Land Rover And World Rugby Extend Partnership To The 2023 Rugby World Cup

Land Rover and World Rugby will together write the next chapter of their successful relationship as Land Rover was confirmed as the fifth Worldwide Partner for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

To celebrate, Land Rover rugby ambassadors Dimitri Yachvili and Bryan Habana were joined by Land Rover’s first child mascot for the tournament, eight year old Arthur from Paris. 

Since becoming a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup in 2015, Land Rover has inspired thousands of children from all over the world through its extensive grassroots activities and Rugby World Cup mascot programme, allowing young rugby fans to join the team captains on the pitch ahead of every match. 

Reflecting the joint commitment of Land Rover and World Rugby to a more sustainable future, the Rugby World Cup 2023 mascots will be known as ‘Land Rover Defenders of Tomorrow’ and will form a key element of the global Land Rover campaign. They will be selected for their passion and commitment to changing their world for the better.

Arthur was selected through Land Rover France’s long-term partnership with France’s Top 14 competition. He plays rugby for Racing club Asnières (sur Seine) near Paris.

Arthur said: “I am really excited to be the first Land Rover Defender of Tomorrow. I can’t wait for the Rugby World Cup 2023 to be in France, and to tell all of my friends at my rugby club that I am going to be on the pitch!”

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Land Rover is a true partner of rugby at all levels, and we are delighted to be extending our worldwide partnership for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. As a tournament and a rugby family, we are committed to making a positive impact in France and more widely for our planet for future generations to enjoy.

“Our worldwide partnerships with Land Rover have always been purpose-driven. In Japan their active support of the Impact Beyond programme saw 10,000 children introduced to the sport.  We are excited to share the same vision and commitment for France 2023 and look forward to working together to drive change for the future.”

Lennard Hoornik, Chief Commercial Officer at Land Rover, said: “Land Rover has been at the heart of rugby for two decades. As we write this next chapter, we share France 2023’s commitment to making a positive difference on society through rugby.  The next three years represent a significant time for Land Rover as we journey towards electrification and Rugby World Cup will play an important part in that.”

France 2023 CEO Claude Atcher added: “We are very honoured to welcome Land Rover as Global Worldwide partner of Rugby World Cup France 2023. Beyond its historical commitment to rugby, from grassroots to the pinnacle of the game, Land Rover has set out an ambitious roadmap for electrification and positive societal impact which is totally in line with the ambition of our event. We are extremely happy to benefit from their knowledge and their support in the organisation of Rugby World Cup.” 

Gerry McGovern Chief Creative Officer at Land Rover said: “We’ve long celebrated our shared values with the rugby community including passion, integrity and our commitment to go above & beyond. Rugby World Cup 2023 offers even more opportunity to demonstrate the power of rugby, with the players acting as inspirational role models for future generations.”

ATP And Therabody Team Up To Support Player Performance And Recovery

The ATP has announced Therabody, global pioneer in wellness technology and creator of Theragun, as the Official Recovery Partner of the ATP Tour. Therabody becomes the latest addition to ATP’s global family of exclusive suppliers, providing world-class products and education resources to support player health and wellbeing across the season.

Through the partnership, ATP physiotherapists will use Therabody products to help players warm up, recover, and manage soreness at ATP Tour events. The suite of innovative recovery products includes Theragun, the world’s first handheld percussive massage therapy device, RecoveryAir pneumatic compression system, PowerDot electrical stimulation, and Wave vibrating rollers, currently trusted by more than 250 professional athletes, sports teams, celebrities, elite trainers, and medical practitioners globally.

ATP physios will take part in in-depth education sessions through Therabody University to ensure the brand’s products are most effectively integrated into athlete training and recovery routines. Therabody’s in-house experts will also develop bespoke protocols and education materials for players themselves, to assist with recovery and improve overall performance by optimising use of their devices.

Todd Ellenbecker, ATP Vice President Medical Services, said: “Effective recovery and injury prevention are vital to protecting the long-term health and wellbeing of our athletes. This is a huge priority for us given the intense competition and extensive international travel involved in a professional tennis season. We’re thrilled to bring Therabody on board and leverage their expertise and suite of products in our day-to-day care for players. We are also delighted to help our players continue learning about recovery through Therabody’s expert educational programmes.”

Tennis can place strain on shoulders, elbows, and wrists from repetitive swinging of the tennis racquet, and on the knees, hips, and ankles due to constant change of direction during play. Therabody’s ecosystem of wellness solutions can help muscles stay active during long stretches of play and improve recovery time. For example, players can use PowerDot to massage fatigued and sore muscles before and after matches and recharge while using RecoveryAir on their legs.

Dr. Jason Wersland, Therabody Founder and Chief Wellness Officer, said: “The ATP tour schedule demands for players to not only put continuous stress on their bodies from matches, but from the constant travel around the globe as well. We are excited to become part of the ATP team and help these athletes thrive both on and off the court, for many years to come.”

Therabody will benefit from visibility on ATP digital and social channels, including a new digital content series created in collaboration with ATP, showcasing how whole-body wellness can enhance tennis players’ performance on and off the court. The series will be hosted on ATP Tour social media channels and ATPTour.com.

The NBA And Sportradar Embark On Landmark Long-Term Global Partnership

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Sportradar Group AG (NASDAQ: SRAD), the leading global sports technology company creating immersive experiences for sports fans and bettors, today announced an expansive multiyear partnership agreement that will see the NBA, Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and NBA G League use Sportradar’s global and wide-ranging capabilities to grow U.S. operations, increase their international footprint and drive fan engagement.  This new partnership begins with the 2023-24 NBA season and provides the NBA with an equity stake in Sportradar.

This agreement with the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League maintains Sportradar as the exclusive provider of NBA data worldwide that will help fans across the globe engage with the three leagues. Sportradar will continue to be both the authorized global distributor of official NBA and WNBA betting data and the distributor of live game video that is available to international sports betting operators for fans to experience in real time.  

In addition, the new relationship includes expanded distribution rights regarding the use of player tracking data.  Sportradar will also establish a dedicated team to innovate and transform the fan experience.  This will include utilizing data to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of the game, developing new data products to enrich fan engagement, and revolutionizing how sports betting data is utilized by betting operators and media partners.

“We are delighted that the NBA has chosen Sportradar as the Official Partner who can support the global popularity and explosive growth of the game,” said Carsten Koerl, global CEO, Sportradar.  “Basketball is the largest U.S. sport in the world by popularity and, as a market leader, we are best positioned with the technological expertise and industry relationships to help the NBA entertain fans globally.” 

Continued Koerl: “We believe that this agreement will generate significant revenue and contribute to Sportradar’s profitable business and continued growth.  The remaining time left on the existing deal, and this new multi-year agreement, gives us significant runway to partner with the NBA and develop exciting solutions across our teams, betting and sports entertainment verticals.” 

“Sportradar has been a terrific partner as the league has navigated its exploration into the global sports betting landscape,” said Scott Kaufman-Ross, Senior Vice President, Head of Gaming & New Business Ventures, NBA.  “As the market matures, we are thrilled to extend our partnership with Sportradar to utilize data and insights to create new fan experiences and innovate around the NBA globally.”

This deal extends a relationship that began in 2016, when Sportradar and the NBA announced a multiyear partnership, which made Sportradar an Official Provider of Real-time NBA League Statistics.

The NBA and Sportradar will continue to collaborate on best-in-class practices to protect the integrity of games, which includes the use of Sportradar’s Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS) to monitor global betting activity and trends worldwide.

Over the course of 2021, Sportradar has signed data rights deals with leading leagues and governing bodies across five of the most popular global sports, including Union of European Football Associations, International Tennis Federation, International Cricket Council, the National Hockey League and the NBA.

ELEVEN Belgium Acquires Ligue 1 Coverage Until The End Of The 2023/24

ELEVEN pens three season deal for remainder of 2021/22 until 2023/24

ELEVEN Belgium will be bringing fans live and exclusive coverage from Ligue 1 Uber Eats for the next three seasons. 

This agreement was negotiated with beIN SPORTS, the global sales partner of Ligue 1 Uber Eats.

ELEVEN will make the best of the action from the French league available on its award-winning OTT platform and app in Belgium and Luxembourg, starting from this weekend. ELEVEN will stream an average of seven fixtures each matchday, with the two most popular games each weekend offered in both French and Dutch commentary.

Subscribers will be able to follow the fortunes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé at PSG, alongside the likes of Jonathan David, Dimitri Payet and Cesc Fabregas. Viewers will also have the chance to watch Belgian stars Jérémy Doku, Jason Denayer, Wout Faes, Thomas Foket, Matz Sels, Amadou Onana and Eliot Matazo in Ligue 1 Uber Eats.

Guillaume Collard, ELEVEN Belgium & Luxembourg MD and Group Chief Rights Acquisitions & Distribution Officer, said: “We want to deliver the very best live sport to our audiences and Ligue 1 Uber Eats is a fantastic addition to our portfolio. We know our subscribers are going to enjoy keeping up with Messi and co at PSG alongside all the top Belgian talent playing in the French league.” 

Mathieu Ficot, Deputy Managing Director of the LFP, added: “We are delighted that Ligue 1 Uber Eats is making its return to Belgian screens with a broadcaster as well-known as ELEVEN. This new agreement demonstrates the growing international appeal of Ligue 1 Uber Eats, now available in 213 territories around the world.”

The deal bolsters ELEVEN Belgium’s leading portfolio of football rights. Audiences already enjoy live and exclusive coverage of LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga and the FA Cup with ELEVEN, alongside top international football. ELEVEN Belgium have been the Home of Belgian football since 2020/21 with domestic rights to the Pro League, Women’s Super League, esports league and more.

The ELEVEN Group also has Ligue 1 Uber Eats rights in Portugal and Poland. 

Staples Center To Be Renamed Crypto.com Arena On December 25th In Huge New Naming Rights Deal

Crypto.com, the world’s fastest-growing cryptocurrency platform, and AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, have launched a historic, 20-year naming rights agreement that will rename the AEG-owned and operated STAPLES Center, one of the most iconic and globally recognized sports and entertainment arenas in the world. Effective December 25, the multi-purpose arena, which hosts hundreds of annual marquee events and serves as the official home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers, the NHL’s LA Kings and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, will be known as Crypto.com Arena. This agreement also makes Crypto.com an official cryptocurrency platform partner of the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Kings.

This will almost certainly be one of the largest arena or stadium naming rights deals in the world, quite possibly the biggest. When FTX took over naming rights and sponsorship in May 2021 of the Miami Heat’s arena it was for a reported 19-year, $135 million deal.

It is safe to assume that for such an iconic arena such as Staples Center, with the venue playing host to both the LA Lakers and LA Kings, as well as numerous other major concerts and events, that the value FTX spent in Miami will have comfortably been surpassed by Crypto.com in this deal.

The announcement stated:

To kick off the partnership, AEG and Crypto.com will unveil the new logo and other branding assets including internal arena signage of the newly named Crypto.com Arena on Christmas Day, when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Brooklyn Nets. All of the venue’s external signage will be replaced by June 2022.

Since opening its doors in 1999, the iconic arena, located in downtown Los Angeles, has served as the backdrop to some of the most memorable and prolific sports and live entertainment moments and events to have taken place in the last 20 years and together, through this partnership, AEG and Crypto.com will help shape the next 20. Each year, the world-class venue hosts over 240 major high-profile events of national and international distinction and over 4 million guests with events ranging from professional sports, concerts, family and award shows, boxing and special events, including the GRAMMY Awards, NBA All-Star Games and NHL All-Star Games among others. It has also hosted some of the biggest headlining names and shows in music and live entertainment performing in concert and during 19 of the last 21 GRAMMY Awards shows.

This partnership, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, places the Crypto.com brand at the center of some of the biggest and most important sports and live entertainment moments set to take place over the course of the next two decades. It also underscores the rapidly growing influence and widespread adoption of Crypto.com’s cryptocurrency platform and NFT marketplace worldwide.

“Known as the Creative Capital of the World, the city of Los Angeles and the people who call it home have always been pioneers, pushing the boundaries and innovating as the undeniable global leaders of culture and entertainment,” said Crypto.com Co-Founder and CEO, Kris Marszalek. “We’re very excited about partnering with AEG and investing long term in this city, starting with Crypto.com Arena in the heart of downtown, and using our platform in new and creative ways so that cryptocurrency can power the future of world class sports, entertainment and technology for fans in LA and around the world.”

Located in the heart of the entertainment capital of the world, the 20,000-seat, award-winning arena, has become a global symbol of excellence that has not only redefined and revitalized downtown Los Angeles, but has also helped set the industry standard for best-in-class facility management for other leading venues of prominence around the world.

“This partnership represents the fastest-growing cryptocurrency platform and the biggest sports and live entertainment company in the world converging to drive the future of sports and live entertainment as well as the incredible legacy of this arena for decades to come,” said Todd Goldstein, Chief Revenue Officer of AEG.  “It marks an exciting new chapter in the history of our company and our respective industries, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have such a visionary partner like Crypto.com supporting our global fan base and local community.”

As the exclusive naming rights partner, Crypto.com will engage millions of sports and entertainment fans each year through premium branded areas of the arena including a 3,300 sq. ft activation space at the building’s entrance, as well as dedicated activation areas on the main concourse of the arena and throughout the L.A. LIVE campus. Additionally, the new relationship will see Crypto.com featured prominently across the venue with large-scale, premium branding and signage throughout the interior and exterior of the facility.

“This partnership is about the future,” said Dan Beckerman, President and CEO of AEG.  “AEG and Crypto.com not only share a vision about innovation and the future of sports and entertainment, but we also have a shared commitment to our communities where we work and live.  We look forward to partnering with Crypto.com to create meaningful initiatives to bring that vision to life in the years to come.”

Crypto.com and AEG are committed to working in the Los Angeles community to prioritize sustainability and community engagement. AEG was one of the first companies to adopt a greenhouse reduction goal that’s based on the 1.5 ̊ C global warming limit recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Crypto.com committed to becoming carbon negative by the end of 2022 by offsetting more carbon than is generated by all activities across the organization.

Negotiations were led on behalf of AEG by Nick Baker and Russell Silvers, Co-Chief Operating Officers of AEG Global Partnerships and on behalf of Crypto.com by Steven Kalifowitz, Chief Marketing Officer of Crypto.com and Gilad Rodkin, Senior Vice President of Marketing of Crypto.com. Both sides acknowledge that the process moved quickly to a close due to a mutual understanding of each other’s businesses and a shared desire to collaborate and create something truly unique for the future of Los Angeles and fans around the world.

NBA To Host Two Preseason Games In The UAE

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) today announced a groundbreaking multiyear partnership to host the first NBA games in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  

The two NBA preseason games in Abu Dhabi in October 2022 will mark the league’s first games in the Arabian Gulf.  The participating teams and host venue will be announced at a later date.  Fans can register their interest in receiving more information by visiting NBA.com/abudhabi.

The partnership will see DCT Abu Dhabi, under “Visit Abu Dhabi,” the tourism promotion initiative of the UAE’s capital city, serve as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.

The partnership will also include a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players, the launch of Jr. NBA Leagues for boys and girls at schools across the UAE fostering teamwork and inclusion, a series of NBA FIT Clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event.

“Today’s announcement further demonstrates the emirate’s position as a top-tier home for global sports and for attracting the very best talent,” said DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak.  “As Abu Dhabi is committed to further developing as a dynamic global destination, adding the NBA to our impressive year-round portfolio of sports and entertainment events only reinforces the UAE capital’s standing as a centre of sporting excellence.  We look forward to the NBA playing an integral role in developing young talent and healthy lifestyles at the grassroots level – the heart of the UAE’s strategy – which places great emphasis on empowering youth and building a sustainable future for the nation and future generations.”

“As we celebrate the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Season, partnering with DCT Abu Dhabi to bring the first NBA and NBA 2K League games and events to the UAE marks an important milestone in basketball’s continued global growth,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.  “Abu Dhabi is a vibrant multicultural hub with a demonstrated track record of hosting world-class sporting events, and this partnership will not only bring the live NBA and NBA 2K League experience to fans in the Middle East, but it will also create opportunities for boys and girls to learn the fundamentals and core values of the game through a variety of grassroots programming and fan events.”

NBA games and programming reach fans in the Middle East on beIN SPORTS, The Sports Channel and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service.  More than 220 male and female prospects from the region – including five players from the UAE – have participated in Basketball Without Borders (BWB) or NBA Academy, the league’s elite basketball development programs for top prospects from outside the U.S.  Since 2019, more than 500 boys and girls have participated in the NBA Basketball School Dubai (UAE), a year-round, tuition-based basketball development program for boys and girls ages 6-18. 

Abu Dhabi has consistently demonstrated its capabilities in hosting world-class sporting events.  Pioneering initiatives such as DCT Abu Dhabi’s “Go Safe Certification” highlight the city’s unwavering commitment to the community and visitors’ health and safety, while enabling it to continue to hold the best of live sporting events.  For more information about Abu Dhabi, please visit: https://bit.ly/3Fl8tG1.

GAISF Welcomes Three New Members At General Assembly 2021

The GAISF General Assembly 2021 last week welcomed the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) as a full Member and approved Associate Member applications from the Association of Pan American Sports Confederations (ACODEPA) and World Martial Arts Masterships Committee (WMC).

Newly-elected GAISF President Ivo Ferriani said:

“We are delighted to welcome three new Members to the diverse family of sport that is GAISF and we look forward to supporting them on the next stage of their journeys. It is clear that the IPSC, ACODEPA and WMC have all worked tirelessly to fulfil the membership criteria, and I have no doubt they will continue to improve, develop and work for the benefit of sport in the years ahead.”

The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) manages the sport of practical shooting which is a highly dynamic discipline consisting of shooting multiple targets at various distances from multiple locations. The IPSC uses shooting ranges and promotes the safe and recreational use of firearms by persons of good character. It becomes the latest International Sports Federation to join the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), where it will continue its journey to promote and advance the sport of practical shooting worldwide.

The Association of Pan American Sports Confederations (ACODEPA) is constituted by the Pan American Sports Confederations or Continental Sports Organisations recognised by their respective International Federation. It aims to promote the development of the different sports disciplines affiliated, coordinate efforts in the development of Pan American sport and works together with Panam Sports to help ensure the successful delivery of the Pan American Games and other regional sports competitions.

The World Martial Arts Masterships Committee (WMC) is an international martial arts organisation which aims to realise the value of martial arts and pass down their intangible cultural heritage to the next generation. WMC also focuses on martial arts’ power to promote peace, solidarity and fairness.

Ticketing Solution Outbox Unveiled As Latest Company To Join iSportConnect

London, November 2021 – We are thrilled to announce that Outbox have joined iSportConnect as our latest consultancy client. 

Founded in 2006, Outbox is a white label cloud based digital ticketing platform. The Outbox platform specialises in inventory management, ticketing, CRM, access control and e-commerce. They work with a client to bring together their product mix and operational ecosystem to drive revenue, data requirements, operational efficiency and technical innovation through their innovative, open and modular API driven architecture.

Outbox has supported and managed some of the largest events, venues and brands globally including Cirque du Soleil, other worldwide touring shows, sports teams plus numerous arenas, theatres and clubs. Outbox has proven system strength, crafting & connecting a client’s digital ecosystem while working with our clients to seek out complimentary third-party partners to enhance all commercial offerings.

“We are excited to work with iSportConnect to identify new partners that share our vision for a true digital and integrated ecosystem to drive their business & digital strategy.”

“At Outbox we have a clear vision that a ticketing platform should not only provide excellent fan engagement and be operationally efficient, but for us to bring our combined expertise and experiences so that we can perform as an extension to the core business of our clients and be part of and assist in connecting their digital ecosystem to drive real business benefits and operational efficiencies,” said Outbox Managing Director, Robert Byrne.

“Our white labelled system is integral to every customer’s purchasing journey so we follow the client’s brand and work in partnership with our clients to help them be in control of their data and to have a direct relationship with their fans.”  

“We are excited to work with iSportConnect to identify new partners that share our vision for a true digital and integrated ecosystem to drive their business & digital strategy.”

“The team at Outbox has a wealth of experience and we are excited to be working with them to continue their growth”

“Our philosophy has always been about connecting the business of sport and working with the best in class partners across our industry,” said iSportConnect Chief Strategy Officer, Sandy Case.

“The team at Outbox has a wealth of experience and we are excited to be working with them to continue their growth along with providing the best white label ticketing solutions for organisations who are looking to promote their own brand, work more effectively and grow their own business in partnership with a mobile first digital strategy.”

“It is safe to say everybody missed attending sports and entertainment events during the pandemic. By joining forces with Outbox we hope to ensure as many people as possible are able to get those fantastic experiences back in their lives.”

iSportConnect Consultancy

iSportConnect’s consultancy division works to help our clients with commercial development, marketing and communications and global sports market entry and business strategy. Our consultancy clients include the likes of Vindicia, Tata Communications and Infront X, among others.

About iSportConnect

iSportConnect was launched in 2010 with the aim of bringing together sports business professionals around the world in a networking community enabling them to meet one another, find information and obtain access to a wide range of relevant services. The platform is now the largest global private network of sport business executives, where membership is exclusive and follows a strict door policy.

Tissot To Continue As Official Timekeeper Of MotoGP

Dorna Sports and Tissot are delighted to announce the renewal of their contract that sees the Swiss watchmaker remain Official Timekeeper of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship for several years to come. This extends the longstanding partnership and also includes an expanded commercial presence within MotoGP™, taking the collaboration to new heights. 

Founded in 1853, Tissot became the Official Timekeeper of MotoGP™ in 2001, with this season therefore marking the 20th anniversary of the collaboration. As the competition continues to gets closer and closer, with races and even Championships decided by such small margins, Tissot’s role has become ever more vital with each passing season.  

Off-track, the partnership between Tissot and MotoGP™ also makes the headlines. The brand takes inspiration from the world of MotoGP™ to create stunning collections of timepieces and watches, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence, accuracy and precision. The rider on pole position in each class at each Grand Prix is also awarded an exclusive watch and Tissot pole position certificate, in addition to the Pole of Poles prize given at the end of the season to the rider in each class with most pole positions.  

Tissot also enjoys an emblematic trackside presence at prime locations throughout the calendar and has recently added a new role as title sponsor for a number of Grands Prix in the last two seasons, further strengthening the collaboration between the watchmaker and the world’s fastest motorcycle racing Championship. This headline presence is now confirmed to continue as part of this new contract, with the Tissot name to take top billing at a Grand Prix each and every season. 

Sylvain Dolla, CEO of Tissot: “The technological world of motorcycling reflects the nature of Tissot perfectly. It shares our passion for products, continuous development and a drive to keep pushing boundaries. It is also a source of inspiration to create unique watches with features that illustrate stunning details of the bike, which can be seen in the Tissot T-Race MotoGP Collection. We look forward to continuing to work with Dorna and to keep inspiring one another to deliver results both in Timekeeping and in our products, for athletes and fans alike.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO at Dorna Sports: “We’re delighted to celebrate over two decades of collaboration with Tissot with another important announcement, extending our partnership once again. With Tissot as Official Timekeeper, it ensures our sport will continue in safe and capable hands, and we’re looking forward to seeing each new collection of timepieces inspired by MotoGP too. The Tissot name taking top billing at a Grand Prix each season is also fantastic news, ensuring the Tissot name retains its top line presence in the paddock into another new era of partnership.”

USA & West Indies Confirmed As 2024 Men’s T20 World Host Cup Hosts, ICC Announces Men’s Event Hosts Until 2031

The ICC have today announced the host nations for their upcoming men’s events between 2024 and 2031, as well as the seven host cities for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia with the final line-up for the event now confirmed.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed the 14 host countries of the ICC men’s white ball events from 2024-2031. 11 Full Members and three Associate Members have been selected to host two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, four ICC Men’s T20 World Cups and two ICC Men’s Champions Trophy events.

The USA and Namibia will host an ICC World Cup event for the first time. Whilst Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe have previously staged major events and will do so again over the next decade.

The hosts were selected via a competitive bidding process overseen by a Board sub-committee chaired by Martin Snedden along with Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Skerritt. The ICC Board accepted the recommendations of the committee who conducted a thorough review of each bid along with ICC management. A similar process to identify the hosts for ICC Women’s and U19s events for the next cycle will be undertaken early next year.

ICC Chair Greg Barclay said: “We are delighted to have concluded this competitive bidding process for the first time for ICC events. To have 14 Members hosting 8 events is a reflection of the truly global nature of our sport and I’d like to thank every Member that submitted a bid and offer our congratulations to the successful bidders.

“It is fantastic to be returning to so many previous hosts, but what is really exciting about this process is the countries who will stage ICC events for the first time including the USA which is a strategic growth market for us. This gives us the opportunity to deepen our connection with fans in traditional cricket nations and also reach new fans around the world.”

Martin Snedden, Chair of the ICC Hosting Sub-Committee said: “We received a range of excellent bids to host the ICC Men’s events in the next cycle. We were committed to ensuring a broad spread of hosts to align with the ICC strategic objective of global growth and have ended up with 14 countries who will support that long term aim.”

Ricky Skerritt, Cricket West Indies President and ICC Board member said: “The success of this joint bid by CWI and USA Cricket will be a huge boost for our cricket. It offers a vital strategic opportunity to promote and develop cricket, and related commercial activity, in North America and the Caribbean. I take this opportunity to thank all those at ICC, USA Cricket and CWI who helped to make this 2024 venue selection decision possible.”

The awarding of the events to preferred hosts is subject to the completion of the host agreements and the ICC will now work closely with Members to finalise arrangements. 17 Members submitted a total of 28 proposals to host the eight ICC Men’s white ball events.

Hosting the upcoming men’s tournament’s after Australia’s T20 World Cup in 2022 will be:

2024 T20WC: USA, West Indies

2025 CT: Pakistan

2026 T20WC: India, Sri Lanka

2027 ODI WC: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia

2028 T20WC: Australia, NZ

2029 CT: India

2030 T20WC: England, Ireland, Scotland

2031 ODI WC: India, Bangladesh

For the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, which is scheduled to take place between 16 October and 13 November next year, we will see a total of 45 matches hosted across Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Final will be hosted under lights at the MCG on 13 November 2022. The semi-finals will be hosted at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Adelaide Oval on 9 and 10 November, respectively.

Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 champions Australia and runner-up New Zealand plus Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan and South Africa as the next highest ranked teams will gain direct entry into the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

Namibia, Scotland, Sri Lanka and the West Indies will play in Round 1. The four remaining spots at Australia 2022 will be filled via the ongoing qualification pathway, culminating in two global qualifying tournaments one to take place in Oman in February and the other in Zimbabwe in June/July. For more information on the pathway click here.

Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We are looking forward to seeing the return of ICC events to Australia and are delighted to announce the seven host cities for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. Following the success of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020 and a two year postponement, our sights are now firmly set on planning for the 2022 event in collaboration with the LOC.

“With 12 teams already confirmed in the line-up, we eagerly await the culmination of the qualification process to see which other teams will join them.”