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SailGP Unveils Expanded Season 3 Schedule

First eight cities unveiled in an expanded SailGP Season 3 – 10 teams to line-up for third season, starting May 2022 in BermudaLeague grows presence with new events in Chicago, Copenhagen, Dubai and New Zealand, including a four year partnership that sees Christchurch and Auckland as alternate hosts

SailGP returns in its third season with additional new teams, more iconic cities and thrilling racing as it reaffirms its status as the most exciting and purpose-driven racing on-water. The future has never looked brighter for SailGP as it expands both its competitive roster and enviable list of global event locations, whilst returning to some fan-favourite destinations that attracted thousands of fans in Season 2.

Once again bringing the sport’s best roster of athletes together, the global championship welcomes two new franchise teams for its third season, with Canada and Switzerland set to expand SailGP’s reach to new audiences. They join teams from Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the United States.
SailGP Season 3 has been expanded to include ten events, with seven grands prix taking place in 2022 and the remainder in the first quarter of 2023, with the season expected to finish in April 2023. The championship kicks-off for the second straight year in Bermuda with the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess. From there, the ten-nation fleet will head to a new SailGP destination in North America and include a home race for Jimmy Spithill’s U.S. team at Chicago’s Navy Pier on Lake Michigan in June. Both Bermuda and Chicago are two year deals that will see the league return in Season 4.

The fleet will arrive in Europe for the summer with four European events planned. Following successful events in Season 2, SailGP will return to Plymouth – Britain’s Ocean City – in late July, the iconic French destination of Saint-Tropez in September and then later the same month Cádiz, in Andalucía, Spain. In addition, the fleet of hydrofoiling F50s will revisit Denmark, but this time, the capital city of Copenhagen will host the ROCKWOOL Denmark Sail Grand Prix. Racing for 2022 will conclude with another new addition to the calendar as SailGP hosts its first Middle Eastern event in Dubai, UAE presented by P&O Marinas on November 11-12.

Season 3 will continue into 2023 and include an event in New Zealand as part of a major four-season partnership with New Zealand Major Events. Through the partnership – spanning Season 3 to Season 6 – Christchurch and Auckland will share hosting duties of SailGP, claiming a permanent fixture on the SailGP season calendar and the first home event for Peter Burling and Blair Tuke’s New Zealand SailGP Team.

All the Season 3 action will be available live in over 175 territories through SailGP’s broadcast partners, including Australia (Fox Sports), Denmark (TV2 Sport), France (Canal+ Sport), Japan (J Sports), New Zealand (Sky Sport), South East Asia (beIN SPORTS), Spain (RTVE and TV3), UK/Ireland (SKY Sports) and the U.S. (CBS Sports) as well as across SailGP digital platforms including the award winning SailGP App.

As the first climate positive sports and entertainment property, SailGP will continue to push boundaries in the global event industry and its Race for the Future. From its inception in 2019, SailGP has been measuring, reducing and contributing its entire carbon footprint and has set an ambitious target of 55 percent reduction of its carbon footprint – based on science – by 2025, as well as committing to being fully powered by nature by 2025 on shore and on the water.

All of the host cities in Season 3 share SailGP’s commitment to climate action and a cleaner future. SailGP and host cities will collaborate deeper for Season 3 and every host city will sign the league’s Climate Action Charter – working alongside CDP – and commit to local impact projects focusing on clean energy impact and wider ocean conservation.

Running concurrent to the championship trophy for the on-water racing, SailGP’s pioneering Impact League will return even stronger in Season 3. The forward-thinking league – introduced in Season 2 – tracks the positive actions the teams make to reduce their overall carbon footprint and help accelerate inclusivity in sailing. The end result of the season is two podiums, one for sport and one for the planet and the prize fund going to the team’s purpose partners, which the cities will also contribute towards for the first time.

As part of SailGP’s better sport strategy, diversity and inclusion will also be a continued focus for Season 3. The league will continue to give opportunities to female athletes as part of its Women’s Pathway Program – racing onboard the high-speed F50s throughout the season – to accelerate inclusion within the sport and inspire change. SailGP will also use its community-engagement arm – SailGP Inspire – to introduce young people from diverse backgrounds to the sport and give career opportunities within the wider marine industry.

SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “When Larry Ellison and I came up with the concept for SailGP, we envisaged a league with the best athletes in the world, racing in equal high-tech boats that are extremely fast, creating exciting, close to shore action, and with a regular season for our fans to truly engage with the sport globally. We set ourselves a five year goal, but to sit here in Season 3 with ten teams on the start line – including two new franchised teams – an expanded season calendar, an impressive collection of commercial and broadcast partners, purpose and impact at our heart with a positive impact on the environment and an immersive fan experience through our broadcast and gaming offer – I simply couldn’t be happier with what has already been achieved.”

Season 2 of SailGP continues with the Australia Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG in Sydney on December 17 and 18. The season will conclude March 26 and 27 with the SailGP Grand Final in San Francisco.

SailGP Season 3 Schedule* // 2022-2023

May 14-15 Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess

June 18-19 United States Sail Grand Prix | Chicago at Navy Pier

July 30-31 Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Plymouth

August 19-20 ROCKWOOL Denmark Sail Grand Prix | Copenhagen

September 10-11 France Sail Grand Prix | Saint-Tropez

September 24-25 Spain Sail Grand Prix | Andalucía – CádizN

November 11-12 Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas

2023 New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch

*Further events will be announced to complete Season 3, which will conclude April 2023 and is expected to comprise ten events.

MLS NEXT Pro Unveils 21 Clubs For Inaugural Season Starting March 2022

MLS NEXT Pro announced on Monday the 21 clubs that will compete in the new professional league’s inaugural 2022 season.

Established in June by Major League Soccer, the new professional league will complete an integrated player pathway from MLS NEXT through to MLS first teams. The new league will offer young players and experienced professionals the opportunity to develop and showcase their talents while competing for an MLS NEXT Pro championship.

WESTERN CONF.	EASTERN CONF.
Colorado	Chicago
Dallas	Cincinnati
Houston	Columbus
Kansas City	Miami
Minnesota	New England
Portland	New York City
Salt Lake	Orlando
San Jose	Philadelphia
Seattle	Rochester**
St. Louis	Toronto
Vancouver

** Independent pro club

Joining in 2023:

Eight additional MLS-affiliated teams will join MLS NEXT Pro in 2023, including: Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, D.C., LA, LAFC, Nashville and NY Red Bulls. In addition to Rochester NY FC, MLS NEXT Pro will introduce additional independent clubs to the league in 2023 and beyond.

Rochester NY FC

Rochester NY FC will serve as MLS NEXT Pro’s inaugural independent club. Rochester NY FC, founded in 1996 as the Rochester Rhinos and rebranded this September, is owned by David and Wendy Dworkin, and co-owned by Premier League striker, and former England National Team star, Jamie Vardy of Leicester City F.C.

“We look forward to showcasing Rochester as a premier professional club and are excited to kick off that process by helping to launch the inaugural season of MLS NEXT Pro in 2022,” said Vardy. “Joining this league, full of opportunity for communities, fans, players and staff – on the pitch and off – is a tremendous point of pride for our club.”

“We are thrilled that Rochester NY FC will be the first independent club to join MLS Next Pro”, said David and Wendy Dworkin. “Rochester established itself as a winning club with the Rhinos, and we are pleased to add a new chapter in the city’s rich soccer history as Rochester NY FC. We are excited to develop the future international stars of soccer, right here in our local community. By joining this league, Rochester is on the cusp of the future and the evolving global game of soccer.”

MLS NEXT Pro will bring professional soccer closer to fans and supporters, while providing more opportunities for players, coaches, referees and sports business professionals throughout North America.

24 league games per club
8 teams will make the playoffs culminating in a cup final
Adidas will serve as MLS NEXT Pro’s first corporate sponsor
Charles Altchek will serve as President of the league
Ali Curtis will serve as Senior Vice President of Competition and Operations of MLS NEXT Pro

“Charles and Ali have the experience, enthusiasm and values to lead the growth and development of MLS NEXT Pro,” said MLS Commissioner, Don Garber. “They will partner with MLS-affiliated and independent teams to bring professional soccer to more communities throughout North America.”

Adidas: As a founding partner of MLS NEXT Pro, adidas will continue to expand upon its deep relationship with MLS and MLS NEXT. The partnership affirms adidas’ commitment to the growth and advancement of the sport of soccer in local communities throughout the United States, Canada and globally.;Pro Player PathwayThe stars of tomorrow play in MLS NEXT Pro today

“MLS NEXT Pro completes Major League Soccer’s pro player pathway, connecting our youth academies through to our first teams,” said Altchek. “As we continue to push the future of soccer forward in the United States and Canada, player development, community, innovation and diversity form the pillars of MLS NEXT Pro. The inaugural season in 2022 will be another historic moment for the sport.”

“MLS NEXT Pro will enhance the quality of all players, coaches, referees, and executives along the development pathway and it is an important step to the growth of the sport in North America leading up to the World Cup in 2026,” said Senior Vice President of Competition and Operations of MLS NEXT Pro Ali Curtis.

San Diego State University And Qualcomm Announce Major Naming Rights Deal For New Stadium

San Diego State University’s new stadium, part of the expansive SDSU Mission Valley development, has a new name — Snapdragon Stadium. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has entered into a long-term agreement, securing exclusive naming rights to the new, one-of-a-kind venue. The agreement will now go to the California State University Board of Trustees for formal approval.

Snapdragon is Qualcomm Technologies’ premier mobile platform brand. It represents a family of technology platforms that bring intelligence and connectivity to smartphones, wearables, always-connected PCs, XR headsets, gaming devices and cars. The Snapdragon® platforms are designed to deliver premium performance and immersive experiences to the user.

Come opening day fall 2022, San Diego sports fans will welcome the world-class, Snapdragon Stadium, designed to meet the needs of the entire San Diego community. With the implementation of 5G within the stadium, Snapdragon Stadium is intended to be an embodiment of real, impactful examples of a world where everyone and everything is intelligently connected.

The $45M deal, structured as a 15-year, $3 million per year agreement, marks a new, yet nostalgic era in the San Diego sports story, as two San Diego institutions, with a shared commitment to serving the greater San Diego community, come together.

“We are thrilled to have secured the exclusive naming rights to San Diego State University’s new stadium, Snapdragon Stadium. Snapdragon stands for premium experiences and leading-edge performance, which is what fans can expect from this new state-of-the-art venue,” said Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated. “This is just the first phase of an expansive relationship between Qualcomm Technologies and San Diego State University as we look to support their broad digital transformation that will include the Stadium, the upcoming Innovation District, and smart campus enhancements across their campuses. This agreement is the reflection of our mutual dedication to our local San Diego community.”

“Qualcomm is well-recognized and respected not only here in San Diego, but globally,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. “Our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies represents a shared vision for a fully smart stadium — the cornerstone to what will be a one-of-a-kind smart campus — which will enrich, educate, and empower those we serve here locally and around the world.”

Located in Mission Valley, the heart of San Diego, the new state-of-the-art venue will not only provide a year-round hub of entertainment and community engagement, but also serve as a welcomed home for SDSU athletics and a gathering place for the broader San Diego region.

“Partnering with Qualcomm on Snapdragon Stadium continues our push for creating a world class stadium experience for the entire San Diego community,” said SDSU Athletic Director JD Wicker. “Our growing relationship will allow us to leverage the best-in-class technological advances of Qualcomm to create superior fan experiences no matter the event,” Wicker continued. “This is another example related to the SDSU Mission Valley development of community investing in community.”

SDSU first broke ground on the Mission Valley stadium site in August 2020. The momentous occasion celebrated taking ownership of the site and marked the first step in SDSU Mission Valley’s development.

Snapdragon Stadium is on schedule to be completed by Sept. 3, 2022 when the SDSU Aztec football team is scheduled to play the University of Arizona Wildcats in the season home opener.

SDSU Athletics was represented by JMI Sports and Legends, which sourced and helped negotiate the agreement.

World Rugby Launches Request For Information For Digital Collectibles

World Rugby plans to launch programme of digital collectibles to engage fans and transform its commercial models
World Rugby seeks suppliers to co-developer a non-fungible token (NFT) programme

Innovation lies at the heart of World Rugby’s ongoing commitment to attracting new audiences to rugby globally while deepening connections with existing fans.

Supporting that mission, World Rugby is delighted to announce that it has launched a Request for Information (RFI) process for interested parties to join its Digital Collectables journey, enabling the sport to reach and attract new audiences globally.

Underpinned by a secure blockchain network, digital collectables and experiences are at the heart of the fan-engagement revolution in entertainment and sport. Interested parties will develop a plan for the co-development of a non-fungible token (NFT) programme that will enable the sport to reach and attract new audiences through a fun, unique and immersive offering across the spectrum of collectables, fan tokens, trading cards and unique ownership of incredible men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup moments.

World Rugby is perfectly and uniquely placed to harness the power of its extensive, multi-lingual platforms and global digital footprint to deliver a truly immersive, fun and unique opportunity to get closer to the sport, its events and stars.

Through the RFI, which can be downloaded here, World Rugby aims to identify partners who share its vision for global growth, unlocking new revenue to be reinvested in the sport at all levels, while facilitating a deeper connection with the rugby family, particularly the next generation of participants and fans.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “In line with our new strategic plan, we are looking to develop a deeper connection with the rugby family that stretches beyond our social and digital channels.

“We are really excited to be exploring new ways to provide fans with fun, immersive and unique opportunities to get even closer to the sport, including in the growth area of digital collectables. We regularly reach out to our fanbase to get their views. We have engaged. We have listened and we are acting.

“Digital collectables are the immediate future of sports fan engagement and are hugely successful across major US sports and growing in popularity on a global basis.

“We are perfectly positioned to join and lead the revolution in sport. As part of this RFI process, we want to unlock the potential of our vast men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups archives to enable fans to own a part of our sport’s history through a range of limited digital collectables, among other areas. We look forward to the responses to this process.”

World Rugby Chief Revenue and Fan Engagement Officer Richard Heaselgrave added: “We’ve put more emphasis than ever before on the role of digital products and services, and a greater strategic imperative around commercial performance to support the game’s biggest stakeholders, while building an authentic global community.

“We see new digital products as a key means to support the growth of the game at a critical point in rugby’s history and connect World Rugby with a new generation of fans.”

Interested parties have until 24 December, 2021 to submit responses.

Super League Triathlon And DRYWORLD Announce New Global Apparel Partnership

Super League Triathlon today announces a three year deal with global athletic performance brand DRYWORLD who are to become the official apparel partner of SLT.

DRYWORLD will design, develop and manufacture tri-suits and training gear for Super League’s world-class professional athletes as well as kitting out staff. It will also create a special and eagerly awaited lifestyle collection for athletes and fans. This will be available in the New Year at events and online through a dedicated SLT global e-commerce platform.

The Canadian-born athletic brand, known for its high performance and sustainable apparel lines, is celebrated for its laser-sharp focus on developing the best purpose-driven products for athletes. Now turning their unique approach to R&D on the triathlon market.

Through this partnership, Super League athletes and staff will enjoy the brand’s signature innovations and differentiators. SLT Professionals have even been involved in the product development and testing of DRYWORLD’s new technical tri-suit, which will be available in 2022.

SLT is the world’s fastest swim-bike-run series. It pits the greatest triathletes against each other in quick and exciting race formats, across stunning destinations, worldwide.

The athletes will first showcase their DRYWORLD kit at the Arena Games Triathlon in spring 2022. A dynamic new esports format in collaboration with World Triathlon. The Arena Games Triathlon blends together real life and virtual racing to deliver an immersive viewing experience via a unique partnership with Zwift.

SLT will then host its renowned annual Championship Series later in the year. The series sees professional triathletes battling against each other for one of the largest prize purses in the sport. Their disruptive race formats and revolutionary approach to triathlon is redefining the discipline for a modern audience.

HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS AT DRYWORLD, IAN HOLLISTER, SAID:

“DRYWORLD is most excited about partnering with a brand that is innovative in its approach to the sport. As well as its incredible global Championship Series, Super League is the first major sports brand to incorporate a virtual element to real world competition in their unique product, the Arena Games Triathlon in partnership with Zwift. In fact, SLT Arena Games just won the Cutting Edge Award at the Sports Industry Awards”.

MARTIN CAWTE, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER AT SUPER LEAGUE TRIATHLON, SAID:

“Super League Triathlon is always looking to partner with brands who share our philosophy of innovation and progress and DRYWORLD is exactly that. This partnership will not only see DRYWORLD bring their science, expertise and unique technologies to prepare cutting edge race kits for the best triathletes on the planet, but also for age groupers around the world and fans of the sport, who will be able to enjoy a comprehensive SLT merchandise range.”

Williams Racing Renews Partnership With Crew Clothing As Official Supplier

Williams Racing today announced a multi-year renewal of its partnership with British lifestyle brand, Crew Clothing, as official supplier for the team’s travel kit.

The partnership, which started in 2020, will now enter its third season and is a testament of Crew’s longstanding support of British sport.

As part of the continuation of supplying travel kit to the race team, Crew’s Ocean Polo shirt has been added to the collection, made from sustainable cotton and using 88% less water, aligning both Williams’ and Crew Clothing’s sustainability work.

Following record breaking sales in 2021, sustainability will play an important part in the new Crew Clothing x Williams Racing licensed range launching in Spring 2022, with a collection of wardrobe essentials inspired by the track.

James Bower, Commercial Director at Williams Racing, said: “We’re excited to extend our partnership with Crew Clothing and have them on board as the team’s official travel kit provider on a multi-year agreement. Their focus on quality, design and sustainability aligns perfectly with the spirit of Williams as we continue to transform both on and off track in this new era for the team.”

David Butler, Crew Clothing’s CEO added “We’re very proud to be partnered with Williams Racing. The extension of this partnership is a testament to the strength and success of the last year. Together, we will continue to inspire fans on the racetrack and beyond with memorable sporting moments spent wearing Crew Clothing.”

IMG Acquires The Madrid Open Tennis Tournament And Acciona Open De España Golf Event

IMG, an Endeavor company and global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Super Slam Ltd and its affiliates to acquire the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament and the Acciona Open de España golf tournament. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022, subject to ATP / WTA and regulatory approvals.

One of nine ATP Masters 1000 and four WTA 1000 Mandatory events, the Mutua Madrid Open will join IMG’s roster of leading tennis tournaments, including the Miami Open and several other ATP and WTA events.

“The Mutua Madrid Open will be a strong addition to our global events portfolio and tennis business, which will now boast two of the three mandatory combined events on both tours,” said Sam Zussman, Co-President of Media and Events, IMG. “We’re looking forward to leveraging Endeavor’s broader network to further enhance the fan experience and add value across production, media, brand partnerships, retail, and hospitality, just as we’ve done with the Miami Open.”

Through the acquisition, Madrid Trophy Promotion SLU (MTP), the Spanish entity that operates the tournament, will become part of IMG, with MTP’s CEO and tournament director Gerard Tsobanian becoming Senior Vice President, Tennis Events, IMG. Tsobanian and his team will continue to oversee the day-to-day running of the Mutua Madrid Open as part of IMG’s global tennis events division led by Gavin Forbes.

The 20^th anniversary edition of the tournament will take place next year from 26 April – 8 May at Caja Mágica in Madrid, Spain. The Mutua Madrid Open is one of two key clay court events leading up to Roland Garros and boasts an illustrious list of winners that includes Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Petra Kvitová and Novak Djokovic.

MTP also runs the European Tour’s Acciona Open de España golf tournament, which IMG’s golf events division will support. Founded in 1912, The Acciona Open de España (formerly the Spanish Open) is rich in history and typically takes place in October at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid where it is broadcast to more than 120 countries.

Since Endeavor’s acquisition of IMG in 2014, the company has developed the Miami Open into a world-class showcase featuring the best of tennis, culinary, art and entertainment. In 2019, IMG moved the tournament to Hard Rock Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins and a global entertainment destination, where it annually welcomes more than 350,000 fans and has one of the largest broadcast audiences outside of the Grand Slams and Tour finals.

IMG owns, produces and commercially represents hundreds of events spanning sports, entertainment, culture and fashion, including Professional Bull Riders (PBR), WGC-HSBC Champions, Frieze art fairs, New York Fashion Week: The Shows, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Miss Universe and Taste Festivals.

Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal advisor to IMG.

PGA TOUR, ESPN+ Announce Details Of Expanded Coverage

ESPN+ and PGA TOUR announced details for the inaugural season of PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+, with extended and expanded coverage that more than triples the total coverage – adding more than 3,200 new hours of live streaming available for a total of more than 4,300 exclusive hours. All PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ coverage will be available to ESPN+’s more than 17.1 million subscribers.

In 2022, PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ will include live coverage of 35 tournaments – from the TOUR’s Hawaii events in January all the way through the FedExCup Playoffs and into the fall – with at least 28 events having four full days of coverage and four simultaneous live feeds each day.

“The start of the PGA TOUR in 2022 will tee off a new and exciting opportunity for fans to watch the best golfers in the world,” said Burke Magnus, President, Programming and Original Entertainment, ESPN. “The new and expanded PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ is an incredible offering for golf fans – with more than three times the coverage from last season, while also bringing them access to thousands of other sporting events and original programming, all for $6.99 per month.”

With the launch of PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ comes new streaming feeds that will bring expanded coverage of events totaling more than 4,300 exclusive hours. Beginning with The American Express (January 20-23, 2022), PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ will offer fans four live feeds for each tournament:

Main Feed: primary tournament-coverage featuring the best action from across the course;
Marquee Group: new “marquee group” showcasing every shot from each player in the group;
Featured Groups: traditional PGA TOUR LIVE coverage of two concurrent featured groups;
Featured Holes: a combination of par-3s and iconic or pivotal holes.

When network television coverage begins, the four streams will pivot to two featured groups and two featured holes so fans can continue to engage with PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ in addition to the telecast.

Rick Anderson, Chief Media Officer, PGA TOUR said, “The PGA TOUR couldn’t be more excited to launch a new era in content delivery with Disney and ESPN+, which will greatly expand and diversify our audience reach. There will be more content available to our fans than ever before with an exciting and diverse group of on-air talent delivering the action.”

This expanded, unprecedented coverage, with over-the-top (OTT) streaming and emerging technologies moving to ESPN+, is part of the TOUR’s new nine-year domestic media rights portfolio announced in March 2020.

The weekly production crew behind PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ will increase from approximately 85 people to more than 210, with 16 cameras on the course, and a 15-person talent crew calling the action across the four channels. The expanded talent roster is still being finalized and will include current studio hosts John Swantek, Jonathan Coachman, Lisa Cornwell and Ned Michaels and on-course analysts Christina Kim, Karen Stupples, Mark Immelman, Chantel McCabe, Mark Wilson, Stuart Appleby and Michael Collins.

“We are excited about the growth of PGA TOUR LIVE and the opportunity to reach a larger audience on ESPN+,” said PGA TOUR Vice President and Executive Producer Greg Hopfe. “Four separately produced streams will showcase more action than ever before from top players and fan-favorite holes at each tournament. We look forward to being able to share nearly every shot from golf fans’ favorite players on ESPN+.”

PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ will cover both early January Hawaii events – Sentry Tournament of Champions and Sony Open in Hawaii – for the first time with Featured Groups coverage in the mornings, followed by Featured Holes in the afternoons.

The complete four feed PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ offering will begin at The American Express. For more information, please visit frequently asked questions about PGA TOUR LIVE.

PGA TOUR LIVE originally launched in 2015. ESPN+, launched in 2018, has grown to reach 17.1 million subscribers. The combined PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ will provide significant growth opportunities for PGA TOUR content via ESPN+’s digital reach, innovative platform and young and diverse audiences.

PGA TOUR LIVE will be part of any ESPN+ subscription, at no additional cost, alongside more than 15,000 other live sporting events, acclaimed studio programs, original series and documentaries and a library of other on demand programming.

Netball Australia And New Balance Reveal Three-Year Partnership

Netball Australia and New Balance have announced a new three-year partnership which will see the Origin Australian Diamonds wear a brand-new vibrant uniform in January’s Quad Series.

Netball Australia is delighted to announce a new three-year partnership with world-renowned sports apparel brand New Balance, which will see the Origin Australian Diamonds wear a brand-new vibrant uniform in January’s Quad Series.

The Diamonds will wear newly designed New Balance team apparel when they take on rivals England, New Zealand and South Africa at London’s Copper Box Arena in January.

As the new apparel partner of the Origin Australian Diamonds and Netball Australia, New Balance will also supply uniforms for Suncorp Super Netball umpires, Netball Australia staff and pathway teams.

Diamonds merchandise will also be available to purchase at all international matches played in Australia over the next three years.

Details of the Diamonds’ vibrant new green and gold on-court uniform will be revealed in the lead-up to January’s Quad Series, which is set to be played from January 16-20 (AEDT).

Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan welcomed New Balance to the organisation.

“New Balance works alongside some of the largest sporting clubs in the world and we are delighted to have such a respected brand partnering with the Diamonds and Netball Australia,” Ryan said.

“We are excited to share our new online store with our fans, who will be able to show their support for the Diamonds with a brand-new merchandise range that will expand throughout the partnership.”

New Balance Australia Marketing Manager, Joel Hanlon, said “At New Balance, our job is to aid athletes in their pursuit of excellence, whether that means helping professional athletes win medals, or propelling everyday athletes to live a healthy and active lifestyle.”

“We are proud to partner with Netball Australia and the Australian Diamonds and we look forward to seeing the team wearing our uniform, which offers the perfect blend of performance technology and style.”

Netball Australia and the Origin Australian Diamonds are pleased to welcome Belgravia Sports Apparel (BSA) as the partner in this three-year agreement. BSA is the Australasian elite teamwear partner of New Balance, supplying both supporter and performance products for all elite partners.

David Armstrong Appointed As New Chair Of The England Netball Board

England Netball is pleased to announce David Armstrong as new Chair of the Board, who will take up the post in April 2022 in what promises to be a landmark year for netball in England.

David, who was initially appointed to the Board in July 2020, has an impressive commercial background having held senior positions at organisations including PepsiCo, Diageo Plc, Compass Group, Lonrho PLC and Wasps Holdings where he founded the successful Wasps Netball franchise.

David is currently CEO of the Racecourse Association, one of the tripartite bodies leading British Horseracing and sits on the Board of the British Horseracing Authority. He is an experienced Director having held positions on a number of sport governing boards including World Athletics Championships 2017 and Modern Pentathlon, where he is currently Chair.

On his appointment as Chair, following an extensive recruitment process with a diverse list of over 30 candidates, David commented: “It is a hugely exciting time to be commencing my role as Chair, following the launch of England Netball’s ambitious 10- year ‘Adventure Strategy’, with the intent to accelerate the development, growth and professionalisation of the game.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Colin Povey and the wider Board members for their support ahead of my transition as Chair, and for achieving so much for the sport in recent years.

“With a Commonwealth Games on home soil next year, and a Netball World Cup in 2023, there is significant opportunity to elevate the game to a new place of prominence in the sporting landscape and I am honoured take on the role of Chair as we step into what is an important, game changing new chapter for the organisation.

“England Netball’s strategic priority is to relentlessly drive the sport forward to realise netball’s true potential, whilst positively impacting the lives of the millions involved in the game up and down the country and I look forward to guiding the organisation as we embark on our new adventure.”

Current Chair of the Board Colin Povey, who has guided England Netball during a period of unprecedented success, will step down from the position at the end of March 2022.

On Armstrong’s appointment Colin said: “I am delighted to see David taking on the position of Chair of England Netball. His significant experience in commercial, corporate and sports governance will help lead the organisation in what is a pivotal time for the sport more widely, and I have no doubt his contribution to the game in the coming years will be substantial.”

Fran Connolly, CEO of England Netball, added: “David is a dynamic and accomplished leader with a wealth of knowledge and industry-wide experience, and I am excited to see him take on the role of Chair ahead of what is a critical year for the organisation and the sport. I look forward to working with him as Chair and am excited to see how he impacts the Board in his new role.

“David and Colin will be working together over the coming months as part of a transition period, and I would like to thank them both for all their hard work and commitment to the Board, and our sport.”