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. 

Super League Triathlon Dryworld Kit

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 20th 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.”

Arsenal FC Appoint Juliet Slot As New Chief Commercial Officer

Arsenal Football Club has appointed Juliet Slot as Chief Commercial Officer. 

Juliet will oversee all the club’s commercial operations. This includes commercial partnerships, ticketing, hospitality, digital experience, retail and marketing.

Her appointment follows current Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone’s decision to leave the club to pursue new opportunities from the end of January. 

Juliet said: “Arsenal is a club which I have long admired and I’m absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to join the Executive team and to lead a brilliant group of commercial colleagues. The Arsenal name is recognised around the world as being unique both on and off the pitch with a hugely loyal and engaged global following. I am excited to find new ways to bring existing fans closer to the club and to grow our support across the world for both our men’s and women’s teams.

“I am also looking forward to working together with our fantastic suite of partners in meeting our mutual objectives. I am thrilled to have this opportunity. My goal is to bring fans closer to the club wherever they are and help us grow.”

Juliet was Chief Commercial Officer at Ascot Racecourse from 2012 to 2020. Prior to that she worked as Managing Director at Pitch Media, Managing Director at Haymarket Network, on the London 2012 bid and at Advantage International (now trading as Octagon). She was also Sales and Marketing Director at Fulham for five years and worked at adidas for five years. She is currently a non-executive director at the British Olympic Association. 

Arsenal Chief Executive Vinai Venkatesham said: “I’m delighted to welcome Juliet to the team. She brings immense experience and expertise and will be an important part of our Executive Team as we look to take the club forward. I would like to thank Peter for his positive contribution to the club and wish him every future success.”

SPOTV Appoints Outlast Sports & Entertainment As Its Exclusive Sponsorship And Advertising Agency

Outlast Sports & Entertainment has been appointed by SPOTV as its exclusive representative for Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia and Taiwan to boost regional and local advertising as well as sponsorship inventory on all SPOTV platforms. These include on-air, digital, social media, on – ground and for all devices.  

Outlast Sports & Entertainment will be responsible for the commercialisation of SPOTV’s content including MotoGP, tennis Grand Slams encompassing Wimbledon  and US Open, The Open (golf) Championships and Asian favourites such as the V.League Japan, Korean V-League and Korean Baseball League. These are just some of the many premium sports content that will be available on SPOTV’s various platforms.  

Salauddin, CEO of Outlast Sports & Entertainment said, “Outlast Sports is excited to partner with SPOTV to grow its presence in Asia. Our ambitions to build up the market in Asia are very much in line with SPOTV’s. With our experienced network and expertise that we have in the region, we are very confident in growing and establishing  SPOTV as the go-to platform for top and engaging sports content.” 

In the past twelve months, Outlast Sports & Entertainment has been instrumental in securing various deals with reputable clients such as the below. Their notable achievements include:  

• Securing the broadcast sponsorship of Indian Premier League 2020 on Star Sports in addition to Indian National Team’s Bilateral Series 2021 sponsorship on several digital platforms namely SONYLIV 

• Appointed by SMM Plus agency to exclusively represent their distribution of Asian Volleyball Confederation Events in selected Asian territories, with deals done in South Korea and Indonesia.  

• Appointed to exclusively handle the full marketing and communications plan of client BK8 International

• Brokered deals with top five LA LIGA clubs for BK8 International (Athletic Bilbao, Elche, Mallorca, Valencia and Villareal) 

• Activated an endorsement campaign with Football Legends – Barcelona, Milan & Brazilian Legend Rivaldo and Arsenal and French Legend Robert Pires • Working with Hyundai Motors in partnership related to Esports in SEA and 3×3 Basketball in Philippines  

• Has extensive experience collaborating with several Tourism Boards in the region with relevant sports properties 

“Outlast Sports & Entertainment’s impressive record reveal that they have strong ambitions and the know-how of the local markets they operated in. They not only share our vision of growing SPOTV into a premier sports platform, but their development of bespoke marketing solutions will enable all brands to interact with sports fans in this  region,” said Chairman of SPOTV and CEO of Eclat Media Group Mitchell Hong. 

NSE And Barclays Renew Partnership And Announce An Expanded Games Innovation Challenge

After a successful year-long partnership over the 2020/2021 academic year, Barclays and NSE (National Student Esports), the official body for university esports in the UK and the most active grassroots gaming community in the country, have renewed their partnership. Barclays commitment to grassroots games and esports will see the bank sponsor the British University Esports Championships (BUEC) and the second Games Innovation Challenge, which will take place in 2022.

In the 2020/21 season, BUEC saw over 1,700 teams from 100 universities compete across a number of esports titles and this year’s championship, which is currently ongoing, has already seen a significant rise in numbers signing up to compete. 

Meanwhile, the Games Innovation Challenge, a games development competition for students across the UK to test their skills and creativity, is expanding in its second year, to allow even more students to take part across a wider range of categories, with applications opening in January.

Previously, the competition was only eligible for university students, however going forward, the competition is open to college students aged 16 and over. Plus, five new award categories have been introduced for 2022 which are Gameplay, Design, Social Impact, and two platform awards which are the Unity Choice Award and the Epic Choice Award where the best games developed on the respective platforms will be selected.

Starting in January, participants will have nine weeks to create the most innovative games with the chance to win across the five categories for a part of the prize pool totalling £5,000. The winner for the best game overall will receive £2,500. 

For the Gameplay Award, the games will be judged on the most original concept, excellent storytelling and enjoyable gameplay. Design elements will be judged from sound, art style, graphics, and technical quality to win the Design Award. As for the Social Impact category, purpose must be at the heart of the game and could tackle difficult issues such as promoting environmental sustainability or considering accessibility.

A panel of gaming and esports industry experts will be judging the entries on the five categories and the overall innovation of each submission.

Teams can be formed of students from different universities or colleges and can also contain non-students. However, to participate in the challenge, the majority of the team and the project lead must be enrolled at a university or college. Any platform and prebuilt assets can be used, provided that they have the permission or license to do so.

Alex Coulson, Managing Director, NSE, said:

“We’re so pleased to renew our partnership with Barclays and to see the Games Innovation Challenge return after such a successful competition earlier this year. The expansion to include college students is especially exciting and will add to a pool of an already talented group of students. 

“We’re grateful to have Barclays’ support to give opportunities to champion and develop the diverse student community. The games submitted in the 2021 challenge surpassed our expectations and we can’t wait to see what games are designed next year.”

David Gowans, Head of Games and Esports, Barclays, added:

“We are excited to continue our partnership with NSE. The success of the first Games Innovation Challenge helped to highlight the calibre of future developer talent the UK has to offer. Continuing to work with NSE on its second iteration, with the prospect of bringing in a wider range of participants, gives us an even greater opportunity to continue our support of the growing games and esports industries, from the grassroots up.”