NBA Superstar Stephen Curry Becomes Global Ambassador and Shareholder Of FTX In Long-Term Partnership

West Realm Shires Services Inc. and FTX Trading Limited, the companies behind FTX.US and FTX.COM respectively (collectively referred to as “FTX”), today announced a long-term partnership with three-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Stephen Curry. In connection with being an FTX global ambassador, Curry will receive an equity stake in FTX Trading Limited and Curry’s foundation, Eat.Learn.Play., will partner with FTX on charitable initiatives.

“I’m excited to partner with a company that demystifies the crypto space and eliminates the intimidation factor for first-time users,” said Curry.  “FTX is likeminded when it comes to giving back to the community in meaningful ways and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

Curry, who has spent his entire 12-season professional career with the Golden State Warriors, is the latest high-profile athlete to partner with FTX in 2021, joining NFL stars Tom Brady and Trevor Lawrence. Curry’s equity stake in FTX Trading Limited further advances the company’s position as the fastest growing and most trusted place to buy, sell and trade Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, NFTs and other digital assets. He will be taking on the role of global ambassador to expand the reach of the FTX brand and tout the viability of cryptocurrency to new audiences around the world through several upcoming initiatives.

The partnership with FTX marks the 33-year-old’s first investment in the cryptocurrency space as the burgeoning entrepreneur continues to diversify his growing portfolio.

Additionally, FTX has committed to providing an annual charitable contribution to Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s foundation, Eat.Learn.Play. The foundation seeks to unlock the full potential of every child, anchored around the three core values vital to a successful childhood: nutrition, education and active living. Likeminded with FTX, Eat.Learn.Play. and its founders are committed to ensuring an equal road to a brighter future for all kids, with a specific focus on fighting to end childhood hunger, ensuring students have access to a quality education and providing safe places for all children to play and be active. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eat.Learn.Play. and its community partners have served over 17 million nutritious meals to Oakland kids and families affected.   

Sam Bankman-Fried, CEO of FTX, said, “After meeting and speaking with Stephen, it was clear that he is a seamless fit for FTX. His tireless commitment to charity alongside a ferocious work ethic to become the greatest in any arena he steps foot in, whether it is basketball, investing or business, perfectly align with FTX’s core values. I look forward to working together with Stephen to create a positive impact for those who need it most in the world.”

Genius Sports Partners With 888 To Power New SI Sportsbook, Penn Interactive To Power Barstool Sportsbook

Genius Sports Limited (NYSE: GENI) (“Genius Sports” or “the Company”) the official data, technology and commercial partner that powers the ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media, has secured a major new partnership with 888 Holdings plc (LSE:888) (“888”), one of the world’s leading online betting and gaming companies, to provide its market-leading official data and trading capabilities for SI Sportsbook.

Genius Sports will provide pre-game and in-play content across top tier U.S. sports properties including the NBA, NCAA, NASCAR and NFL. The Company provides sportsbooks with end-to-end value, harnessing official data to power the full user lifecycle from player acquisition to pre-match and in-game betting, through to long-term customer retention.

The agreement makes SI Sportsbook, which has launched in Colorado, the latest U.S. sports betting brand to adopt Genius Sports’ exclusive full suite of NASCAR’s official data-powered in-race betting markets, launched in partnership with Genius Sports in 2020.  SI Sportsbook will also offer NFL official sports data, which includes access to the league’s real-time statistics, proprietary Next Gen Stats (NGS) and official sports betting data feed.

This new partnership builds on Genius Sports’ long-term relationship with 888, which provides it with global sports data and trading solutions, including official data-driven content from the Company’s exclusive sports partnerships with the English Premier League, Liga MX, Argentine and Colombian soccer and Euroleague Basketball.

Yaniv Sherman, SVP & Head of US at 888, said: “This is an important step in SI Sportsbook’s launch. By extending our global partnership with Genius Sports, we are able to combine our proprietary technology with its exclusive real-time sports data to provide a first-class betting and gaming experience for sports fans. We look forward to introducing the SI Sportsbook to customers across Colorado in the coming weeks.”

Mark Locke, CEO at Genius Sports, said: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with 888, a global leader in online betting that has joined forces with Sports Illustrated, one of the iconic sports brands. This new collaboration reinforces the integrity of our official data offerings and ability to give their sportsbook’s customers a first-class betting experience. The launch of SI Sportsbook is a clear statement for the convergence of sports, betting and media in the U.S., and we’re excited to play a pivotal role in its entry into the market.”

Genius Sports agrees to major partnership with Penn Interactive to power its Barstool Sportsbook with official data and fan engagement solutions

Genius has also entered into a long-term partnership with Penn Interactive (“Penn Interactive” or the “Company”) to provide official data and fan engagement solutions for the Company’s Barstool Sportsbook.

Penn Interactive currently operates online Barstool Sportsbooks across nine U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois and New Jersey. Genius Sports will provide Barstool Sportsbook with its market-leading official data, including access to select official sports data from the U.S. and international sports leagues. 

Across player acquisition, engagement and long-term retention, Barstool Sportsbook has also partnered with Genius Sports for its marketing and engagement strategy.

The agreement makes Barstool Sportsbook the latest U.S. sports betting brand to adopt Genius Sports’ exclusive official sports content, which includes NASCAR’s full suite of official data-powered in-race betting markets, launched in partnership with Genius Sports in 2020, as well as access to the NFL’s real-time statistics, proprietary Next Gen Stats (“NGS”) and official sports betting data feed. Genius Sports will also provide Barstool Sportsbook with its global official sports data portfolio from other top tier leagues, including the English Premier League, Liga MX, Argentine and Colombian soccer.

“We are excited to be partnering with Genius Sports for official data beginning with tonight’s kickoff,” said Jon Kaplowitz, Head of Penn Interactive. “Delivering official data to our growing, loyal audience will provide tremendous wagering opportunities for our users.  We also look forward to reaching sports fans who may not yet have experienced the Barstool Sportsbook through access to marketing inventory on NFL digital properties from Genius Sports.”

“Our partnership with Penn Interactive will provide one of the fastest-growing and most innovative sports betting brands with unique content across the whole player experience,” said Mark Locke, CEO at Genius Sports. “Barstool Sports is uniquely positioned in the U.S. market, appealing to a dynamic and passionate fan base. With Genius’ official sports data, next-generation marketing and fan engagement solutions, we look forward to supporting Barstool Sportsbook’s U.S. expansion.”

The Sport Industry Awards 2021 Winners Revealed

After a virtual ceremony in 2020, leading figures from across the world of sport reunited at Evolution London to honour the sport industry’s incredible achievements over the last year, in the face of one of it’s most challenging times, as the Sport Industry Awards 2021 returned.

Following on from the unprecedent journey the sector has been on, both charity and social change emerged as key themes across all winners.

Campaign of the Year in association YouGov Sport went to the 2.6 Challenge – a campaign setup to save the UK’s charities during the pandemic at a time when they desperately needed support. The UGC-driven campaign brought sport bodies from across the UK together, along with grassroots athletes, to drive fundraising back to those that had lost it.

Sport England, meanwhile, won twice. The organisation’s Age UK campaign – a programme that encouraged older members of society to get active – claimed the Partnership Award in association with Evolution London, before it then was named Sport Organisation of the Year in association with AXA XL, recognising the critical work it did in supporting NGBs across the UK throughout the pandemic.

Marcus Rashford was honoured with The Integrity and Impact Award in association with Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, highlighting the critical role that athletes now have in driving social change around the world, while the inspiring Netflix documentary, Rising Phoenix, claimed the Tessa Jowell Community Award in association with abrdn, bringing new eyeballs to parasport.

Sky Sports was named Media Organisation of the Year, not only recognizing its production and broadcast prowess, but honouring the role they’ve had in driving social change, particularly around the powerful message in support of Black Lives Matter during the West Indian Test Series in 2020.

The Active and Wellbeing Award was claimed by The FA’s Heads Up campaign which encouraged men to speak up about their mental health, and the IPC – together with Allianz – won the inaugural Sport Podcast Award for their Lessons From the Paralympics series.

In the agency categories, Ear to the Ground won Agency of the Year, while Ten Toes claimed top honours in Young Agency of the Year in association with Kru Live, marking debutant winners in both categories.

Alex Coulson, Managing Director at Sport Industry Group said:

“What an 18 months it has been to get here, and what an evening it was to bring the industry back together again and celebrate in the successes of everyone – not only those who won. The resilience and fight that our sector has shown is staggering. As ever, being part of the Sport Industry Awards is a privilege and a journey of learning and discovery.

“It came as no surprise throughout the process that social change, activism, and charity featured so prominently. In 2020 and 2021 our sector showed its human side and delivered real change for those that need it the most, and this year more than ever I’m proud and humbled to be a part of it. Sport is a vehicle for fun, learning, and development, and the platform athletes have now can drive immense positivity for all areas of society – I’ve loved watching all the work centre on this.

“On top of the work, what an amazing feeling it was bringing the industry back together. It’s been a long journey apart, and while we remember absent friends, we at Sport Industry Group are proud to have created the platform for you to reunite and it was an honour to host you all as ever.”

Full list of winners

Active & Wellbeing Award: The FA – Heads Up

Agency of the Year: Ear to the Ground

Campaign of the Year: 2.6 Challenge – Saving the UK’s Charities

Creative Content Award: ECB – The Wait

Data & Business Impact Award: The Race – All-Star Series

Fan Engagement Award: DHL – Team Behind the Machine

Partnership Award: Age UK & Sport England – We Are Undefeatable

Sport Podcast Award: IPC & Alliance – A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics

(Virtual) Event of the Year: London Marathon Events – The Virtual 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon

Young Agency of the Year: Ten Toes Media

Sokin Joins As Official Partner Of Arsenal Football Club

Arsenal Football Club are delighted to announce a new partnership with Sokin, as the next generation global payments provider becomes our Official Money Transfer Partner.

Sokin provides an open and transparent payments platform by removing barriers that have historically hindered access and financial inclusion. It is the only payment platform providing global payments for a fixed monthly fee, allowing users the power to make unlimited payments and transfers. 

The fintech innovators will invest in activities this season that inspire our global fanbase to achieve their own MoneyGoals – whether that’s supporting a local community project or planning their next trip to Emirates Stadium – through the benefits of their global payments and international transfers.  

Peter Silverstone, Chief Commercial Officer of Arsenal Football Club, said: “It has been impressive to see Sokin’s growth since they were founded in 2019 and I am delighted to welcome such a forward-thinking partner to the club.  

“Sokin’s determination to improve people’s lives through tech innovation will drive the success of this partnership, as we introduce Sokin and the benefits of fairer and simpler ways of transferring money to our hundreds of millions of fans and followers worldwide. 

“We are excited to support Sokin on this incredible journey and look forward to helping them achieve their ambitious international growth plans.” 

Vroon Modgill, CEO of Sokin, said: “All of us at Sokin are thrilled to partner with a globally-recognised and much-loved club like Arsenal. Greater access, inclusivity and non-discrimination sits at the heart of Sokin, and many of the club’s core values mirrored our own, as a business focused on using tech innovation to help improve the lives of those around us.  

“As a leading financial service provider, we exist to make global payments simple and offer a hassle-free service our customers can count on. We look forward to seeing the Sokin name appear around Emirates Stadium as we welcome the new era of global payments together.” 

Joining as our Official Money Transfer Partner, Sokin recently became the first subscription global payments solution to launch in the UK and Europe. They currently provide unlimited international transfers and cost-effective currency exchanges in 38 currencies to over 200 countries and territories*. 

You can find out more about Sokin here.  

Sodexo Announces Long-Term Partnership With DW Stadium

Sodexo is delighted to confirm a long-term partnership as the exclusive venue partner of the DW Stadium.

The 11-year agreement covers public and hospitality catering, as well as conference and event sales and catering.

The stadium, home to both Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors, will see a number of upgrades made to it during 2022, with fans also experiencing a cashless stadium going forward.

Sodexo will focus on a range of premium culinary experiences for both the matchday and non-matchday experience, ensuring that the Stadium will continue to be a major conference and events centre in the heart of Wigan.

The partnership will also see a real focus on support for the local community in Wigan, with a strong commitment to source food and beverages from local suppliers and a commitment by Sodexo to hire local staff and support local charity and social impact projects.

Nick Byrom, Business Development Director of Sodexo Sports & Leisure UK, said: “It’s an exciting time for Wigan Athletic fans under new ownership and we thank the leadership team at the Club for selecting Sodexo to be their long-term venue partner. We are confident we will deliver an outstanding guest experience for both Latics and Warriors fans on a match day.

“The facilities at the DW Stadium are excellent and with some additional investment from Sodexo over the next 12 months we feel that these will create some of the best event facilities in the area.”

Malachy Brannigan, Chief Executive of Wigan Athletic FC, commented: “Following an extensive search for the Stadium’s first venue partner since Phoenix 2021 Limited obtained the Club, I am delighted to announce Sodexo as the successful bidder.

“The experience of Sodexo was a major factor in determining the decision and we look forward to a long and healthy partnership.”

Team Liquid Appoints Longtime Media And Technology Leader Claire Hungate As President And COO

International esports organization Team Liquid announced today that entertainment, media and digital veteran Claire Hungate will become the company’s new president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. Hungate will split her time between London and the company’s European headquarters in Utrecht. 

In her new role, Hungate will oversee Liquid’s profit and loss and overall global business strategy and operations, defining and leading plans for global expansion, acquisitions and new revenue streams. In addition to leading the organization’s business and commercial planning, she will provide oversight for the company’s ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.  

“I believe that quality is the best business model and Team Liquid embodies that through its direct relationship with its engaged, loyal and growing audience,” said Hungate. “Liquid is a foundational player in esports and has grown into a global and multi-generational brand. As the industry continues to grow, we have a real opportunity to help set the agenda for the future of esports both culturally and commercially. Team Liquid have played a critical part in establishing esports history to date and I hope I can help them continue to make that mark.”

For more than 20 years, Hungate has exhibited an expertise in establishing or redeveloping businesses built around the monetization of content-driven audience engagement. Most recently, she served as independent director at international games publisher Avalanche Studios Group and chair of production music library The Nerve.

Beginning in 2014, Hungate spent several years as CEO of Warner Bros. TV Production UK. She stepped into the role after facilitating Warner Bros.’ purchase of her previous company, UK-and US-based television production group Shed Media PLC. At Shed, Hungate served as COO, leading a team that acquired and integrated multiple independent production companies to form the so-called ‘super indie’. This included the acquisition of Wall to Wall, where she was managing director. The independent company is known for its Oscar-winning theatrical documentary Man on Wire, and reality entertainment formats Who Do You Think You Are and Supernanny – both of which were remade for the US market. 

Subsequent to her tenure at Warner Bros,, Hungate helped transform multi-channel network Brave Bison Group PLC into a profitable social content studio and media network, making it the second-largest global, media and entertainment digital publisher on Facebook. Hungate is a qualified lawyer and spent the first few years of her career at the BBC in a legal role. 

“From the moment we first met Claire, we’ve admired her knowledge, experience and passion, as well as how closely they align with our business and cultural endeavors,” said Team Liquid Founder and Co-CEO Victor Goossens. “She already embodies the ‘Liquid Way’ and is the right fit to help us advance our priorities and drive the industry forward.” 

In addition to Hungate’s appointment, Liquid also elevated Boudewijn Kryne to vice president of fan management, an area of continued growth and focus for the organization. Kryne, who previously served as the department’s director and remains instrumental in the development of the growing Liquid+ platform, will report directly to Hungate. 

WOW HYDRATE Become BOXXER’S Official Hydration Partner

BOXXER are pleased to announce a new partnership with WOW HYDRATE, who will become the Official Hydration Partner of BOXXER and Sky Sports Boxing. Since the brand’s inception in 2016, WOW HYDRATE have burst onto the scene as the latest innovation in fitness hydration. Now working with a number of high-profile ambassadors including professional footballer Kevin De Bruyne, WOW HYDRATE’s sugar-free drinks deliver essential nutrients at the optimum strength with their unique push-cap technology, allowing people to rehydrate without carbohydrates or sugar, and to obtain key nutrients in the most easy and convenient way. 

The 360-degree activation will see WOW HYDRATE feature on BOXXER social and digital content; in the build-up to events, including integration at weigh-ins with innovative refuel zones catered to fighter rehydration; and culminating in in-venue branding on fight night.

BOXXER and WOW HYDRATE are also committed to growing the sport at a grassroots level in the UK. WOW HYDRATE will continue to supply amateur gyms around the country with drinks and work to increase awareness amongst amateur boxers of the benefits of proper hydration. The two companies will also take a combined focus on sustainability. 

Commenting on the partnership, BOXXER’s founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to announce this new partnership with WOW HYDRATE. Given their focus on optimising performance, it’s a great fit for all boxers, including our elite roster of fighters who compete at the highest level.” 

Jon Hayman, Managing Director of WOW HYDRATE said: “We are delighted to announce that we are the official hydration partner of BOXXER and Sky Sports Boxing. We share the same vision: to support sportspeople across all levels, and that’s why we are excited to establish this partnership. Partnering with BOXXER and Sky Sports Boxing will benefit both those at the very top of sport and those at grassroots levels, so we are proud to be able to provide vital vitamin, protein and electrolyte waters to all individuals across the industry to maximise their performance levels with the benefits of healthy hydration.”

Bundesliga International And ESPN Close Broadcast Deal For Next Five Seasons In Spanish-Speaking South America

ESPN has been confirmed as the home of the Bundesliga – Germany’s topflight football division – in Spanish-speaking South America as part of a five-year agreement with Bundesliga International, a subsidiary of DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga.

The agreement spans the next five seasons and includes exclusive rights for nine countries, namely: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

As part of the deal, ESPN has secured exclusive television and digital rights for all Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 matches both in English and Spanish language. The rights package also includes the German Supercup, as well as the league’s relegation play-offs at the end of the season.

In addition to the live broadcasts of all matches on ESPN’s recently launched Star+ platform, the broadcaster will be showing at least three matches per matchday on its well-established linear channels to fans across the region. This will broaden the league’s reach and drive engagement in Spanish-speaking South American countries, thanks to local language commentary, as well as dedicated Bundesliga highlights and stories across ESPN’s channels and platforms.

The Bundesliga and ESPN have a strong partnership, with a rich history in South America. This latest announcement builds upon an existing deal with ESPN in the US and will produce significant opportunities to create synergies between both markets to further the appeal for Spanish-speaking Bundesliga fans across these territories. The network has broadcast Bundesliga matches in the US since August 2020, when a deal was signed to give the network exclusive live and on-demand replay coverage of every Bundesliga match on ESPN+.

The Bundesliga is known for attracting international players from around the world, such as world-class strikers Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski. It is currently home to several South American players, including FC Augsburg’s Carlos Gruezo from Ecuador and Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s Charles Aránguiz (Chile) and Lucas Alario (Argentina). The Bundesliga’s popularity has continued to grow globally, and in 2019 the league opened its regional head office New York City, tasked with driving the Bundesliga’s internationalisation strategy in the Americas.

Bundesliga International CEO Robert Klein said: “We are excited to build upon this trusted partnership with ESPN, which will allow us to bring the Bundesliga’s high intensity football closer to fans in Spanish-speaking South America. South American sports fans have a great passion for the Bundesliga, which has been developed over the years thanks to the number of high-quality players emanating from South America. Building on this foundation, this partnership will be instrumental in increasing viewership and brand recognition of one of the world’s top football divisions across the continent.”

Vice-President of Programming & Acquisitions ESPN, Mike Walters said: “We are proud to expand our relationship with Bundesliga International to bring one of the most-competitive football leagues in the world closer to the fans in our region. In addition to the live broadcast of all matches on Star+, ESPN will televise a minimum of three matches per round on its linear channels and will also provide highlights and stories dedicated to the Bundesliga across its platforms. This will expand the scope of the league and drive local engagement in each country.”

GameDay Announces Partnership Renewal With The RFL

GameDay, the leading provider of digital solutions to international, national, grassroots and professional sporting organisations across Australia, United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and New Zealand, can today announce an exciting partnership renewal with the Rugby Football League (RFL), the governing body for professional rugby league in England.

The new long-term agreement will allow GameDay to build upon the previous five years of work alongside the RFL to continue evolving their digital ecosystem and expand the great work they have done with the LeagueNet and Our League platforms.

Since 2016, GameDay has been able to support the RFL’s move away from being a paper-based organisation, centralising various digital touchpoints to provide a more user-friendly experience.

With the RFL launching a membership fee from the 2022 season onwards, we will help support the governing body with this transition as the money generated is reinvested back into the grassroots and overall development of the game.

Furthermore, GameDay View, our business intelligence and analytics tool, will allow the RFL to track and report on a number of key metrics across the sport of rugby league, from demographics and competitions to other key insights for individual clubs. This development brings a new element to not just our partnership, but the sport as a whole as analytics become more dynamic and in real-time.

Andy Graham, GameDay general manager, said: “We are ecstatic to continue our partnership with the RFL. Since 2016, we have been able to support rugby league’s governing body in England to become a technology-first organisation in relation to their player registration and automation, and we hope to continue developing and enhancing the nature of our relationship moving forward.

“We are proud to share our digital expertise with the RFL, and with the organisation embarking on some really exciting changes over the next 12 months, we are really pleased to continue our affiliation.”

Richard Donlon, RFL systems manager, said: “We’ve been working together with GameDay since 2016. That was a time in which the RFL was going through a massive period of change in digitisation, and trying to remove itself from the paper-based operations that bogged the organisation down quite heavily.
 

“Within the 15 years that I’ve been at the RFL, technology has changed a lot. The challenge is finding the right supplies to grow, and having the right people in the business that believe it’s the right thing to do.
 

“We look forward to continuing our work in GameDay and providing the best experience for users within our rugby league ecosystem across England.”

Victorian Government Aims To Expand Sports Technology Sector

The Victorian Government has revealed it is backing the state’s growing sports technology sector with a $4 million investment to establish the Australian Sports Innovation Centre for Excellence in Cremorne.

The centre will support the creation of up to 2,000 tech jobs in four years by fast-tracking commercialisation of new products, and attracting national and international partnership opportunities for Victoria’s growing sports technology sector. 

The centre will be led by the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN), the nation’s lead industry body for sports tech and innovation, and will be connected to the state’s flagship Digital Hub in Cremorne.

ASTN’s network of more than 500 Australian-based sports innovation companies will be connected to the centre and they will continue to help companies develop and expand globally.

Victoria is already home to more than 65 per cent of Australia’s sports tech companies with operations like Prahran-headquartered Catapult Sports, a wearable technologies company with contracts across major leagues including the AFL, NRL, EPL, NHL and the Bundesliga, leading the way.

Australian Sports Technology Net Board Chair James Demetriou said of the announcement: “For the first-time Australia will have a dedicated centre of excellence where the sector can connect, celebrate, learn skills, initiate further exports and benchmark best practice in sports technology, innovation and digital.”

The centre will further bolster Victoria’s position as Australia’s leader in sports tech by helping Australian startups and entrepreneurs, building on the legacy of local companies like Champion Data, Genius Tech Group and Rosterfy.

The businesses and tech leaders based at the centre will benefit from trade and strategic leadership opportunities, as well as connections to new industry partnerships and research collaborations.

More than 7,500 people are currently employed in Victoria’s sports technology sector in companies developing products in areas like media, artificial intelligence, entertainment, stadiums, major events, wearables and e-sports.

“With a rapidly growing tech sector and an established reputation as Australia’s sporting capital, Victoria is perfectly positioned to become a leader in the global sportstech industry,” said Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford.

“We can see the potential in our sports innovation sector to commercialise and scale-up new products to international markets and create exciting opportunities for Victoria.”

Member for Richmond, Richard Wynne, commented: “Having the brightest minds in sports technology come to Cremorne to share ideas and grow their businesses will be a huge boost for the area.”

For more information on the centre, visit astn.com.au.