their first championship in 2014 when they defeated the Denver Broncos 43-8 at Super Bowl XLVIII. In retirement, Lynch remains connected to Seattle and his hometown of Oakland, California, helping underprivileged youth with his Fam 1st Family Foundation.

Lynch also was a guest announcer at the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft, when the Kraken announced their first 30 players. As a minority investor, he plans to be active in Seattle’s “Hockey is For Everyone” campaign and work with the team to plan events focused on young people and community activism.

“On God, I’ve been a part of a lot of things, but this is something I never would have imagined,” Lynch said. “As a young hyena, I always dreamed of playing on a professional team but owning one is something special. As I look back on some of my accomplishments — I retired before I was 30 and now being an owner of a professional club at the age of 35 — I’m [going to] continue to count my blessings. Being a part of the Seattle Kraken is something big for me.

“It gives me another chance to get a ring after helping bring the first NFL one to the city. And if you thought I was goin’ somewhere, nah Seattle, I’m here! Stand up!!!!”

Macklemore said he didn’t follow hockey when he was growing up because Seattle didn’t have an NHL team. A trip to watch his nephew play a youth game in Florida opened his eyes to the excitement of the game.

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“Within a couple minutes, I was, like, up against the glass screaming, completely into it and I was like, ‘OK, I get hockey now,'” Macklemore said. “I didn’t get it before just watching it on TV. To see live and in person, the speed and just the intensity and the aggression overall, really drew me in. So the minute it was announced that we were getting a team in Seattle, I was like, ‘OK, this is going to be something that I’m going to get into.'” 

Macklemore said he began talking with Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke and his brother Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oak View Group, which renovated Climate Pledge Arena, about potentially joining the ownership group before the expansion draft last July 21. Lynch became involved within the past six months.

“There was a lot of hurdles and hoops to get through, and Tod and Tim Leiweke were really instrumental in me becoming a part of this group and wanting to bring me on board,” Macklemore said. “As a you can imagine, there’s a lot of bureaucracy behind the scenes, stuff that has to get taken care of. So a shoutout to them, a shoutout to my whole team that made it happen.”

In a video posted on the Kraken’s Twitter account Monday, Macklemore suited up in full hockey equipment, including a Kraken practice jersey, to work on his skating and shooting while Lynch took a turn driving the Zamboni at Kraken Community Iceplex. Macklemore said he has skated three times in his life.

“But I will say that for that video, I didn’t want to get off the ice,” he said. “I had a great time. I was like, ‘Oh, I get this.’ So we’ll see. I really liked it. I definitely want to go back out there.”

Don’t expect to see Lynch skating with him, though. “He’s more of a Zamboni guy,” Macklemore said.

eSkootr Championship Races To Be Shown Live On The BBC

The eSkootr Championship™ (eSC) has announced that coverage of the 2022 season will be shown live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport digital platforms.

Starting on 13-14 May at Printworks London, fans who miss out on a ticket will be able to get a first look at this brand-new sport on the BBC’s iPlayer and BBC Sport platforms. The BBC will broadcast live coverage of the Saturday evening final, with expert presentation and commentary introducing viewers to the riders and the Championship.

Following the eSC London event, the BBC will also provide live coverage of the racing action from the additional five rounds on the 2022 calendar, in the Swiss city of Sion, and in France, Spain, Italy and the US. The specially designed tracks, short format, and high-speed racing will make for exhilarating television viewing, with creative camera angles, production techniques and second screen experience providing viewers with a unique sports broadcast.

The BBC will use eSC’s own programme, created by Canadian production company Boombox, which includes pre-race build-up, live race commentary and post-race interviews, highlights and analysis.

Sharon Fuller, eSkootr Championship™ Chief Content Officer, commented: 

“We can’t wait to give fans their first taste of eSC and introduce them to our new form of racing. We want the Championship to be accessible and working with the BBC will ensure the widest possible audience has the opportunity to see the sport. It is going to be fast, competitive and unpredictable, with innovative TV production taking viewers right into the heart of the action.

“The BBC will broadcast coverage from our first event in May at London Printworks right through the season, on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport platforms. As well as the racing, the programme will introduce viewers to eSC, guide them through its format, and provide expert insight and analysis on the action.”