Ian Watmore Steps Down As ECB Chair

Ian Watmore is to step down as Chair of the ECB with immediate effect, it has been announced.

He has reached a mutual agreement with the Board to stand down following the end of the domestic season and after helping to steer the game through the challenges of Covid over the past year. The decision follows a successful summer of domestic and international men’s and women’s cricket, the launch of The Hundred and record numbers playing the game recreationally.

Ian Watmore commented: “It is with regret that I step down as Chair of the ECB, but I do so in mindfulness of my own wellbeing and that of the game which I love. I was appointed to the post in a pre-pandemic era, but Covid has meant the role and its demands on time are dramatically different to all our original expectations, which has taken a personal toll on me. Given this, the Board and I feel the ECB will be better served by a new Chair to take it forward post pandemic. Leaving now, at the end of the season, gives the Board time to find a new Chair to support cricket through the challenges of the 2022 season and beyond.

“On a personal level, I also retired last month after five years at the Civil Service Commission and recently became a grandfather. I would now like to retire completely from work and enjoy our great game as a spectator.”

During Ian’s tenure the ECB has seen the delivery of a full cricket season along with the successful return of crowds, increased diversity on the ECB Board, the launch of the Disability Premier League and the creation of the Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) to explore matters relating to race, class, and gender in the sport.

Current Deputy Chair, Barry O’Brien, will step-up as interim Chair, having indicated to the Board that he will not be a candidate for the role.

He commented: “We are grateful to Ian for everything he has contributed during his time at the ECB. He has helped guide the game through an incredibly challenging period, where despite the impact of Covid we were able to stage a busy summer of men’s and women’s domestic and international cricket. He also leaves with the recreational game in a strong position, with record numbers playing the game this summer, which I know will please him enormously as a lover of the grass roots of sport. We wish him the best for the future.

“We will shortly begin a process to appoint a new Chair to lead the ECB, as the organisation continues to deliver on its ambitions to grow the game and create an increasingly inclusive and welcoming sport for all.”

The Routes Taken By Investment Firms Into Football

This week, Mohd Umar looks at the ways investment firms enter football as they try to transform the business models of clubs and leagues.

Football has long been known as a dynamic and fast-paced sport, and now Private Equity and Hedge fund firms have taken a long stride towards transforming the football clubs themselves.

The most popular sport going looks attractive to PE & Hedge Funds due to their stable and predictable cash flow coming from broadcasting revenue, matchday sales and merchandising. It comes forward as an opportunity to buy undervalued businesses with enormous growth potential and improve them by trimming underperforming divisions and reconfiguring operations.

After the pandemic kept the fans away from stadiums, wiped out matchday sales and reduced payouts from broadcasters, leading some of the biggest teams in Europe into enormous debts, investment firms helped some of them to stay afloat.

Inflated wage bills, relegation risks and ardent fanbases don’t agitate the PE & Hedge funds in their pursuits. Recently, RedBird Capital acquired undervalued Toulouse FC looking at its enormous growth potential, but unfortunately the club was relegated and will now require hefty investment to get back into Ligue 1.

Some routes taken by investment firms to establish a foothold in these treacherous waters are:

Acquiring stakes in multiple teams

To ensure profitability, PE & Hedge Funds have diversified their portfolio of rights into varied clubs of different sizes and geographical locations. In 2019, Californian private equity investor Silver Lake acquired a 10% share in City Football Group, which has ten clubs operating around the globe.

Buying into the league

Last year, CVC Capital and Advent international made a bid of 1.7bn EUR for 10% stakes in a firm that would handle Serie A’s TV rights, only for it to fall through.

However, recently CVC acquired 11% stakes in LaLiga’s media rights for 2.1bn EUR and allowed three clubs to drop out. CVC plans to take an active role in managing media rights and the clubs will be granted an interest-free loan from the 2.1bn EUR funding.

Acquiring stakes in smaller clubs

With robust scouting and investment into youth academies, small clubs have the opportunity to develop young talents and maximise revenue from transfer fees. But it can turn ugly if the firms decide to misuse the club’s resources.

After the recent takeover of Burnley by ALK Capital, the club is now facing eye-watering debts and reduced cash reserves for their stature. Manager Sean Dyche said Burnley ‘aren’t quite in the same league financially’ – they are now £60m in debt and have £30m+ less cash due to their recent US takeover. 

Clubs in crisis

The clubs have always been in dire need of cash and that’s grown more acute after the pandemic kept crowds away from stadiums. Premier League clubs Arsenal and Tottenham have secured £300m loans at low interests from the Bank of England, but smaller clubs and those in lower leagues have complained about the struggle to secure financing.

As the commercial banks perceive football clubs as high risk, the investment firms have instead been lending their helping hand. Last year, MSD Partners has loaned almost £80m to Premier League team Southampton and funded the £200m takeover of Burnley by ALK Capital. While Inter Milan recently gained £233m from Oaktree Capital for a 31% stake. If majority owner Suning isn’t able to repay its debt in three years, the U.S. fund reportedly gets control of Inter Milan.

The fans have slammed private equity’s reputation as vulture funds that strip assets and sell them off for profit. If the ownership of clubs is fairly regulated the whole football environment will become more stable and PE could bring in expertise along with a sophisticated model and a strategy for commercialising football.

It can play a positive role if it is carried and led with the right motivations in mind.

LDN UTD And Green Man Announce Strategic Partnership

LDN UTD, the purpose driven esports org, today announces a strategic partnership with multi-award-winning global video game retailer, publisher, and distributor, Green Man Gaming. LDN UTD and Green Man Gaming will continue to use gaming and esports to raise awareness of social issues such as inclusion, representation and mentorship including a joint programme at LDN UTD’s forthcoming Centre of Excellence. The partnership will also see the combined communities benefit from a range of unique opportunities from customised digital offerings to bespoke esports tournaments and many more. 

LDN UTD has become synonymous with addressing social issues via physical and online events, and most recently hosted UTD Against Racism with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, and last month launched a community purpose-driven NFT campaign. With its Centre of Excellence due to open in Camden in London later this month, it will be the first purpose driven esports venue to offer gamers a safe space to play video games, and attend workshops on mental/physical health and fitness, and be offered opportunities to further education or employment prospects.

Green Man Gaming has long been recognised as a global video game retailer, publisher and distributor, and has a long history of being involved in social causes. Most recently pledging to continue the fight against climate crisis through the UN Environmental Programme initiative Playing for the Planet Alliance and supporting developers and students from underrepresented backgrounds through initiatives with Payload Studios and St Mary’s University. The team were  recognised at the St. Mary’s Be Smart/ Employability Confident Awards 2021 for their contribution to the Be SMART Programme in 2021, offering paid internships and mentoring to students from underrepresented backgrounds. 

Oliver Weingarten, Founder/CEO of LDN UTD said, “It always makes sense to partner with organisations that align with values and can enhance our offerings to the community, and with Green Man Gaming, we have the perfect partner to form a long term strategic partnership that encompasses many elements.The partnership with Green Man Gaming will allow us to reach even more people with our messaging, which can only be a positive.”

Ian McGregor, CMO Green Man Gaming: 

“At Green Man Gaming, we believe that games are for everyone and have the power to drive positive change. In LDN UTD we have found a partner that shares our values and drive to use games for good. We’re excited to embark on this partnership that will not only benefit our direct consumers but has the potential to reach and serve the wider games community.”

PIF, PCP Capital Partners And RB Sports & Media Acquire Newcastle United Football Club

An investment group led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and also comprising PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media (the “Investment Group”), has completed the acquisition of 100% of Newcastle United Limited and Newcastle United Football Club Limited (“Newcastle United” or the “Club”) from St. James Holdings Limited.

All requisite approvals have been obtained from the English Premier League and the acquisition was completed on 7 October 2021.

The Investment Group is comprised of long-term, patient investors who have every confidence in the future success of the Club. Today’s announcement is the conclusion of a thorough and detailed process that has allowed the Investment Group to arrive at a deal that benefits all stakeholders and will leave Newcastle United well-placed to pursue a clear, long-term strategy.

His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, will serve as Non-Executive Chairman of Newcastle United. Amanda Staveley, chief executive of PCP Capital Partners, will have one seat on the board. Jamie Reuben will also be a director of the Club, representing RB Sports & Media.

For PIF, one of the world’s most impactful investors, the acquisition is in line with its strategy of focusing on key sectors including Sports and Entertainment, and aligns with PIF’s mission to actively invest over the long term – in this case, to harness the Club’s potential and build upon the Club’s legacy.

Commenting on the agreement, His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, said: “We are extremely proud to become the new owners of Newcastle United, one of the most famous clubs in English football.

“We thank the Newcastle fans for their tremendously loyal support over the years and we are excited to work together with them.”

Amanda Staveley, Chief Executive Officer of PCP Capital Partners, said: “This is a long-term investment. We are excited about the future prospects for Newcastle United.

“We intend to instill a united philosophy across the Club, establish a clear purpose, and help provide leadership that will allow Newcastle United to go on to big achievements over the long term.

“Our ambition is aligned with the fans – to create a consistently successful team that’s regularly competing for major trophies and generates pride across the globe.”

Jamie Reuben of RB Sports & Media, said: “We look forward to a great future for Newcastle United. Newcastle is a fantastic city, which is why our family has been investing heavily in the area for many years. To become part of this great Club and its amazing fans is a privilege.

“We will build a true community Club, based upon our family’s knowledge of the city and in line with our plans that have been worked on closely with Newcastle City Council to deliver long-term sustainable growth for the area.”

Sports & Wellbeing Analytics Announces Renewal Of Partnerships With Harlequins And Gloucester Rugby

Sports & Wellbeing Analytics (SWA) is delighted to announce that Gallagher Premiership champions Harlequins and fellow top-flight club Gloucester Rugby have renewed their partnership for the duration of the 2021/2022 campaign.

The Premiership duo will implement SWA’s cutting edge PROTECHT solution across their senior playing squads after the pair successfully trialed the ground-breaking contact loading measurement tool throughout the 2020/21 campaign.

The partnerships represent a commitment from both Harlequins and Gloucester to using the most innovative scientific and technological solutions at their disposal to tackle the issue of head injuries in rugby union, whilst also improving player availability and performance.

Gallagher Premiership champions Harlequins have publicly credited the system with increasing player availability during their victorious 2020/21 season and helping them to reduce weekly contact loads of players by 40-60%, and in some cases by up to 90%. 

PROTECHT is an objective data surveillance system which precisely measure the frequency and intensity of any impact to a player’s head or body in training or in matches. Through a chip placed in a mouthguard, it is possible for coaches, managers, medics, physios and strength & conditioning staff to receive accurate measurements in real-time. This data then informs welfare protocols and allows contact load in training to be adjusted for optimum safety and performance standards.

Chris Turner, CEO at SWA, commented: “We’re delighted that Harlequins and Gloucester have committed to implementing our PROTECHT system across their elite sides for the duration of the 2021/22 season, following successful trials at both clubs last year.

“The data we’re able to generate from the system continues to surprise us, and the extent to which its player welfare benefits dovetail so closely with improved performance – as demonstrated so brilliantly by Quins last season – really excites us.

“We invite more clubs, leagues and governing bodies to adopt the technology to help protect the game and its players.”

Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple said: “We are delighted to extend our thriving partnership with SWA. It has been well publicised how beneficial and effective our work with PROTECHT has been for helping our Medical and Strength and Conditioning departments manage player workload, and we’ve seen a direct link to performance on the pitch.

“Their gumshield technology is industry-leading when it comes to load management and managing player contact levels throughout the week.

“Player welfare is at the forefront of our thoughts at Harlequins, and with the risks that come with concussion in contact sport, our partnership with SWA helps us manage and mitigate risk with greater precision than ever.”

Alex Brown, Chief Operating Office at Gloucester Rugby, added: “We are really pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with PROTECHT and to be able to supply our players with industry leading mouthguards.

“The technology provided by PROTECHT is second-to-none, and the data that we are able to accurately monitor on a day-to-day basis means that we can manage the players’ contact levels in the week and during a game.

“With concussion management being a key focus across the sport, this partnership enables us to put player welfare at the forefront of everything we do.”

The announcement follows a 2020/21 season in which PROTECHT was used as part of a Premiership Rugby trial by Harlequins, Gloucester Rugby and Leicester Tigers, with United Rugby Championship club Ospreys and Premier 15s side Bristol Bears Women also adopting the technology last season.

SWA were also commissioned by World Rugby and the RFU to complete a study of elite rugby to better understand the contact demands of training and matches.

SWA has also taken part in a recent study by the Premier League, which helped inform its new Heading in Training Guidance released in July, and remains engaged with individual clubs, leagues and governing bodies across the wider sports industry to encourage adoption of the solution, with the aim of improving player welfare and performance.

Discovery Sports Further Strengthens Winter Sports Offering In Build-Up To Beijing

Discovery Sports has agreed a new multi-year deal with Infront to bring a number of world-class Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) events to fans in more than 50 markets in Europe, reaffirming its status as the ‘Home of Winter Sports’.

Starting from the 2021-22 season, men’s and women’s FIS World Cup Events including every Alpine Ski World Cup race*; the Ski Jumping World Cup, Cross Country World Cup, Nordic Combined World Cup; and men’s and women’s Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Cup events, will be available to watch on Discovery’s platforms including Eurosport and discovery+** for the next five years, providing viewers with exciting live content each weekend through the winter.

The package of world-class winter sports rights also features the FIS Alpine and Nordic World Ski Championships in 2023 (France and Slovenia) and 2025 (Austria and Norway) along with the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships in 2023 (Georgia) and 2025. The Biathlon World Team Challenge will also be shown along with Summer Grand Prix Ski Jumping annually until 2025.

As part of the 50-plus market agreement, Discovery Sports has secured exclusive access for all events in more than 40 markets, which further strengthens its multi-sport, direct-to-consumer offering through localised content and enhanced digital experiences within the ultimate fan-first, winter sports ecosystem. The deal completes an unrivalled skiing offer within the most comprehensive winter sports portfolio, which will provide fans with at least 1,000 hours of live content from the biggest winter events each year.

Andrew Georgiou, President of Sports, Discovery, said: “Eurosport has always been the home of winter sports, bringing fans the greatest choice of events and access to the sports they love. I’m delighted that Discovery Sports’ continued investment in the world’s greatest events and our renewed partnership with Infront will allow us to deliver every Alpine, Cross Country and Nordic Combined World Championships and World Cup race; every Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championships and World Cup and more Ski Jumping events than anyone else, which will help us to unlock the power of winter sports as we build towards Beijing 2022.

“Our deep winter sports expertise and localised production combined with the immense scale and reach of Discovery’s European portfolio including via Eurosport and discovery+ means we can continue to use our world-class storytelling ability to bring fans closer to their heroes, delivering action from the most exciting winter sports to the widest possible audience.” 

Discovery is recognised for providing fans with the ultimate winter sports viewing experience, harnessing the best local experts, unrivalled insights and next generation immersive technology to bring fans closer to the action. The award-winning Eurosport Cube was credited with ‘redefining the Olympics viewing experience’ during the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 and Discovery’s investment in technology means more innovations are set to be unveiled for fans in the build-up to Beijing 2022 as part of its year-round approach to winter sports storytelling.

The announcement follows Discovery Sports’ coverage of Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 where it brought viewers across Europe every unmissable moment while breaking new audience reach and engagement records during the first streaming Olympics. Discovery served viewers with 1.3 billion minutes of Olympic content across its digital platforms and brought on three times more new paying subscribers to discovery+ and Eurosport’s subscription services than at Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. During Beijing 2022, the home of the Olympic Games in Europe will show every unmissable moment of a Winter Olympic Games across discovery+ in Europe for the first time**.

A Club-By-Club Sponsorship Overview Of The Gallagher Premiership

Connexi take a look at the sponsorship landscape across rugby’s Gallagher Premiership

The Gallagher Premiership is now in full swing with the first fixtures shaping what is set to be an exciting new season. When it comes to sponsorship, rugby has its own unique trends, differing from those seen and associated with football. Deals tend to be locally based and frequently created through a personal connection between the club and brand. A strong connection to the club and its supporters is important rather than simply promoting the brand. 

League Partners:

Gallagher, BT Sport, Channel 5, Gilbert, The Famous Grouse, Land Rover, CITIZEN, The Times

Bath Rugby – Dyson:

Dyson, a company which began in Bath, have been the title partner of Bath rugby since 2014. As a global company with local roots this is a perfect fit for both. The well-known brand is looking less so for exposure and more for the association. 

  • Front of Shirt = Dyson
  • Kit Manufacturer = Macron
  • Official Partners = Avon Protection, Bath Ales, Bendac Group, Compeed, Grant, Thatchers
  • Other Partners = CRX Compression, Dick Lovett Land Rover, Gieves & Hawkes, Nutrition X, Opro, Pol Roger, Vivomed, Novia, Royds Withy King, Lucknam Park

Bristol Bears – Ravenscroft:

Beginning in 2020, Bristol Bears is Ravenscroft’s entrance into the UK sports market. Bristol sport owner Stephen Landsdown is also a chairman of Ravenscroft. To enter with a personal connection is a safe option in rugby but this deal remains unique as it is only 1 of 2 financial sponsorships in the league. 

  • Front of Shirt = Ravenscroft
  • Kit Manufacturer = Umbro
  • Elite Partners = BS3 Services, Thatchers, RedRock, Blackstar Solutions, xledger, Lancer Scott, ne Appliances
  • Supporting Partners = UWE Bristol, Shock Doctor, Lucozade Sport, Wessex Garages, Good4U, XITEC, Tarka Springs, Kellaway, Langley House, Nexa Bristol, Camworth, Net World Sports

Exeter Chiefs – West Exe Business Park

After the longstanding connection which began in the 1994/95 season and became ‘the longest running main sponsorship relationship in the Premiership’ ended earlier this year, the club have recently placed West Exe Business Park on their shirt. Chief Executive and Chairman of Exeter Chiefs, Tony Rowe, has a personal connection with both the previous and new sponsors, as founder of SWComms and Owner of West Exe Business Park.

  • Front of Shirt = West Exe Business Park
  • Kit Manufacturer = Samurai Sportswear
  • Key Partners = SWComms, Bradfords Building Supplies, CENTRAX, St.Ewe Free Range Eggs, Heineken, Otter Brewery, Tolchards
  • Other Partners = Crew Clothing, Kensa Heat Pumps, Nuffield Health, Opro, Packexe, RGB Building Supplies, The Exeter, Thrifty, Troy, Drayton

Gloucester – BiGDUG:

Gloucester based shelving company, BiGDUG, takes over from Mitsubishi Motors as the front of shirt sponsor for the new season. A brand new partnership that has kept to the traditional rugby trend of local over global. 

  • Front of Shirt = BIGDUG
  • Kit Manufacturer = OXEN (Elite Pro Sports)
  • Key Partners = Stowford Press, EDF, Olbas, Malvern Tyres, Hartpury University and Hartpury College, EV Cargo, Karcher, ELONEX, Compeed, Laithwaites Wines.
  • Other Partners = Ssangyong, Mira Showers, Sportesse, Allstone Speedy Skips, BPE Solicitors, Raging Bull, Nutrition X, Opro, TMR Electrical Services, Hazlewoods, Cheltenham College, Smiths, Nuffield Health, First Solutions, WCD Group.

Harlequins – DHL:

DHL has a strong association with reigning champions Harlequins and have had a partnership since the 2012/13 season. In 2014/2015, DHL became the club’s main partner. The partnership has delivered success thus far, becoming a synonymous connection not only for the club but rugby in general.

  • Front of Shirt = DHL
  • Kit Manufacturer = Adidas
  • Official Partners = Refinitiv, Persil, Greene King, Lovell Rugby, Charles Stanley, Silverbug, Science in Sport
  • Other Partners = MJ Hudson, Philips, Aqua British, Blake Morgan, FlexiFleet, Opro, Thrifty

Leicester Tigers – Topps Tiles:

Topps Tiles continues as main sponsor of Leicester Tigers, cementing its connection for a 2nd season. They are not only a well-known national brand but also have strong connections to the city, including a national headquarters in Enderby in Leicestershire. 

  • Front of Shirt = Topps Tiles
  • Kit Manufacturer = Samurai Sportswear
  • Official Partners = Mattioli Woods, STIHL, The Nottingham Building Society, Breedon, Yodel, Global Payments, Hafele, Valeo Snack Foods, Biffa, Welford Investments, Westons Stowford Press, Toyo Tires, Clarity, Next, TDT Technology, De Montfort University, Everards, LUQEL, Nuffield Health, Marc Darcy, Opro, Levy
  • Other Partners = Pukka Pies, Burleighs, Fujifilm, Marcus De Footwear, Wattbike, Dragon SIgns, Knight Frank, The Turmeric Co, Actiph Water, Yakult, IMA Architects, NFU Mutual, Pulseroll, Hands Cleaners, PPL PRS

London Irish – Powerday:

This campaign sees the recycling and waste management company support London Irish for an 11th successive season. The connection goes further as Powerday’s owner is also president and owner of the rugby club, a trend that has grown to become common in rugby. 

  • Front of Shirt = Powerday
  • Kit Manufacturer = BLK
  • Elite Sponsors = Keltbray Group, PHD Group, VGC Group, UnitedUs, Cayman Islands, Reacton, Lions Prep, Just Clear, Curious, Turmec, Thames Materials Ltd, Durkan, The Lighthouse Club
  • Official Partners = Nutrition X, Opro, Prime Health, Foxhills, Clayton Hotels

Newcastle Falcons – Stelrad:

Stelrad Radiator Group, whose registered office is in Newcastle, have been partners of the Falcons since 2018. Seeing them through many highs and lows, including their promotion and return to the premiership last season.

  • Front of Shirt = Stelrad
  • Kit Manufacturer = Macron
  • Other Partners = Ward Hadaway, Hitachi Construction, Elm Group, NA College, Barbour, Nuffield Health, Greene King IPA, Bidfood, Northgate Vehicle Hire, iPRO Hydrate, Opro, Physique, Nutrition X, Pulman Group

Northampton Saints – Travis Perkins:

Northampton based Travis Perkins first became the club’s main sponsor in 2001. It was announced last month that the partnership will continue until at least 2025, “cementing the longest-ever relationship between an elite sport club and main shirt sponsor in the UK.”

  • Front of Shirt = Travis Perkins
  • Kit Manufacturer = Macron
  • Other Partners = Toolstation, Carlsberg, Church’s Shoes, Cinch, grs, Barclaycard, Clarity Sports, ELONEX, Michael James Jeweller, Mirus, PTS Training Academy, Redrow Homes, Spirit Hyundai, Stubhub, Warner’s Distillery, WIT Fitness, iPRO Sport, Nutrition X, 44 Dental Centre, Opro, Tompkins Knight & Son, Triad, 2XU.

Sale Sharks – AO:

Bolton based retailer AO takes over from UKFAST as the new front of shirt sponsor for Sale Sharks. Rugby is a game for the people and to associate themselves with a consumer electronics company is a great fit. 

  • Front of Shirt = AO
  • Kit Manufacturer = Macron
  • Official Partners = Bollington Insurance, DMR Jewellery, AJ Bell, C&C Insurance Brokers, CorpAcq, Morson Group, Printerland.co.uk, Acronis, BOL, Franklyn, 4th Utility, Roma
  • Other Partners = Adlington Welding Supplies, Amos, Assurant, ASSYSTEM, Bentley Manchester, Bespoke Moving Solutions, BMI The Alexandra Hospital, Bruce Jack Wines, Connectus, Clarity Sports, CVSL, HTF, David Lloyd Clubs, FilterMech, E.P. Muldoon, Greystone, Homes4U, inTec Business Solutions, iPRO Sport, Myerscough College, Oprom Redmoor Health, Ridley Thaw, Stantons of Stoke, Toast, The Mere, Toshiba, UK Biostores, Ultracell, University of Salford, VeCapital, Zen Office, Murray Metals, The Turmeric Co.

Saracens – City Index:

Newly promoted Saracens return to premiership rugby with trading platform City Index emblazoned across the front of their shirts. Whilst parent company StoneX sponsor the stadium. A partnership that is different to the traditional partnerships but shows that rugby is looking to be innovative with its new partnerships with new sectors.

  • Front of Shirt = City Index
  • Kit Manufacturer = Castore
  • Other Partners = Stone X, Shawbrook Bank, Acronis, Simba, Hy-Pro, JAXJOX, Zinc, Randstad, Greene King IPA, Alan Day Volkswagen, Clarity Sports, Lucozade Sport, Rentokill Initial, GBA, Optimum Nutrition, EMS, Harrogate Spring.

Wasps – Vodafone:

Leading technology communications company Vodafone recently extended their partnership with Wasps until the end of the 2023/24 season. Unlike other clubs they have taken a global approach and it has proved to be a success. 

  • Front of Shirt = Vodafone
  • Kit Manufacturer = Hummel
  • Other Partners = Dell Technologies, Wright Hassall, RSK, CWA, Hannafin, Ricoh, Heineken, Purity Brewing, Lear, Gullivers Sports Travel, Science in Sport, Robert Welch, Clements & Church, Oliverhorse, UT, Coventry 2021, Hottinger Group, Coventry Building Society, Indigo Fitness, The Wigley Group, Physique, 73 Media, Utility Team.

Worcester Warriors – Adam Hewitt:

Worcestershire-based motor and agricultural salvage company Adam Hewitt Ltd and Warriors have had a relationship for ten years, which expanded further when the company became Warriors’ Title Partner and Front of Shirt Sponsor for the 2020/21 season. A unique partnership that has a traditional rugby feel to it.  

  • Front of Shirt = Adam Hewitt
  • Kit Manufacturer = O’Neills
  • Other Partners = BMI The Droitwich Spa Hospital, Blackpole Recycling, Bartercard, ctm Sports, Boardrm, BP Pulse, ELONEX, First Choice Utilities, Molson Coors, ebc Group, Three Pears, EXOL, Harrison Clark Rickerbys

SportAccord Summit Conference To Explore A ‘United Approach To Building Bridges’ In Ekaterinburg

Sport diplomacy, technology, virtual events, innovation and esports will be among the key topics tackled in a packed SportAccord Summit conference programme during the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2022 in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

In announcing the theme of the conference as ‘A United Approach to Building Bridges in the Ever-Expanding World of Sport’, SportAccord has confirmed a series of unmissable addresses, panel sessions and presentations at the SportAccord Summit on Wednesday, 18 May 2022.

The SportAccord Summit will sit alongside SportAccord 2022’s other conference streams across the week of the highly anticipated gathering in Ekaterinburg, which will welcome global sport’s most influential decision-makers from 15-20 May 2022.

Numerous officials from International Sport Federations (IFs) will participate in the conference, alongside leading International and Russian figures from the sports governance, technology, and commercial sectors.

Expert speakers will explore topics as diverse as ‘The Power of Sport Diplomacy’, ‘New Approaches and Harnessing the Commercial Potential of Sport’, ‘Virtual Event Success Stories’, ‘How to Stay Connected and Engaged in a Changing Global Village’ and ‘Technology’s Role in the Ever-Expanding World of Sport’.

“With such a variety of topics on the agenda, the SportAccord Summit will provide a range of vital perspectives from different areas of the global sports movement,” Dr. Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF, said.

“From sport diplomacy to esports and future commercial strategies, the SportAccord Summit in Ekaterinburg will offer an essential snapshot of the most pertinent challenges and opportunities facing International Sport Federations and the sports industry as a whole.”

The SportAccord Summit is one of several conference streams at SportAccord 2022. The established CityAccord, HealthAccord, LawAccord and MediaAccord streams will be of interest to a broad range of stakeholders in sport.

As the only global sports industry event attended by all IFs and their stakeholders, SportAccord brings together organising committees, hosting cities and regions, governments and administrations, rights-holders, agencies and athletes, as well as top-level experts and organisations from the sports media, technology, investment, medical and legal sectors.

Registration is open for the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2022 in Ekaterinburg, the 19th edition of SportAccord’s flagship annual event. Organisations interested in becoming an official partner or exhibitor can contact SportAccord to discuss these investment opportunities by emailing sales@sportaccord.sport, with SportAccord also offering an interactive exhibition floorplan and 3-D flyover of the SportAccord 2022 exhibition space.

You can follow SportAccord’s portfolio of events via Twitter @sportaccord or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, VK, and Instagram.

World Obstacle Officially Granted GAISF Observer Status

Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO), the governing body for obstacle sports and related events also known as World Obstacle, has officially been granted Observer Status by the GAISF Council which convened in Lausanne on 27 September 2021.

International Sports Federations (IFs) with GAISF Observer Status are able to access the GAISF General Assembly and benefit from the GAISF network. The status has been designed as the first step on the road towards fulfilment of all criteria required for GAISF Membership.

GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli said:

“I am delighted that the GAISF Council has granted Observer Status to World Obstacle. The decision is a clear reflection of the growth of obstacle sports worldwide, in addition to World Obstacle’s tireless efforts to promote these sports, its member federations and their athlete members. This is an exciting time for World Obstacle and we will do everything within our remit to help them develop as an IF and bring obstacle sports to even more people across the globe.”

World Obstacle President Ian Adamson said:

“We are honoured to be awarded Observer Status by GAISF. This is a critical step in the growth of the sport globally. On behalf of World Obstacle, I would like to thank GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli, the GAISF Council and the entire GAISF family for their guidance and support. With this important step, we are motivated to continue the development of obstacle sports for our national federation members and their communities.”

World Obstacle was formed in 2014 and formalised in 2018 to unify and develop obstacle sports worldwide. Disciplines include Ninja, Obstacle Course Racing and Adventure Racing. For more information about World Obstacle, please visit: https://www.worldobstacle.org/

ATP And Infosys Launch Revamped Stats Centre To Bring Fans Closer To The Game

The ATP and Infosys, the Digital Innovation Partner of the ATP Tour, have launched a suite of exciting match stats and analysis tools designed to bring fans, coaches and media closer to the action of men’s professional tennis.

From today, fans will be able to level up their experience of ATP Tour matches by layering on statistical insights from across more than 60 ATP Tour events each season. Delivered via an immersive and intuitive interface on ATPTour.com, Infosys will allow viewers to tap into the pulse of the match through real-time data and insights – helping to tell a richer story of the action on court and reveal game-changing moments. 

Over the past six years, Infosys has helped push the boundaries of the sport further through a suite of innovative solutions. These include popular data-led products such as the ATP Stats Leaderboards and ATP Second Screen for live insights, in addition to digitally driven solutions like the new ATP Tour fan app and Player Zone. New features launched today include: 

•    MatchBeats: 

Look deeper into the highs and lows of the match with point-by-point analysis studying shot speeds, rally lengths and auto-generated insights. Spot important trends using filters, from every winner to unforced errors.

•    Rally Analysis: 

Dissect how rallies happen and which ones create an impact. Identify the patterns of play that matter most and study performance in short, medium, and long rallies.

•    3D CourtVision: 

Re-live every point via an immersive 3D court experience that gives fans the best seat in the house. Analyse ball trajectory and key statistics from multiple viewing angles. 

•    Stroke Summary: 

Gain insight into player performance and success rate across different stroke types such as forehands, backhands, lobs and volleys.

•    Stats: 

Rank stats according to their influence on the outcome of a match. Understand if break points won mattered more than net points, or double faults turned the tide more than aces.

Daniele Sanò, ATP Chief Business Officer, said: “As an organisation we are constantly looking for new ways to make the experience of our sport more compelling. Tennis is incredibly data-rich and Infosys has both the technological expertise and passion for tennis to bring it to life in an intuitive way. We are excited for fans to interact with these new features and look forward to future digital innovation together with Infosys.”

Sumit Virmani, Chief Marketing Officer, Infosys, said: “The revamped stats centre is another significant landmark as we navigate into the seventh year of our successful journey with the ATP. The application of digital technologies is now becoming increasingly important in sport and business. As strategic partners in the digital roadmap and vision for the ATP, we are delighted to jointly bring innovative experiences to the world of tennis to further amplify the experience of fans, coaches, and other stakeholders of the game across the globe.”