Visa and Euroleague Basketball Announce Multi-Year Partnership

Euroleague Basketball and Visa, a world leader in digital payments, have announced a landmark multi-year partnership where Visa will become the official payment partner of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup, the two premier men’s basketball competitions in Europe, until the end of the 2026-2027 season.

This strategic partnership will bring exciting opportunities for Visa cardholders, including dedicated promotional offers and discounts and hospitality packages for the Final Four in May 2025. It also offers high-impact branding opportunities with Visa’s logo being displayed across EuroLeague and EuroCup games, both in-arena and during broadcasts, as well as on the competitions’ digital platforms and content.

Four out of five in-store payments across Europe are now contactless, reflecting consumer preferences for a frictionless, efficient, and secure transaction process. Visa will collaborate with Euroleague to continue growing contactless payment technology across arenas, aiming to elevate the game-day experience for fans across Europe.

Gawain Davies, Euroleague Basketball Chief Commercial Officer, says: “We are excited to partner with Visa. This is a groundbreaking partnership for Euroleague Basketball and an excellent opportunity for Visa to connect with the basketball community. Visa’s commitment to removing barriers and connecting people within the digital payment ecosystem aligns perfectly with Euroleague Basketball’s mission to deliver unforgettable moments to our growing, passionate, and global audience.”

Kim Kadlec, Chief Marketing Officer, Visa Europe, says: “We are excited to partner with Euroleague Basketball. Sport is a highly important component of European culture, and we are proud to sponsor some of the region’s most exciting competitions and tournaments. Key sporting events – such as Euroleague Basketball – are a great way for us to connect fans across the world with their passions, driving meaningful connections and exceptional experiences.”

For over 35 years, Visa has been a leader in the sponsorship industry, proudly supporting some of the world’s most prominent sports and entertainment properties. Additionally, Visa champions artists, entertainers, and creators across music, gaming, and more.

UFC signs IBM as global AI partner

IBM and UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization and part of TKO Group Holdings have announced an innovative new partnership that will combine the power of IBM’s AI and data platform, watsonx, with the vast global reach of UFC’s content platforms to enhance the viewing experience for millions of UFC fans around the world.

With the new agreement, IBM will become UFC’s Official Global AI Partner, marking the first time UFC has opened up this marketing category to a brand partner.

The core of the partnership will feature UFC Insights Engine built with IBM watsonx.  Insights Engine will harness IBM’s expertise in data and AI technologies – including its family of Granite large language models – and UFC’s rich data feeds to provide the UFC global viewing audience with more timely, in-depth information. This includes unique insights and advanced analysis of live bouts, fighter tendencies, projections of possible match outcomes, and method of victory – all of which will be engineered to update in real-time on-screen as more live data is generated.

“This partnership with IBM is one of the most significant milestones for UFC and a game changer for how fans will experience our sport,” said Grant Norris-Jones, Head of Global Partnerships at TKO. “IBM is an iconic blue-chip, global brand with decades of experience in sports marketing. Together, we’re pioneering a product to revolutionize analytics and information in live sports. This partnership marks a pivotal win, not only for UFC and IBM, but also for fans around the world who will experience our sport in a whole new way.”

As its first official Global AI Partner, IBM will work with UFC to accelerate and scale existing capabilities, driving fan engagement with unique content experiences and unprecedented access to UFC fight information. Insights Engine, produced in collaboration by IBM and UFC’s Research and Development team, is expected to debut in early 2025. The branded insights, stats and graphics – integrated into key touch points across UFC consumer platforms, including pre-event programming, UFC Pay-Per-View broadcasts, UFC social media channels, in-venue video boards, and more – are expected to reach hundreds of millions of UFC fans in 170 countries that receive UFC’s broadcasts and follow UFC’s social media channels.

“Data and AI solutions like UFC Insights Engine built with IBM watsonx can offer current fans entirely new ways to connect with their favorite athletes and sports, while also building excitement among new generations of MMA fans,” said Jonathan Adashek, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at IBM. “Leveraging watsonx and our Granite models also allows UFC to enhance its digital operations and to harness the power of its extensive library of match data – all to the benefit of current and future fans.”

“IBM watsonx is synonymous with AI, and they have been leading the charge in this space from the beginning,” said Alon Cohen, Senior Vice President, UFC Research and Development. “UFC has been working on the concept of the Insights Engine for several years,  and now we finally have the right partner in IBM with the depth of expertise in AI to bring it to life. We’re looking forward to rolling this out to our fans in the months ahead.”

EA signs multi-year agreement with Professional Women’s Hockey League

Electronic Arts Inc. has announced a multi-year partnership with the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which will bring the players and teams into EA SPORTS NHL® 25.

The partnership advances EA SPORTS commitment to grow and authentically represent women’s sports within its games, promoting and championing the next generation of athletes. In addition to the PWHL integration, EA SPORTS will provide new ways to play NHL 25, starting with NHL Arcade launching this Friday and 4 Nations Face-Off content coming early next year in time to celebrate the heavily anticipated mid-season, international tournament hosted by the NHL and NHLPA and featuring NHL stars from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the USA.

“We are thrilled to bring the PWHL into NHL 25 as part of a massive holiday update giving players all-new ways to play, starting in a couple of days with the frenetic energy of NHL Arcade through to the launch of 4 Nations Face-Off in the New Year,” said Bill Dollar, EA SPORTS NHL Executive Producer. “EA SPORTS continues to drive inclusivity and authenticity through its games, and in partnership with the PWHL, we will amplify the excitement of the women’s game for all fans.”

Launching December 5, the PWHL in NHL 25 will feature all six teams – the Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres in Play Now, Online Versus, Shootout and Season Modes. In addition, PWHL uniforms will be available in World of Chel, with players*, logos, and uniforms available in Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT). To fully immerse players in the authentic PWHL experience, the update will include The Walter Cup and advanced body skeletons through SAPIEN technology integration.

“Our partnership with EA SPORTS opens new doors to elevate women’s hockey across all levels,” said Amy Scheer, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, PWHL. “Through this alliance, we’ll develop in-game and out-of-game experiences that strengthen the bond between our teams, players, and fans, bringing the PWHL closer to the global hockey community.”

“EA SPORTS is proud to support the PWHL, which has pioneered the growth of women’s hockey in North America,” said Andrea Hopelain, GM & SVP, Publishing, EA SPORTS. “We look forward to working together to help elevate and grow women’s hockey to new and existing fans worldwide, starting by bringing PWHL teams and athletes to EA SPORTS NHL 25.”

The integration of the PWHL in NHL 25 reflects EA SPORTS ongoing commitment to authentically representing and growing women’s sports in-game by capturing the excitement of game day and showcasing the emergence of the next generation of elite athletes. Having initially showcased the women’s game in NHL 22 through the International Ice Hockey Federation agreement, Toronto Sceptres forward Sarah Nurse starred as a cover athlete the following year to celebrate their inclusion into Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT). The addition of PWHL teams and players complements recent women’s leagues and features introduced in EA SPORTS FC™, UFC, and PGA TOUR over the past few years.

Tixr teams up with Winnipeg Goldeys Baseball Club

Tixr is teaming up with the Winnipeg Goldeyes to deliver a fan experience that hits it out of the park, every time.

Known for their rich history, community spirit, and tradition of excellence, the Winnipeg Goldeyes are a beloved part of Winnipeg, delighting fans season after season with top-tier minor league baseball. Since joining the American Association of Professional Baseball in 2011, the Goldeyes have built a legacy of success, claiming three championships in the league.

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The team’s dedication to both performance and fan engagement has fostered a passionate fan base, one that we’re excited to support with a seamless, fan-first ticketing experience in 2025. With Tixr’s modern, visual-first, and mobile-friendly operating system, fans can spend less time navigating the ticket-buying process, and more time gearing up for the game.

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“One constant in the 31 seasons we have been in business is that catering to our fans remains our top priority. Partnering with Tixr is another opportunity to improve the fan experience,” said Regan Katz, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club. “We cannot wait to show off the platform and its possibilities to our patrons.”


Looking for a ticketing partner who understood the fan journey, valued familiar features, and prioritized ease of use, the Winnipeg Goldeyes quickly identified Tixr as a top choice. Known for providing cutting-edge ticketing solutions to major teams like the Mercer Bears, USD Toreros, and NOLA Gold Rugby, Tixr brings a high standard of innovation to every sports fan’s experience. From season ticket renewals to group sales and individual games, Tixr’s platform will make the purchasing process easier and more enjoyable for Goldeyes’ fans.

“We are excited for this partnership with the Winnipeg Goldeyes and getting to work in Professional Baseball in Canada,” said Nate Liberman, VP of Sports for Tixr. “Our team can certainly deliver on enhancing the ticketing and fan experience for their loyal fans across Canada, while providing a modern ticketing platform that fans can be comfortable with and an easier purchasing solution.”


With a championship legacy and devoted fan base, the Winnipeg Goldeyes are ready to make the 2025 season unforgettable — and Tixr is excited to help fans experience every thrilling moment at Blue Cross Park.

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F1 signs KitKat as official chocolate bar

Formula 1 and Nestlé have announced a new multi-year partnership making KitKat the Official Chocolate Bar of Formula 1.

The collaboration will officially launch during the 2025 season, marking the 90th anniversary of KitKat and the 75th anniversary of Formula 1. It will then expand across the world throughout 2026.

F1 fans can look forward to consumer activations, promotional prizes and immersive fan zones at select Grands Prix, with trackside branding and cheerful, light-hearted content.

Bringing its iconic “Have a Break, Have a KitKat” message to Formula 1, the partnership champions the importance of taking a moment to pause, and unites two diverse global fanbases in an innovative collaboration.

Both brands are dedicated to elevating the fan experience by combining the excitement of world-class racing with the renowned sense of humour of KitKat and tradition of sharing breaks. More details on the new partnership will be released in due course.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1, said: “We’re delighted to have such a universally recognised and fun brand as KitKat joining us as a partner. They’re universally loved and we can’t wait to see the fantastic experiences they’ll be bringing to our fans at the track and the new audiences they’ll introduce to the sport.”

Bernard Meunier, Head of Strategic Business Units and Marketing and Sales at Nestlé, said: “Formula 1 is a global phenomenon with a rapidly growing, diverse fanbase, especially among younger audiences. With its global reach and packed schedule, F1 offers KitKat the perfect platform to remind everyone to make time for a break.

“We’re excited to bring our signature sense of fun to this thrilling sport and to create memorable experiences for fans around the world.”

Navigating the Future of Esports: Understanding the Esports Fan

As esports continues its rapid rise in popularity, Senior Consultants Pulkita Vaish and Mayank Pawar from EXL’s Sports Analytics practice led a primary research initiative to uncover esports fans’ evolving preferences and behaviors. This research, with contributions from former EXL intern Andrew Young, provides key insights that can help esports organizations deepen their understanding of the evolving esports fanbase and enhance their fan engagement strategies.

Esports Industry: Challenges & Opportunities

Over the past decade, esports has become a leading source of entertainment for young viewers worldwide. Esports has already amassed a global viewership of nearly 500 million in 2024, according to industry reports. This surge in popularity was evident in the impressive viewership numbers of recent international tournaments such as the League of Legends World Championship 2024 with 6.94 million peak viewers1 and Valorant Champions 2024 with 1.4 million peak viewers.2

Many global entities strive to capitalize on this untapped market, predicted to grow at 21.9% (compounded annual growth rate) between 2024-2033.3 However, despite its rapid growth, the esports industry faces significant challenges that threaten its continued future growth. Key issues include maintaining long-term fan engagement amid shifting preferences, competing for attention against traditional sports, and attracting a diverse audience. To thrive, esports organizations must adapt to evolving trends, differentiate themselves from conventional sports, and foster inclusivity across demographics. Effectively addressing these challenges is essential for securing a robust and sustainable future in this dynamic landscape.

Esports sponsorships, while lucrative, face uncertainty due to the industry’s novelty. To maximize ROI and attract sponsors, digital analytics is crucial. By tracking online interactions on platforms like Discord, Reddit, Facebook and Twitter, organizations can gauge fan sentiments, preferences and engagement. This data-driven approach enables tailored strategies to enhance fan experience and community building. Additionally, analyzing fan comments on OTT platforms provides real-time insights into fan reactions, preferences and interactions with teams and other esports fans.

Key Survey Findings on the Esports Fan

For this research, we conducted a survey to gain insights into fan preferences and behaviors. The target demographic of the survey were North American residents who consider themselves to be an esports fan. An online survey with 72 completed responses focusing on esports fan profile and behavior forms the basis of this research. The key findings from the survey are listed below:

  • Fan Demographics: The main demographic in esports is mainly millennial, typically higher income, with a large amount of esports viewers located in the Asia-pacific region. Female respondents were low despite the survey being rolled out across many different platforms, indicating a male majority in esports. Female respondents also were on average newer fans, indicating growth in female esports fan numbers which is likely because of an industry wide increase in female gamers. Nearly half of the respondents were found to have been watching esports for five or more years.

  • Fan Loyalty: Fan loyalty was found to be largely held towards players, with 40% of respondents holding loyalty towards a player as opposed to only 26% holding more loyalty towards a team. Additionally, 11% of respondents began watching esports due to a specific player whereas only 1% stated it was because of a specific team.

  • Esports Betting: The overall likelihood of fans betting on esports was also extremely low. 50% stated that the chances of them betting on an esports event was “highly unlikely,” with the second most common answer being “somewhat unlikely” at around 12.5%. This shows a general disinterest in esports betting among the fans surveyed.

  • Advertisement Preferences: Survey respondents preferred gaming-related advertisements, with around 70% fans preferring to see gaming hardware and accessories at esports events. Respondents had overall a positive sentiment towards attending an in-person event.

  • Esports Prize Pool: Prize pool size across the top games was generally large yet some games had extremely large prize pool size despite having a low peak viewer count throughout 2024.

Recommendations to Enhance Fan Engagement Strategies

  • Leverage data, analytics and AI to understand individual fan preferences and tailor content accordingly. For example, utilize viewer data to personalize content and marketing strategies, focusing on individual preferences regarding teams, players, and games. Moreover, leverage personalized newsletters, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and custom-made merchandise to create personalized fan experiences.

  • Conduct sentiment analyses to gain a deeper understanding of evolving fan preferences and concerns. Leverage these insights to proactively address issues and to improve the overall fan experience. For example, monitor social media and community forums to gauge fans’ sentiment – related to teams, players and in-game elements – and to adapt the fan engagement strategies accordingly.

  • Increase focus on player-centric vs team-centric esports marketing to enhance fan engagement. For example, promote player-specific content through various organizational channels such as vlogs, podcasts, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, media appearances and live Q&A sessions.

Conclusion

Esports is on the path to become one of the top forms of online entertainment worldwide. As it continues to grow, alterations must be made to ensure its continued prosperity. Moving forward, an increase in focus on revenue from in-person events and merchandizing may prove to be beneficial to maximize profits as well reduce sponsor dependency. Understanding the esports fan is essential for brands and organizations to stay informed about the changing needs and preferences of esports fans, especially given the rapid evolution of this industry.  This can help key esports stakeholders develop effective fan engagement strategies and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the industry.

References

[1] Esports Charts. (2024, November 2). 2024 League of Legends Worlds hits new record of 6.94M Peak Viewers. Retrieved from https://escharts.com/news/2024-league-legends-worlds-record

[2] Esports Insider. (2024, August 27). Esports Insider. Retrieved from Esports Insider: https://esportsinsider.com/2024/08/valorant-champions-2024-viewership

[3] Esports Market. (2024, October). Retrieved from market.us: https://market.us/report/esports-market/

About EXL: EXL has been partnering with major sports organizations across the globe to navigate issues surrounding data management, viewership, subscriptions and fan engagement to achieve business goals and to strategize for the future. EXL works extensively with these organizations to derive data-driven insights, identify opportunities for growth and deliver end-to-end improvements. To learn more about how EXL can support your organization, please get in touch with us at Sports.Analytics@exlservice.com.

Contributors:

Anuroop Talwar                                                                          

Vice President II – Sports Analytics                                    

Anuroop.Talwar@exlservice.com  

Abhishek Kumar

Engagement Manager – Sports Analytics

Abhishek.Kumar19@exlservice.com

Pulkita Vaish       

Senior Consultant – Sports Analytics

Pulkita.Vaish@exlservice.com                                                                     

Mayank Pawar

Senior Consultant – Sports Analytics                                   

Mayank.Pawar@exlservice.com


Euroleague Basketball renews partnership with Uludag Beverage

Euroleague Basketball and Uludag Beverage, a brand known for its heritage and premium-quality beverages, have officially renewed their partnership for an additional three years, extending their successful collaboration through the end of the 2026-27 season.

Uludag Beverage, which has been an Official Partner of Euroleague Basketball since 2019, will continue to support the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup, enhancing its role in the global spotlight. The renewal was unveiled at a special press conference on Monday in Istanbul, featuring Gawain Davies, Euroleague Basketball Chief Commercial Officer, Omer Kizil, Uludag Beverage Vice Chairman and Mete Oz, Uludag Beverage CEO.

Building on their successful partnership, Uludag Beverage and Euroleague Basketball are elevating their collaboration from a regional partnership to a Global Sponsorship Agreement offering branding opportunities, being displayed across EuroLeague and EuroCup games, both in-arena and during broadcasts, as well as on the competitions’ digital platforms and content.

This expanded relationship aligns seamlessly with Euroleague Basketball’s commercial strategy, which focuses on strengthening partnerships with top-tier brands that share Euroleague Basketball’s pan-European identity and global reach. It also offers high-impact branding opportunities, across EuroLeague and EuroCup games, both in-arena and during broadcasts, as well as on the competitions’ digital platforms and content.

“We are very pleased to renew our partnership with such a distinguished brand as Uludag Beverage, which demonstrates once again the trust and dedication of our partners,” said Gawain Davies, Chief Commercial Officer of Euroleague Basketball. “The Euroleague’s global audience is an ideal match for the international reach Uludag Beverage has achieved. This partnership brings a mutual benefit that will help both organizations reach new heights.”

With over 110 years of expertise, Uludag Beverage has a strong international footprint, distributing its products in more than 30 countries across five continents, with key markets in Euroleague territories including Turkey, Germany, Serbia, Greece, and France. Euroleague Basketball, which represents 14 teams from these nations, has seen a 131% year-on-year increase in TV viewership across these countries, underscoring the synergy between the brand and the league.

“As Uludağ İçecek Türk A.Ş., we are proud to announce a new three-year global partnership. With this Euroleague Basketball agreement, our brands Uludağ Gazoz and Frutti Extra will now be showcased in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup reaching and international audience. Euroleague Basketball, Europe’s premier basketball organization, is thrilled to partner with both of our brands. We place a high value on long-term sponsorships, and since 2019, we’ve transitioned our regional sponsorship into a global one for another three years, reaffirming our commitment to our strategic vision,” stated Ömer Kızıl, Vice Chairman of the Board of Uludağ Beverage.

Uludag’s Beverage commitment to excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with the values of Euroleague Basketball. With a focus on delivering excitement and unforgettable moments to sports fans worldwide, Uludag Beverage is a natural fit within the Euroleague Basketball ecosystem.

The renewal of this partnership symbolizes a commitment to shared growth and success, as both organizations work together to create lasting global impact over the next three seasons.

iSportConnect signs Corsight AI as latest client

iSportConnect is delighted to announce Corsight AI as the latest client of its Advisory division.

Stadiums today face a range of pressing challenges, from long queues that frustrate fans to unauthorised access to restricted areas. Identifying high-risk individuals on watchlists and managing VIP access add even more complexity, as security teams strive to protect attendees while providing a seamless experience.

Corsight AI addresses these challenges head-on with advanced facial recognition technology that integrates easily with existing security cameras. Corsight’s solution enables real-time identification of individuals on watchlists, helps streamline queues, safeguards restricted zones, and enhances the VIP experience. With highly accurate recognition even in low light, poor video quality, and during extreme weather, Corsight AI is the trusted choice for sports venues worldwide.

Corsight AI’s privacy-first approach ensures non-relevant faces are promptly deleted, keeping your venue compliant with data regulations.

Joe Rowland, Head of Partnerships, iSportConnect: “We are delighted to welcome Corsight AI to the iSportConnect network. They bring undeniable expertise and innovation from their field into the sports space and we are excited to help them on this journey“.

Rob Watts, President and Chief Strategy Officer, Corsight AI: “Partnering with iSportConnect allows us to bring real, measurable value to the sports industry. Our advanced recognition technology helps stadiums and venues address critical challenges – from enhancing fan safety and controlling access to restricted areas to improving queue management and VIP experiences. We’re eager to support sports organisations across the UK in creating safer, more efficient, and enjoyable environments for fans and staff alike.”


iSportConnect Advisory is a full-365 service offering strategic guidance, market positioning and relationship building in sport. iSportConnect is helping many organisations, such as InCrowd, Cortex, Sportian, ATPI, Magnifi, Tixr, EXL, mycrocast, Ably, Cred and many more, drive new business in sport.

Scuderia Ferrari signs IBM as fan engagement and data analytics partner

IBM has entered into a multi-year agreement with Ferrari S.p.A. to become the official Fan Engagement and Data Analytics Partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP.

The partnership brings together two iconic and enduring brands, both driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to progress. IBM and Scuderia Ferrari HP will conceive, develop, and deliver world-class digital experiences to bring racing enthusiasts closer than ever to the racing team.

IBM and Scuderia Ferrari HP will develop a fully reimagined mobile app to be unveiled during the 2025 season. This includes applying IBM’s technology and consulting expertise to analyze and transform Ferrari’s massive volume and variety of data – both current and historical – into custom insights, personalized content, and innovative features designed to supercharge the fan experience. IBM will also provide its new cutting-edge technology and data-driven solutions to increase speed and production.

“In Formula 1, seconds matter whether it’s on or off the track. The ability for Scuderia Ferrari HP to quickly deliver world-class insights from their abundant data will only happen through the benefit of technology,” said Jonathan Adashek, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at IBM. “Bringing together its passionate fanbase, historic prominence, and the latest innovative data and analytics solutions uniquely positions Scuderia Ferrari HP to grow global engagement while also modernizing and scaling its digital operations.”

“We are proud to launch this partnership with IBM, one of the most prestigious companies in the world offering technology and consulting expertise,” said Lorenzo Giorgetti, Chief Racing Revenue Officer at Ferrari. “Our two companies share values such as the pursuit of excellence and the desire to always keep pushing the boundaries in our respective spheres of activity, as well as combining our technology and skills to pursue the highest quality and cutting-edge technology. IBM, like Ferrari, seeks out talented people to grow its team and it is therefore the perfect partner to bring a new dimension to motorsport enthusiasts and our loyal fans at a time when Formula 1 has never been so popular with youngsters. The collaboration with IBM will see us offering Scuderia Ferrari HP fans unprecedented experiences that will open the doors of the Scuderia to the outside world, as well as collaborating together on many other fronts to create activations that will generate value for both brands.”

For more than 30 years, IBM has partnered with some of the most iconic sporting organizations – including Wimbledon, the US Open, the Masters Tournament and ESPN Fantasy Football – working side-by-side to modernize their digital infrastructure and bring these marquee events to life for millions of fans around the world. These partnerships are powered by the same data and analytics technology used by IBM clients across industries to build enhanced customer experiences, help their employees reach new levels of productivity and make more informed, data-driven business decisions.

Cricket West Indies secures media rights deal with ESPN Caribbean

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the finalization of a new six-year media rights agreement with ESPN Caribbean, ensuring exclusive broadcast and digital coverage of all West Indies Men’s and Women’s home international matches as well as the Men’s and Women’s regional tournament, the CG United Super50 Cup. The agreement, which runs from 2024 to 2030, further solidifies ESPN Caribbean as the home of West Indies cricket across the region.

Under this partnership, ESPN Caribbean will provide extensive live coverage of the West Indies Men’s and Women’s home internationals, as well as the Men’s and Women’s CG United Super50 Cups.  Fans across the Caribbean will be able to enjoy their favorite teams and players on ESPN’s platforms such as ESPN, ESPN 2 and Disney+, continuing the long-standing relationship between ESPN Caribbean and CWI.

On the agreement, CWI Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Lynford Inverary said,

“This new six-year agreement with ESPN Caribbean marks the largest media rights deal CWI has ever secured in the Caribbean. It not only reflects the growing commercial value of West Indies cricket but also ensures that fans across the region will continue to enjoy comprehensive coverage of our international series and CG United Super50 Cups. ESPN is a longstanding partner, and this new deal will help CWI meet its long-term financial goals, while expanding the visibility and engagement of West Indies cricket within the region.”

Scott McGlone, Sr. Director Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN said: “We are thrilled to continue our strong relationship with CWI with this groundbreaking new deal. ESPN seeks to serve local sports fans anytime, anywhere. What better way to accomplish this goal than a long-term partnership with CWI, that represents such a rich sporting history both locally and internationally”.

Under the new agreement, CWI has retained the right to license post-match highlights on free-to-air and digital platforms throughout the region, ensuring fans will have access to additional content throughout each series and tournament. The new ESPN Caribbean deal, brokered in partnership with CWI’s Media Consultants, Pitch International, is a key milestone in CWI’s broader strategy to enhance the global visibility of West Indies cricket and engage more fans. The partnership aligns with CWI’s ongoing efforts to bring world-class cricket content to Caribbean audiences and deliver the best possible cricket experience to fans.