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Host City Application Process Launches for SportAccord’s Industry-Leading Events

SportAccord has launched the host city application processes for future editions of the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit from 2023 and the Regional SportAccord from 2022.

Cities interested in hosting the global sports industry’s most influential annual gathering have been invited to submit a Bid City Application Form for the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit. The next edition of the event will take place from 15-20 May 2022 in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

The inaugural edition of Regional SportAccord Pan America took place in December 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, USA, and those interested in hosting future editions can complete a Bid City Application Form. Applications will be considered to host a dedicated Regional SportAccord for Europe, Asia, Africa or Oceania, as well as Pan America.

Information about who attends both events, as well as hotel accommodation requirements, short- and long-term hosting benefits, the financial commitments and hosting terms, and the bidding and selection processes can be found by accessing the City Application Information Packages for the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit here and Regional SportAccord here.

The SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit, first held in 2003, is the only global sports business gathering attended by all international sport federations and their affiliated umbrella organisations, as well as organising committees, hosting cities and regions, governments and administrations, rights-holders, agencies and athletes, plus experts and organisations from the sports media, technology, investment, medical and legal sectors.

With more than 1,500 key decision-makers representing over 1,000 different organisations and over 150 cities and regions in attendance, the six-day event in March, April or May each year features high-level meetings, a conference programme split into multiple sector-specific ‘streams’, an exhibition and numerous social events.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord, says: “We have been greatly encouraged by the significant number of destinations that have expressed an interest in hosting future editions of our industry-leading events as the global industry continues its recovery from the pandemic. We look forward to receiving formal applications in the coming weeks and months for these events, which will take place after the highly anticipated SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2022 in Ekaterinburg marks a milestone in the global sports movement’s resurgence.”

Regional SportAccord was launched in order to bring together international sport federations and organisations involved in the business of sport for a specific region, with the 2019 Regional SportAccord Pan America event attended by international sport federations, cities and ministries, rights-holders and industry experts. Designed to welcome more than 500 delegates from over 50 countries representing well over 200 different organisations, Regional SportAccord, held over three days, also showcases a two-day conference programme and an extensive sports industry exhibition.

Click here to check out the City Application Information Package and here to access the Bid City Application Form for the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit. For Regional SportAccord, the City Application Information Package can be accessed here and the Bid City Application Form can be found here.

Each Bid City Application Form should be submitted along with a formal Letter of Commitment that has been signed on behalf of the prospective host city.

For any questions regarding the Bid City Application Process, please contact SportAccord Managing Director Nis Hatt by email at nis.hatt@sportaccord.sport or by phone at +41 79 126 62 28. Every Bid City Application will be presented to the SportAccord Executive Committee for review, and each city will receive feedback in due course.

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.

Modelo And UFC Renew ‘Official Beer’ Partnership

Modelo and UFC have renewed their partnership that first established Modelo as the “Official Beer of UFC” in 2018.

As part of the renewed partnership, Modelo and UFC will continue to create memorable experiences for their passionate, shared fanbases across in-venue, digital and retail platforms, including Modelo signage and branding inside UFC’s world-famous Octagon.

“UFC is pleased to extend the partnership with Modelo, an amazing brand that shares our unmatched commitment to a passionate fan base,” said Paul Asencio, UFC Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships. “We are excited about the work we are doing together to revamp gyms and inspire athletes in Cleveland, Austin, Seattle and Saratoga, and look forward to seeing the next generation of fighters come from these communities.”

Modelo and UFC have announced a new initiative with leading nonprofit Rebuilding Together to revitalize training gyms across the country, boosting the Fighting Spirit and ultimately strengthening these communities. In collaboration with Rebuilding Together, Modelo and UFC are renovating several gyms across the U.S. that play integral roles in positively shaping their local areas.

“Modelo and UFC fans know it doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters what you’re made of, and often, self-made people have allies in their corner who help them succeed,” said Greg Gallagher, Vice President, Modelo Brand Marketing. “For many, that support comes from gyms that provide structure and safe havens, which is why we’re proud to partner with UFC to revitalize these important community pillars.”

In addition to the new gym revitalization efforts, Modelo has continued its commitment to communities’ Fighting Spirts by donating funds in recent years to help alleviate the education debt of military veterans, fund the provision of essential supplies, equipment and resources to protect healthcare workers throughout the pandemic, and support COVID-19 relief programming and related small business loans. More efforts to follow in the future.

Getir Expands Tottenham Hotspur Deal To Become Official Training Wear Partner

Getir, the pioneer of ultrafast grocery delivery, has signed a three-year agreement to become Tottenham Hotspur’s new and first-ever Official Training Wear partner, increasing its commitment to the Premier League club as an Official Global Partner.

Having previously announced its first sporting partnership in the UK with Tottenham Hotspur in August, the new agreement will see Getir feature across the Club’s training wear for the Men’s team. The partnership was launched today at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre by Head of Kit and Equipment, Steve Dukes, and players, Dele Alli, Lucas Moura, Joe Rodon, who unveiled the new branding after receiving a rapid delivery from one of Getir’s couriers in time for training. Watch HERE.

Since launching in the UK in January, Getir has completed 1 million grocery deliveries across London, Birmingham, Manchester, Brighton, Cardiff, Liverpool and Bristol, and expects to operate in up to 15 UK cities by the end of 2021, as well as launching in the US before the end of the year.

“We are excited to be announced as Tottenham Hotspur’s first-ever Training Wear sponsor. As an Official Global Partner, we look forward to supporting our loyal customers and reaching out to more people in the community on match days throughout this three-year partnership. We are delighted that fans will see our purple and yellow name within the stadium and on the training kits of the players.” says Turancan Salur, Getir UK General Manager.

Todd Kline, Chief Commercial Officer of Tottenham Hotspur commented: “We are delighted to be expanding our relationship with Getir and carrying their name on the Men’s team training wear for the next three years. We look forward to supporting the growth in awareness of the Getir brand using the global appeal of the Club and by delivering unique experiences and match-day activations at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for our fans using Getir’s world-class technology.”

European Tour Appoints Organisation’s First Head of Commercial Communications

The European Tour today announced the appointment of James Francis as its first Head of Commercial Communications.

Francis joins the European Tour after four years at Edelman, the world’s largest PR agency, where he was an Associate Director in its London office and advised a wide range of clients in the sports and entertainment sectors.

Prior to that, he worked in Downing Street as Head of Campaigns for the UK Government, and he also has previous experience in an in-house communications role for a global sporting brand from his time as Senior Communications Manager for the Williams Formula One Team.

His appointment as the Tour’s first Head of Commercial Communications, under Communications Director Scott Crockett, reflects the significant commercial growth reported by the European Tour in recent years.

Francis’s portfolio of clients at Edelman included DP World, and he will continue to work closely with the leading provider of global smart end-to-end supply chain and logistics solutions in their capacity as an Official Partner of the European Tour, alongside Rolex, BMW, Callaway, Emirates, Workday and Zoom.

He will also be responsible for the Tour’s wider commercial communication strategy which includes the Ryder Cup Worldwide Partner programme, with global brands AON, BMW, BP, RBC and Rolex.

Francis said: “The European Tour is an innovative global sporting brand which has been widely acclaimed in recent years for its creativity, award winning content and pioneering commercial partnerships. It’s an organisation that I have always admired and I’m looking forward to joining the Communications Team to help tell this success story to a global audience.”

Guy Kinnings, the European Tour’s Deputy Chief Executive, Ryder Cup Director and Chief Commercial Officer, added: “James will be a terrific addition to our Communications team, joining us at a key point in our commercial evolution.

“The Tour is more commercially robust than ever before, showing current sponsorship growth of more than 100% on projected new business in 2021 against a market predicted to be 25% down in Europe. We are also energised by the potential for further growth generated by our Strategic Alliance with the PGA TOUR, and James will be vital in helping us to communicate these positive stories as we continue to drive golf further.”

Herbalife Nutrition Becomes Official Nutrition Partner Of Tottenham Hotspur Women

Herbalife Nutrition, a premier global nutrition company, will work closely with the team to provide expertise and its Herbalife24 sports nutrition products to create programmes that maximise player performance. The partnership will see Herbalife Nutrition branding on the back of Tottenham Hotspur Women players’ shirts and on stadium signage – with both parties collaborating on content creation that can be enjoyed by fans and Herbalife Nutrition members in the UK and globally.

Tottenham Hotspur Women are set to compete in a third straight Barclays FA Women’s Super League (WSL) campaign having gained promotion in 2019. Rehanne Skinner’s team kick-off the season at home to Birmingham City Women on Saturday 4 September, with the match taking place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Herbalife Nutrition has significant experience of supporting elite football clubs, having been nutrition partner to the LA Galaxy in the US since 2005 and in recent years partnering with top European women’s teams, such as Atletico Madrid Femenino in Spain and Olympique Lyonnais Féminin in France.

Manny Nwosu, Country Director, UK, Ireland and Iceland for Herbalife Nutrition, commented: “This exciting new partnership will see Herbalife Nutrition working closely with the Spurs Women’s team to ensure that their nutrition needs are met both in training and during matches. By combining our nutrition expertise, our experience of working with elite sports teams and our leading range of Informed Sport-approved sports nutrition products, we’ll support the players with their unique nutritional requirements both on and off the field.”

Commenting on the new partnership, Todd Kline, Chief Commercial Officer, Tottenham Hotspur, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Herbalife Nutrition as Official Nutrition Partner to our Women’s team ahead of the upcoming season. The partnership unlocks expertise and support from an industry-leading brand that will help accelerate the continued growth our Women’s team has seen in recent years.”

LawAccord 2022 To Focus On The ‘Legal Opportunities And Challenges In The Ever-Expanding World Of Sport’ In Ekaterinburg

The biggest names in sports law, governance and anti-doping will debate ‘Legal Opportunities and Challenges in the Ever-Expanding World of Sport’ at the LawAccord conference during the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2022 in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

The programme for the full-day conference on Monday, 16 May 2022 will feature a series of updates, presentations, Q&As and panel sessions on vital legal matters in sport, with numerous athlete and International Sport Federation (IF) representatives set to take part.

One of the schedule’s highlights will be a ‘Global Report on Safeguarding Sport from Corruption and Crime’ presented by Alexandra Sokolova, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Associate, Corruption and Economic Crime Branch Division at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

The programme will also feature Michael Lenard OLY, Vice President, ICAS, Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS); Matthieu Reeb, Secretary General, CAS, Dr. François Carrard, Partner and Co-Founder of Kellerhals Carrard; and Stephen Townley, Solicitor, FCIArb, CAS and Jams Arbitrator/Mediator, and Founder of Active Rights Management Limited.

Timely topics that will be discussed include ‘Legal Ramifications of the Pandemic on Existing Commercial Contracts’, ‘Athlete Participation in Governance’, ‘Global Cooperation in Anti-Doping Resolutions’, ‘Preserving Relationships via Alternative Dispute Resolutions’ and ‘Private Equity and Sport – Implications for Governance, IF Rights and Obligations’.

There will also be LawAccord’s regular CAS update on hot topics and recent cases, with networking drinks wrapping up a packed schedule.

“LawAccord provides a forum not only to hear presentations on the latest legal developments that are important to International Federations, but moreover, an opportunity for leading figures from the international sporting community and the sports-law sector to meet and discuss these developments and other issues in sports law.” said Michael Lenard OLY, who is also a Member of the LawAccord Steering Committee. “This LawAccord programme reflects the changing times we live in and the legal challenges and opportunities facing the sporting world as it emerges from the pandemic.”

Dr. Raffaele Chiulli, President of SportAccord and GAISF, said: “LawAccord has become an unmissable part of SportAccord in recent years, highlighting issues that IFs and sports industry stakeholders simply cannot ignore. The most recent edition of this gathering of sports-law experts attracted a record number of attendees for its first full-day programme in 2019 and, with excitement building ahead of SportAccord in Ekaterinburg, we are anticipating significant interest in LawAccord next year.”

LawAccord will sit alongside SportAccord’s other established conference streams, which include CityAccord, HealthAccord, MediaAccord, and the main SportAccord Summit programme, and will be of interest to a broad range of stakeholders in sport, including host cities and regions, administrators, event operators and IFs.

InvestAccord, ArtAccord and MinisterAccord will also feature as new streams at next year’s edition of SportAccord in Ekaterinburg, which will take place from 15-20 May 2022.

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.

Facebook Reveals ‘Facebook Fantasy Games’ For Sports, TV Shows And Pop Culture

Facebook has launched Facebook Fantasy Games in the US and Canada on the Facebook app for iOS and Android.

Facebook Fantasy Games are free, simple prediction games that help fans enjoy sports, TV shows and pop culture content together. These games bring the social fun of traditional fantasy sports to simpler formats that are easy to play for people new to prediction games, while still engaging enough for more seasoned players.

Making it Easy to Play with Friends and Fans: Fantasy Leagues

In addition to public leaderboards, players can create their own fantasy league and compete against friends and other fans. Leagues, which can be public or private, will allow members to compare scores to others in the league and provide a place for members to share picks, reactions and comments.

Games We’re Launching This Fall

Available today, daily sports prediction game Pick & Play Sports is the first game we’re launching, in partnership with Whistle Sports. Fans will get points for correctly predicting the winner of a big game, the points scored by a top player or specific events that unfold during a match. Players can earn bonus points for building a streak of correct predictions over a series of days. In the upcoming months, we will introduce new games with TV shows like CBS’s Survivor and ABC’s The Bachelorette, sports leagues like Major League Baseball and LaLiga Santander and premier digital publishers like BuzzFeed.

Fantasy Survivor

Each week, fans will select a set of Castaways to be on their Fantasy Survivor team and answer a series of questions about the upcoming episode. Fans will then receive points based on the events that unfold in that week’s episode.

MLB Home Run Picks

For each day during the MLB Postseason, fans can pick the teams that they think will hit the most home runs during that day’s action. Fans will then earn points based on correct predictions and whether their team hits home runs or grand slams — with extra points coming for those hit late in the game.

Fantasy: “The Bachelorette”

Each week, fans will select a group from the men vying for Michelle Young’s heart to be on their Fantasy: “The Bachelorette” team and answer a series of questions about the upcoming episode. Fans will then receive points based on the actions and events involving the bachelors on their team and face off with their friends to prove who is the biggest Bachelor Nation fan of them all.

LaLiga Winning Streak

For each slate of games during the LaLiga Santander season, fans will predict a single team that will win on that day. Fans will try to build the longest streak possible of correct predictions, but they can’t pick the same team twice during a streak.

People on iOS and Android can discover Fantasy Games from the bookmark menu and in News Feed through notifications.

Suncorp Renews Principal Partnership With Netball Australia

Suncorp will continue to support netball at all levels in Australia, recommitting as Principal Partner of Netball Australia for up to five more years.

Through the new deal, Suncorp will remain as Naming Rights Partner of the Suncorp Super Netball League and continue its support as a Major Partner of Net Set Go and the Origin Australian Diamonds.

Suncorp’s support since the beginning has helped grow the Suncorp Super Netball League into the undisputed best netball competition in the world.

Suncorp began its partnership with Netball Australia in 2017, with a shared vision to elevate netball, empower girls and maintain their participation in team sport.

Suncorp also developed Team Girls, in collaboration with Netball Australia, in response to a startling statistic that nearly 50 per cent of all girls stopped playing sport by the age of 17.

Over the past five years the Suncorp Team Girls program has worked with a range of experts including ReachOut and Sport Australia, as well as netball ambassadors and parenting experts, to develop a library of resources designed to keep girls engaged with sport.

Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan was delighted to announce Suncorp had renewed its partnership.

“As we conclude another season it is a perfect opportunity to acknowledge Suncorp’s involvement in growing the sport of netball from the grassroots level to the Suncorp Super Netball League and the Australian Diamonds,” Ryan said.

“We are delighted Suncorp is aligned with our future direction, especially as we look towards the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.

“Suncorp has been a fantastic partner of Netball Australia since 2017 and we look forward to working side-by-side to continue to grow netball over the next five years.”

Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston said Suncorp and Netball Australia enjoy a very successful partnership.

“It’s a privilege to support one of Australia’s most popular sports and the world’s leading netball competition,” Johnston said.

“For girls right around the country, the competition stands out as an example of teamwork, resilience and leadership.

“We are committed to backing this incredible community and women’s sport. We look forward to continuing to support the growth of netball for many more seasons to come.”

DigitalBits Becomes Official Global Cryptocurrency & Zytara Official Global Digital Banking Partner Of Inter Milan In €85m Product Partnership Deal

Zytara’s Digital Banking platform to expand into the European market with reigning Italian champions headquartered in global financial center.

FC Internazionale Milano, reigning 2020-2021 season football champions,
and Zytara Labs announced today that the companies have signed a €85M ($100M) multi-year product partnership agreement, with support from the DigitalBits Foundation. This partnership will support Inter’s move to open up to an audience that is increasingly digital, to reach global targets and different age groups, and establish itself as an icon of culture and innovation as well as sport.

As part of this partnership, DigitalBits becomes the “Official Global Cryptocurrency” and Zytara becomes the “Official Global Digital Banking Partner” for Inter. This global partnership combining innovation and finance reflects Inter’s commitment to embody the values of the city of Milan, international spirit and the predilection for innovation and continuous change.

Zytara will work together with Inter to further develop the Inter mobile app, currently available in the Apple App store and Google Play store, with the goal of integrating Zytara’s digital-first banking technology in an immersive branded purchasing experience. This aims at enabling users globally to subscribe for banking services and seamlessly login to their Zytara account directly from within the Inter App and enable access to crypto-based products. The Inter App will become the primary way to purchase tickets to all Inter home game matches, making the app the entry point to connect for Inter fans globally.

As part of Inter’s commitment to innovation, Inter will also use the DigitalBits blockchain with a view to integrating and accepting XDB cryptocurrency for payments both in stadium and in Inter online stores and physical retail locations across Milan. The partners will also leverage this blockchain to create digital player cards and digital collectibles non-utility tokens (NFTs) for a global audience.

In addition to the above, the DigitalBits brand will become the new sleeve partner of the Nerazzurri. The cryptocurrency’s logo will appear on all Inter jerseys for both the Men’s and Women’s First Team, and for the Primavera and Youth Teams during all official domestic and international matches.

Alessandro Antonello, Corporate CEO of Inter, said: “We are proud to welcome Zytara as our new sleeve sponsor and global partner and for Inter to officially join the DigitalBits ecosystem. This agreement reflects Inter’s commitment to set the global standard for technological excellence. While digital-first experiences are vital for all sport clubs, our partnership aims higher. By leveraging Zytara digital banking and blockchain technology we will be able to enhance our global reach towards younger and digital savvy audiences.”

To commemorate the launch of this partnership and to offer Inter’s first cryptocurrency purchase experience with the XDB token, a limited edition of Nerazzurri merchandise will be made available by the end of September.

Al Burgio, Founder of Zytara and the DigitalBits blockchain, said: “This partnership with Inter, much like their heritage, is focused on excellence. Our collaboration will position Inter as one of the most technologically advanced and forward-thinking clubs in the world. We’re thrilled to partner with the reigning Italian champions and a club with such a rich history.”

IMG Appointed As Delivery Partner Of European Solheim Cup

IMG, a global leader in sports, events and media, has been appointed as the delivery partner of the European Solheim Cup for an initial commitment through to the end of 2038.

The joint venture between the LET and Ladies European Golf Venture Ltd, (LET JV) formed in 2020, sought to appoint an experienced partner to assist their strategic planning and delivery of future European editions of one of the world’s most exciting sporting contests to help build and grow the European Solheim Cup in the coming years. The partnership will also align the European and US editions of the Solheim Cup closer than ever before, to add further growth opportunities for the Solheim Cup.

IMG, in partnership with VisitScotland, delivered the most successful European Solheim Cup to date in 2019, seeing over 90,000 spectators attend the match at Gleneagles and millions watching the broadcast around the world. IMG’s credentials in women’s golf events are deep rooted – IMG’s global golf team currently either owns, manages or supports two LPGA Majors as well as eight LPGA regular Tour events, two of which are LET sanctioned.

This partnership will involve all aspects of delivering a minimum four editions of the Solheim Cup in Europe, starting in 2026, while the LPGA will continue to deliver the US Matches. This will include identifying and securing suitable host countries and venues, all commercial activities, licencing, operational aspects and delivery, marketing and communications and legacy initiatives in market.

Alexandra Armas, Chief Executive of the Ladies European Tour, representing the LET JV, commented, “In our opinion, no other commercial organisation understands the global landscape of women’s golf better than IMG. We were incredibly impressed with IMG’s leadership and organisational efforts, together with our partners VisitScotland, on the 2019 Solheim Cup – everything from the initial planning to the final delivery was carefully planned and executed and the final presentation was undoubtably our strongest to date. We feel sure that in forming this partnership, with an aligned vision and mission, we are securing the future and growth of the Solheim Cup and ensuring that it will continue to be one of the most important events on the international sport calendar.”

Ross Hallett, SVP and Head of Golf, EMEA at IMG, commented, “We are delighted to be given this opportunity by the LET JV. We are great believers in the power of women’s sport and we are excited to draw on our 50 years of experience in women’s golf to continue building upon the Solheim Cup’s legacy. We thank both the LET and LPGA for placing this valuable event in our hands and we are excited about shortly launching our search for future host venues and partners to align with our vision.”