Wefox Joins AC Milan As New Premium Partner And First-Ever Back Of Shirt Partner

AC Milan is delighted to announce a new partnership with wefox, which sees the leading European insurtech become the Club’s Official Insurance Partner and its first-ever Official Back-of-Shirt Partner, joining the Rossoneri’s roster of Premium Partners.

As part of the agreement – and a first historic time for AC Milan – the wefox logo will feature on the back of the men’s team playing kit, starting from the Serie A clash between AC Milan and Udinese on Friday 25 th Feb. 2022. An important moment that underlines the appeal of the Rossoneri: an icon in sports and beyond with over 500 million passionate fans across the globe. The wefox logo will then be visible in all Serie A and Coppa Italia games as well as in all friendlies.

Through the partnership with AC Milan, wefox is now officially expanding to Italy, launching its innovative insurance products in the market in March. The partnership represents the union of two industry leaders, game changers in their respective sectors, outlining a vision of the future based on shared values, such as innovation, integrity and inclusion.

Matteo Bevilacqua (CEO wefox Italy), Casper Stylsvig (Chief Revenue Officer AC Milan), Ivan Gazidis (CEO AC Milan), Massimo Signorelli (Director of Affinity Special Project Office wefox Italy), Julian Teicke (CEO & Founder wefox), Tomaso Mansutti (AD wefox Italy & Head of International Partnerships), Alessandro Mansutti (CEO MACH1 & wefox Italy)

Since its launch in 2015, wefox has in fact disrupted the insurance industry through the deployment of technology, making insurance accessible to anyone. wefox customers are able to manage insurance products and services in an intelligent and efficient way, and with complete confidence that their data is secure.

The same innovative drive has always been in AC Milan’s DNA: a Club with a legendary heritage, which has developed a strong process of modernization and digitization, to continue to involve millions of fans around the world, sharing the positive values ​​and emotions of sport.

Julian Teicke, Founder and CEO at wefox commented: “As a football fan, it is incredibly exciting to be here today with the AC Milan team. From today we’ve not only got the backs of the AC Milan players but together, we’ve got the backs of the millions of AC Milan fans around the world. We’ll help to keep the players and fans safe – whether they are playing out on the field or buying a motor insurance. We will provide them with insurance that is simple, easy and fit for purpose.

It’s a great honour to stand here, shoulder to shoulder with AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis and Chief Revenue Officer Casper Stylsvig and we are looking forward to great success for everyone over the years ahead”.

AC Milan Chief Revenue Officer Casper Stylsvig said: “We are delighted to welcome wefox into our exclusive family of Premium Partners. Having the wefox logo incorporated into our iconic red and black jersey gives us great pride. While the logo on our shirt will certainly be the most tangible aspect of this partnership, we want this moment to be the beginning of an exciting journey for both brands and our fans across the globe.”

New International Padel Federation Launches Official Tour

Just two weeks after its official launch, The International Padel Federation (FIP), the governing body of padel, has today revealed the first details of the new Official tour.

In the first of a series of announcements planned over the coming days, FIP has today confirmed officially that at least ten (10) new tournaments will be held this year – including four category 1 events – with the first category 1 event confirmed to take place in Doha, Qatar on 28 March to 2 April.

The three other category 1 events will be announced shortly, following frenzied interest from major cities – in Europe and around the world – to host the new tournaments, after the Official tour launched last month. The prize money for each category 1 event has been disclosed as €525,000 for each tournament.

The 10 new FIP official tournaments in 2022 – which have immediate ranking points – are in addition to the 120 scheduled tournaments that are already part of the FIP calendar, spanning over 40 countries worldwide.

Doha was the spectacular host city of the World Padel Championship in November last year, in what was widely regarded as the most dazzling and successful padel tournament ever, with the state-of-the-art facilities, the overall professionalism of tournament and the keen focus on player welfare being unparalleled in padel. Over recent times, Doha has become the leading destination for major sports events, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the World Athletic Championships, annual ATP and WTA tennis tournaments and, later this year, the FIFA World Cup 2022.

FIP has also announced today the ranking points system that will govern the new Official tour. The ranking points system will comprise: 2000 points attributed to the winning pair of category 1 events; 1000 points for category 2 events; 500 points for category 3 events; and then relevant points laddering down the existing CUPRA FIP Tour.

The new tour ranking system is available here: see attached document

 Over the coming days, FIP is also expected to announce a major new international broadcaster partner, which will elevate the sport of padel to never-seen-before levels in various key international markets. Significant news is also expected on the launch of the Official tour’s new name, logo and other brand identities, which have been advised upon by some of the world’s top creative consultants.

This new chapter for padel under the leadership of FIP sees the professionalization and globalisation of the sport fully supported by the world’s leading players, represented by the Professional Players Association (PPA); and a new global strategic partnership with QSI. QSI is the investment group behind several world-leading sports brands and businesses, and will provide unparalleled expertise and business acumen in developing sports and brands on the global stage.

Importantly, the new tour is the only Official tour in padel, being under the governance and regulation of FIP, having the benefit of FIP’s Official player ranking system, and falling within the auspices of the wider international sports community including the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Uniquely from a governance perspective, under FIP’s Official tour, player representatives sit on various committees directly helping to shape the future of their game.

Luigi Carraro, President of the International Padel Federation (FIP), said:

“The reaction we have received since the new Official tour launched, only two weeks ago, is absolutely astonishing. From host cities to international broadcasters to major sponsors and other commercial partners – including some of the biggest brands and names in sport. We are delighted to open the Official new tour in Doha on 28 March, in what will be the greatest tournament ever hosted in padel. We’re also delighted to reveal the prize money for category 1 tournaments, together with our new ranking points system. Never ever have we had such excitement around our sport, nor such a positive and professional future for our players.”

 The Board of Directors of the Professional Players Association (PPA), said:

“This announcement alone shows the seismic step-change that’s happening to padel under the new Official tour governed by the International Padel Federation. Major new tournaments, record prize money, a new ranking points system that gives opportunities to players of all rankings – these things were unimaginable a few months ago, now they’re a reality. Players are finally at the heart of padel’s future – and it’s incredibly exciting

Access Industries Injects $4.3bn Into DAZN Group To Help Organisation Continue Its Growth

  • DAZN Group announces recapitalization worth $4.3bn
  • Investment by Access Industries follows a strong year which saw DAZN broadcast an increasing number of tier-1 domestic rights in Europe
  • Investors’ confidence provides a firm foundation for DAZN to execute its sports destination strategy

DAZN Group (the “Group”), the leading global sports entertainment company, is pleased to announce that it has agreed new financing arrangements with Access Industries, its principal shareholder, that will allow the Group to maintain its strong commercial momentum.

During 2021, DAZN’s global sports streaming service became the primary broadcaster of Serie A in Italy, acquired rights to LaLiga in Spain, launched substantial coverage of Bundesliga in Germany, struck a five-year global boxing deal with Matchroom Boxing and a four-year global deal with UEFA Women’s Champions League. The Group’s revenues and subscriber numbers continue to grow strongly as the business expands its offering.

This strong progress paved the way for Access Industries to recapitalize the business in December 2021. As part of this recapitalization, Access Industries subscribed for $4.3 billion of new shares in the Group’s topco, DAZN Group Limited, converting existing preference shares and retiring shareholder loans.

This left the Group without borrowings at the end of 2021. Access has additionally subscribed for a further $250m of new shares post-recapitalization.

Kevin Mayer, Chairman of the Board, DAZN Group, said: “This backing by Access represents a strong vote of confidence in DAZN’s strategy, progress and future growth opportunities. We are also grateful for the continued support of Dentsu, our second largest shareholder. DAZN is leading the transformation of how fans engage with sport, has quickly become the world’s leading sports streaming broadcaster, and we are expecting another exciting year in 2022 as our platform diversifies into the true global destination for sports fans.”

This announcement comes on the heels of significant global momentum at DAZN including the recent win of domestic LaLiga rights in Spain, being named Apple TV App of the Year for 2021 and reaching a record-breaking number of fans across the world with its live sport and original programming. As 2022 continues, fans can expect an even deeper, more interactive experience with DAZN as the Group moves forward with recreational betting, gaming, e-commerce, NFTs and tech advances in the viewing experience.

Formula 1’s Texas Grand Prix To Remain At Circuit of The Americas For Five More Years

Circuit of The Americas is thrilled to announce a five-year extension with Formula 1.

As the highest-grossing weekend in Austin, the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix brings energy and undeniable buzz to the city that’s impossible to match.

The sport returned to the US in 2021, following a break due to the pandemic, to a huge reception with a record-breaking crowd in Austin that witnessed Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton battle it out. The first F1 race at COTA took place in 2012 with fans in attendance watching Lewis Hamilton take victory with McLaren.

Since then, the race has gone from strength to strength culminating in last year’s race with crowds nearly four times the number seen in 2012.

“The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix has become one of the biggest and greatest events in the world. We are extremely proud it has found a home in Texas – at Circuit of The Americas – and are grateful to the millions of fans who visited us over our first decade,” said Bobby Epstein, Founding Partner at Circuit of The Americas.

“We knew Austin, along with our neighbors in San Antonio and beyond, would be welcoming hosts – and they proved it!  Thanks to everyone in the Formula 1 community for supporting our endeavors and rewarding our hard work. We are glad to have renewed our commitments and look forward to many more years of World Championship racing, entertainment, and fun.”

“We are thrilled to be announcing the extension with the Circuit of The Americas ahead of the exciting new 2022 season. I want to thank the promoter for their ongoing dedication and enthusiasm for Formula 1 where together we are continuing to grow the excitement around our sport in the US following the huge success of Netflix, the work of ESPN, and the incredible season we had in 2021,” said Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.

“Austin is a great city, and the track is a favorite for all the drivers, and we cannot wait to be back in October for more action and entertainment.”

Extreme E Reveals First Hydrogen Off-Road Racing Championship

Extreme E plans to launch global hydrogen Championship in 2024 called Extreme H Extreme H will race in the same locations as Extreme E, on the same days with the same sporting format. Two categories, full transition or combined racing, are all options to integrate Hydrogen into the Competition. A hydrogen fuel cell will replace the battery as the Extreme H car’s principal energy source Green hydrogen sources will be used to power the Extreme H fuel cells Development for the Extreme H vehicle is already underway, with goals to have a prototype launched in early 2023. 

Extreme E, the motorsport for purpose, has revealed its plans to launch an off-road hydrogen Championship in 2024. Named Extreme H, it will sit alongside Extreme E, its existing electric racing series, and will be a world-first for motorsport.

Alejandro Agag, who was recently given Autosport 2022’s ‘Pioneering and Innovation Award’, announced the news ahead of Extreme E’s Season 2 opening race, the Desert X Prix, in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. He said:

“Extreme E was designed to be a testbed for innovation and solutions for mobility. It has become increasingly clear to us that creating a hydrogen racing series is a natural evolution of our mission to showcase the possibilities of new technologies in the race to fight climate issues.

“Together with the current Extreme E Teams we will decide in the coming months the best way to integrate the Hydrogen powered cars into the racing weekend. Two separate categories, full transition to Hydrogen or joint racing are all options on the table.

“Extreme E is an FIA International Series and our intention is to work closely again with the FIA and the Automobile Club de Monaco on the development of Extreme H. Sport is the fastest and most effective platform for driving innovation, and by using the existing Extreme E platform we can also utilise our transport, talent and operations to ensure we are minimising footprint in the process. This effectively means we can have double the race action, with marginal additional impact.”

The Extreme H car will retain the same powertrain and chassis used in Extreme E. The key differentiating factor in Extreme H will be that a hydrogen fuel cell will replace the battery as the principal energy source.

Green hydrogen sources will be used to power the Extreme H fuel cells, created using a combination of solar and water. This technology is already being used behind the scenes in Extreme E, where it provides the energy source to the vehicle’s batteries.

Alejandro added:

“It is fitting to launch the concept of Extreme H here in NEOM, a place with huge ambition around clean energy solutions, and the perfect example of a location which can and will become home to large-scale green hydrogen production and distribution.”

Peter Wadhams, Extreme E Scientific Committee member and Head of the Polar Ocean Physics Group in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge, added:

“It is exciting that the scope of Extreme E is now to be extended to encompass the renewable world of hydrogen power. At the COP-26 meeting in Glasgow last November there was a positive crowd of hydrogen vehicles, demonstrating the potential of this energy source, especially for larger vehicles. There was a bus, an ambulance, a JCB digger and several trucks. In amongst them was the McLaren Extreme-E electric car.

“I have seen hydrogen power in action in Orkney, where hydrogen is created in the outer islands using wind power, compressed and brought to Kirkwall by ferry, then used to power the Kirkwall fleet of public service vehicles. There are so many exciting possibilities of this kind which will be supported and energised by the publicity given to hydrogen vehicles by Extreme E.”

Jenson Button, Team Owner of the JBXE Extreme E team, said:

“For Extreme E to be evolving into Extreme H is incredibly exciting and a brilliant step forward in such a short space of time for the series. To see racing of this calibre powered by Hydrogen cells, which will allow for even more racing with less impact, is remarkable.”

Nasser Al-Attiyah, ABT Cupra XE driver, said:

“I think it’s a good idea to have a new Championship with hydrogen in close contact with Extreme E. I think it will be interesting to see how well the new event goes. I hope everybody will enjoy it and it will also be fascinating for the manufacturers. There has been some pressure for hydrogen to be a part of the motorsport world, and I think it is a good idea so we’ll see what we can do.”

Dan Bailey, CEO of Veloce Racing, said:

“Veloce always supports innovation, which is exactly why we got involved in Extreme E from the very start. Hydrogen is a key pillar for the future of the automotive industry. We’re excited and supportive of the future plans and look forward to seeing how it develops.”

Extreme E’s operations utilises various methods to keep its overall carbon footprint as low as possible. Examples include; using a refurbished ship for transporting the Championship’s freight and logistics equipment, including race cars and paddock; using remote broadcast and digital streaming; capping team personnel numbers; and using a combination of battery power and green hydrogen to power the paddock.

Development for the Extreme H vehicle is already underway, with goals to have a prototype launched in early 2023

Premier League Broadcast Rights Head Back To Sky New Zealand

Sky New Zealand is delighted to announce that it has secured the exclusive rights for the Premier League for the next six years, starting with the upcoming 2022/23 season.

The Premier League joins Sky’s strong international and domestic football line-up, including the A-Leagues featuring the Wellington Phoenix, a wide range of top-tier European club football, the FIFA World Cup later this year and the FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted in New Zealand and Australia next year.

Paul Molnar, Premier League Chief Media Officer, said: “The Premier League is pleased to announce our new partnership with Sky NZ. We are very happy that Sky NZ views the Premier League and our clubs as a vital part of their live sports offering. They will be an outstanding home for the Premier League and we look forward to working together to showcase the League to new and existing fans throughout New Zealand.” 

Sophie Moloney, Sky’s Chief Executive, said: “Securing the content that matters most to our customers is a key part of our strategy.  Our customers know that there is always great sport to watch on Sky, every month of the year, with the best of New Zealand and global competition.”

Football is the most watched sport in the world, and the Premier League is the most viewed league, attracting a global cumulative audience of 3.2 billion viewers.  In recent years football has grown exponentially in New Zealand, both in terms of participation (most popular team sport for 5–17 year olds) and fan interest.

Sophie Moloney added: “We are therefore delighted to have secured the Premier League for our customers, in a six-year deal that begins this August with the 2022/23 season.

“Those of our Sky Sport customers who are fanatical football fans have had to purchase a second service to watch the Premier League in recent years, and it’s great to now be able to offer them the Premier League as part of their wide range of sport and entertainment viewing options on Sky.

“And for those football fans who don’t currently have Sky, particularly those who like to stream their sport, Sky Sport Now will offer them all 380 live matches of the Premier League each year, along with access to our huge range of other great sport, with weekly and monthly passes.”

We look forward to sharing more details before the start of the season in August.

Sky Bet Launches Social Partnership With LADbible Group

Sky Bet have today announced that they have partnered with social publishing giant LADbible Group to become the category exclusive partners for their coverage of the Premier League and EFL for the rest of the football season.

Launching Saturday 12th Feb, the 360 partnership will roll out across SPORTbible and ODDSbible, reaching its highly sought after collective audience of 34.7 million.

The partnership will put fans at the heart of the action – including sponsorship of a three-episode run of LADbible Group’s established original series, Agree to Disagree. Produced by LADstudios, LADbible Group’s award-winning in-house content studio; where two fans from opposing clubs go head to head in a heated debate on football. To date, the series has achieved 31.8 million views on LADbible TV from football fans. The first episode is being filmed this week in Manchester with legend Gary Neville & Micah Richards going head-to-head ahead of the highly-anticipated Manchester Derby in early March.

Sky Bet and LADbible Group will create an exclusive EFL content series to get fans involved in the biggest debates of the Premier League and EFL, along with weekly social football content that will bring unrivalled insider access to players and offer fans the chance to grill their favourite stars. There will also be an always-on editorial partnership on SPORTbible – all to make betting, better.

As part of the partnership, Sky Bet will be sponsoring 3 episodes of the successful Agree To Disagree format between now and the end of the season. The first of which is being filmed in Manchester this week with Sky Bet talent Gary Neville & Micah Richards going head-to-head ahead of the highly-anticipated Manchester Derby in early March.

Jack Cowin, Director of Client Solutions said, “We’ve been working very closely with Sky Bet over the past year, delivering a number of event-specific campaigns but we’re delighted to get this off the ground and announce the partnership officially. Sky Bet are a fantastic content provider in their own right and are the perfect partner to create something special with, for our highly-engaged audience of sport and sports betting fans. We can’t wait to get started on this long-term project and continue to entertain the core Sky Bet audience.”

Kevin Brain, Head of Social & Content for Sky Bet said, “LADBible Group have built an incredibly engaged set of sports and sports betting communities and they are the best at what they do. With our unique access and exciting plans to generate more premium sports related content, this exclusive partnership offers us a great opportunity to combine our strengths and bring audiences more of what they already love”

Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Announces Gainbridge As Founding Partner

South Florida Motorsports (SFM), the promoter of the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, has announced a multi-year Founding Partnership with Gainbridge, a self-managed innovative digital platform providing customers with direct access to trusted financial products. The Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix will be the series’ first visit to Miami Gardens on May 6-8, 2022.

With Gainbridge as the Title Partner of the Start/Finish Club and Suites, fans will experience their prominent branding across the MIA campus. Access to a premium panoramic view of the paddock, pitlane, starting grid and the longest straight on the track, allows fans in the Start/Finish line area to have the ultimate view of the action, seeing racing from both the north and south sides of the circuit.

Next door in the North Campus Fan Zone presented by Gainbridge, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Open to all ticketholders, this area will have food and beverage experiences, activations, art installations, and to top it off, viewing decks are available for all race goers to experience views of one of the longest straights in Formula 1®.

“Gainbridge brings a prestigious modern brand to our event and will be a proactive partner for many years,” said Jeremy Walls, Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer of Hard Rock Stadium & Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. “Through this partnership, and the opportunities for engagement and exposure across our track and campus, they will be able to educate Formula 1® and South Florida audiences on their self-managed platform and tools empowering investors to grow and protect their savings.”

Gainbridge’s Chief Marketing Officer, Bill Shelton said: “This partnership reflects our mission to be innovative and tech-driven, empowering people with access to tools to make every second count. We couldn’t be more excited to showcase our bold brand and give fans the ability to experience the events and hotspots Miami has to offer.”

New Zealand Rugby And New Zealand Rugby Players Association Boards Approve Partnership With Silver Lake

The New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) Board today announced that they have approved a partnership agreement between Silver Lake, NZR and the NZRPA, providing capital to invest in the game at all levels and supporting the development of new capabilities and the pursuit of new global opportunities enabled by digital technologies.

This partnership marks the beginning of a transformational phase for the entire game in New Zealand and will allow us to pursue exciting new opportunities for rugby. Under the terms of the agreement, which remains subject to ratification by the Provincial Unions and Māori Rugby Board, Silver Lake will invest NZD $200 million in a new commercial entity that will house all revenue-generating assets of NZR, with additional co-investment of up to NZD $100 million to be offered to New Zealand-based institutional investors later in 2022. Silver Lake, NZR and NZRPA will also establish “Global Rugby Opportunities” to invest together in rugby-related businesses outside of New Zealand.

Stewart Mitchell, NZR Chairman said: “In the privileged role we hold as guardians of our national game, we are proud of where we have landed with this partnership. I want to acknowledge that the journey to get here hasn’t been easy at times, there was healthy debate and some adjustments by all parties, but always with the good of the game at the heart of this process. The NZR Board are looking forward to continuing our conversations with the Provincial Unions and Māori Rugby Board and anticipate ratification in the coming weeks.”

David Kirk, NZRPA Chairman said: “The partnership is the outcome of long and considered discussions and has been approved by the NZRPA board. This is a pivotal moment for rugby in New Zealand. The agreement provides capital on a sound economic basis and Silver Lake brings additional capability to execute on the new growth opportunities. The proposed investment by New Zealand institutions provides an opportunity and natural pathway for New Zealanders to share in the growth of rugby over time.”

Mark Robinson, NZR CEO said: “This partnership presents rugby with an extraordinary opportunity to secure its future and unleash its true potential. We are truly excited by what we can achieve together with Silver Lake’s world class capabilities: from fostering and growing our grassroots, to enhancing the experiences we can create for New Zealanders, and truly maximising our potential on the global stage.”

Rob Nichol, NZRPA CEO also cemented the NZRPA’s support: “NZRPA is excited for this partnership and what it means for the future of rugby. It addresses our fundamental principles—ensuring a true comprehensive partnership, allowing us to invest together in rugby globally, and establishing the right governance models. Silver Lake have shown great integrity and a commitment to getting the right deal in place. They were willing to listen to everyone and understand what rugby means to people in our country. We are confident that Silver Lake is the right investment partner.”

Sarah Hirini, NZRPA board member and Black Ferns Sevens captain said: “The proposal brings new investment and capability into the game and will help us go after some exciting new opportunities, especially given 2022 is such a big year for women’s rugby. There’s a lot of change in rugby globally and this partnership will position us well.”

Sam Cane, NZRPA board member and All Blacks captain said: “We are excited about this agreement and have confidence that it is a great outcome for rugby on all levels. We are impressed by Silver Lake’s thoughtful approach and what they can contribute to help us become better at what we do off the pitch. This partnership is a great step forward for the game.”

Silver Lake Managing Director Simon Patterson remarked: “New Zealand has a phenomenal track record in rugby, with a great history and culture of leadership, inclusion and teamwork. Silver Lake is fully committed to rugby in New Zealand, to help build on all these past successes at a key moment in the development of the game globally.”

Silver Lake Managing Director Stephen Evans added: “Digital technologies are transforming all sports, and we look forward to bringing our global network and resources to help New Zealand rugby drive innovation and take advantage of all the opportunities ahead.”

In summary, the partnership agreement comprises the following components subject to necessary approvals:

  • Establishes NZR CommercialCo under the control of NZR that will contain all the revenue-generating activities of NZR.
  • Silver Lake invests NZD $200 million into NZR CommercialCo at an NZD $3.5 billion valuation in the form of a perpetual convertible security at a low interest rate, which can convert into ordinary equity after three years.
  • Later in 2022, an additional co-investment will be offered to New Zealand-based institutional investors so that domestic capital can have the opportunity to also participate in the investment. A minimum of NZD $62.5 million will be offered, with the potential to seek up to NZD $100 million if parties agree. Silver Lake will underwrite this institutional syndication if it is not fully subscribed.
  • At the conclusion of the additional co-investment, Silver Lake will own between 5.71-8.58% of NZR CommercialCo (representing NZD $200-300 million investment, depending on capital needs and the uptake of New Zealand-based institutional investors) vs. the 10-15% stake that had been previously proposed.
  • An increase in valuation compared with the prior proposal driven by the improved future financial outlook from broadcasting and sponsorship, resulting in NZR raising a substantial amount of money whilst selling a smaller share of the entity, allowing NZR to fund all its investment needs and putting the game on a sound financial footing for the future.
  • Silver Lake, NZR and NZRPA will through “Global Rugby Opportunities” (GRO) together invest in global rugby and rugby-related technology businesses, earning NZR and NZRPA a 15% share of the profits of GRO (split 50/50) in return for their contribution of sports expertise, know-how and relationships.

Under this partnership, the protections and controls for NZR remain in place as previously agreed. Silver Lake would be a minority investor and NZR will retain full control over rugby as well as the commercial strategy. The new NZR CommercialCo entity board will be controlled by NZR and will comprise a new independent chair, and other independent directors, to assure high governance standards and at the same time business acumen to make NZR CommercialCo a success for everyone interested in rugby in New Zealand. The NZRPA will have a seat on the NZR CommercialCo board.

Separately and subject to ratification, NZR and NZRPA have agreed terms for a new collective agreement which continues the current revenue sharing arrangement and governs the new relationship between NZR, the players, and NZR CommercialCo. Further, NZR will undertake an independent review of its governance structures and processes to ensure it is fit-for-purpose for this new chapter. NZRPA will also be reviewing its constitution and governance structures in 2022 as part of a strategic and business planning process it is undertaking.

Bristol Sport Announces Historic Groupwide Principal Partnership With Huboo

In a UK-first for a sporting group, Bristol Sport is delighted to announce that eCommerce fulfilment company Huboo will become the Principal Partner for all FIVE of its professional sporting teams from the start of the 2022/23 season.

The groundbreaking deal sees Bristol-based Huboo become Principal Partner for Bristol City men and women, Bristol Bears men and women and Bristol Flyers.

Huboo will feature on the front of the shirts of all five of Bristol Sport’s professional teams and is the first time that they have had one unified Principal Partner.

Bristol Sport founder Steve Lansdown CBE said: “It’s what we’ve been aspiring to ever since we formed Bristol Sport back in 2014. We are now able to work with a local company that has grown rapidly itself and looking to improve its own standing in the marketplace.

“Bristol Sport offers a unique opportunity to associate with all different types of sports, fanbases and communities.

“We’ve always said sport will support the city and the city should support sport. Here we have a local business supporting all of our sports and that is fantastic and I’m really looking forward to us working together over the next few years to take us both forward.”

Bristol-headquartered Huboo was founded in 2017 by Martin Bysh and Paul Dodd. In the last four years the company has expanded its operations from one warehouse to operating four fulfilment centres across the UK, along with a head office in central Bristol and fulfilment centres in the Netherlands and Spain. With plans to roll out its operations across multiple other European markets over the next 12 months, the decision to partner with Bristol Sport and its teams was a strategic one to promote the brand across multiple platforms and markets simultaneously.

Martin Bysh, co-founder and CEO of Huboo, said: “As Huboo continues to grow at pace and our expansion across Europe accelerates, we’re delighted to announce our position as Principal Partner to Bristol Sport in a collaboration which has such strong ties to our founding roots. 

“Huboo’s core values are perfectly aligned with those of Bristol Sport’s and together we aim to raise the bar for what is possible with a partnership of this scale. It’s an exciting time for both Huboo and Bristol Sport. We have a shared vision of making Bristol proud.”

Paul Dodd, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Huboo, added: “This truly authentic partnership with Bristol Sport, facilitated by Transatlantic Entertainment, works on so many levels and marks a key milestone in Huboo’s journey. We’re proud to call Bristol home and are honoured to partner with such a prestigious sporting group which is so fundamental to this city.”

Mark Kelly, Managing Director of Bristol Sport, added: “We are really excited to be able to welcome Huboo to the sporting group. As we’ve got know each other we’ve all been struck by the similarities between our two organisations. The values and the ambition that we both share. We all want success for Bristol and the South West and we believe this partnership will significantly help both of us fulfil that ambition.”

Huboo will become Principal Partner from the start of the 2022/23 season.