Tennis Channel Agrees Rights Deal With ATP Media To Become US Home Of ATP Tour

Tennis Channel and ATP Media, the broadcast arm of the ATP as the governing body of men’s professional tennis, have concluded a multiyear television and digital rights deal that will make the network the exclusive U.S. television home of the majority of ATP Tour events. As part of an agreement that begins in 2021, the channel will be the sole American broadcaster of the high-profile ATP Masters 1000 events – tournaments that are surpassed in prestige only by the sport’s four majors (the Grand Slams). This means that for the first time Tennis Channel viewers will watch all of these competitions live from opening day through the trophy presentations. The network has had live coverage at all of these events in the past, but now will show all matches at ATP Masters 1000 events played in North America.

In total, the agreement gives Tennis Channel exclusive, live television rights to all nine ATP Masters 1000 events, all 13 ATP 500s and 16 of the ATP 250 tournaments, as well as the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals. Through other rights agreements the network also covers most of the other ATP 250 tournaments, the rising-star Next Gen ATP Finals and ATP Cup national team competition that was inaugurated in January 2020. Under the new agreement, Tennis Channel will base its on-air talent at an on-site tournament desk at each of the ATP Masters 1000 events for the first time.

“Tennis Channel and ATP Media have worked tirelessly for nearly two decades to expand the daily TV, streaming and on-demand coverage of this prolific sport across all popular platforms, and in doing so are making tennis competitive once again with other major sports in the U.S.,” said Ken Solomon, president, Tennis Channel. “Our combined work with parent Sinclair Broadcast Group has made Tennis Channel America’s fastest growing network for the past two years, allowing millions of returning and new fans to enjoy the ATP’s Tour’s scale and quality, which are unmatched in all of professional sports.”

Tennis Channel will showcase these matches on television and through its streaming-service Tennis Channel Plus, and support ATP Tour events via its print Tennis Magazine, its digital Baseline newsletter, podcast network, website, social media channels and international digital subscription service. It also plans to work with nationwide media partners of parent-company Sinclair Broadcast Group to expand awareness and build viewership for ATP Tour events.

Tennis Channel and the ATP Tour and ATP Media have been media partners since the network’s launch in 2003, working together to elevate the sport.

“Tennis Channel’s continuing partnership provides a compelling media model – a dedicated national television network complemented by a tennis dedicated streaming service and supported by robust original tennis content seamlessly integrated across all platforms – has greatly elevated the awareness and popularity of our sport for players, tournaments, fans and the ATP Tour,” said Mark Webster, chief executive officer, ATP Media. “We’re excited to embrace a future of continued rapid growth with this new arrangement. The ATP Tour and its stars are stronger than ever and in prime position to further expand our fast-growing U.S. fan base.”

New Zealand All Blacks Partner With Global Headphones Brand Nura

Music and sport are universal languages that bring people together – now two leading brands across both spheres have come together in a groundbreaking partnership.

Innovative global headphones brand Nura and the All Blacks have announced a joint partnership which will see Nura become the Official Headphones of the All Blacks – and in a unique arrangement, New Zealand Rugby will take an investor equity stake in the company.

The Melbourne-based consumer electronics company designs and manufactures headphones with an innovative personalised sound technology. Nura’s debut product the nuraphone launched in October 2017 and in July 2019, Nura became the first and only company to add active noise cancellation to a headphone via a software update.

Nura CEO Dragan Petrovic said: “Despite being a small nation, New Zealand Rugby dominates a global sport through passion and a relentless pursuit of perfection. This inspires us at Nura like so many others around the world. We are a young company on a mission to revolutionise how humanity experiences music and disrupt an industry dominated by global giants. We’re proud to support the All Blacks and bring them closer to the music that moves them on and off the field.”

NZR CEO Mark Robinson said: “This is an incredibly exciting and unique partnership between NZR and Nura. The partnership was formed with the vision of bringing music and rugby together and having two high-performing organizations collaborating together to achieve success.

“This is a three-year global partnership and we’re excited to be working together.  As well as sponsoring the All Blacks, Nura will also be the Official Headphones of the Black Ferns, All Blacks Sevens, Black Ferns Sevens, Maori All Blacks and All Blacks XV.”

Rob Nichol, CEO of the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association said “The Players really enjoy their music and they are seriously impressed by their Nura headphones. It’s great that a progressive brand like Nura, who are pushing boundaries with their innovation, have partnered up with New Zealand Rugby to help them achieve their goals. The Players are looking forward to helping this partnership succeed, for Nura and the game.” 

Longtime British Gymnastics CEO Jane Allen To Retire From Role In December

After over ten years with British Gymnastics, Jane Allen MBE is to retire as Chief Executive in December. An interim Chief Executive will be announced in the near future.

Jane Allen joined British Gymnastics from Gymnastics Australia in early 2010. During her time in the role she delivered a period of significant transition in which British Gymnastics restructured, rebranded and revised its strategic priorities, leading to an increase in participants at both a grassroots and elite level. She has also played an important role in lifting the profile of British Gymnastics by working with the international gymnastics community to help guide and grow the sport worldwide. Under Jane’s leadership World and European Championships have been hosted within the UK with the event in 2015 in Glasgow being credited as ‘one of the best ever’.

Commenting on the news, Mike Darcey, Chair of British Gymnastics, said: “The whole Board would like to thank Jane for her dedicated service to the sport. We had originally agreed with Jane that she would retire following the Tokyo Olympic Games in the summer of 2020, but that was extended to help British Gymnastics through the initial impact of Coronavirus and then the subsequent worrying news about abuse claims. Prior to her departure, Jane will be working with our legal team on our initial submission to the Whyte review.”

Jane Allen added: “The last few months have been extremely difficult, but I will look back on my time with British Gymnastics with great pride for the growth and success we have sustained over a ten-year period. I would like to thank everyone involved in the sport for the work they do to help our members succeed both at an elite and grassroots level.

“The Whyte Review will be an important step forward for gymnastics and other sports struggling to deal effectively with these issues. It is vital that this happens in a fair and transparent manner for all parties and I pledge my support to helping the sport to do that.”

English Football League CEO Baldwin Quits Role After Just Four Months

David Baldwin has today announced he is set to leave his position as Chief Executive of the EFL.

Mr Baldwin became CEO earlier this year but having now considered his future, has informed the League that he will depart his role in six months’ time.

David Baldwin said: “Having thoroughly reflected on my own personal circumstances at length in recent weeks, I have now determined it is only appropriate to inform the Board and the membership of the EFL of my intentions at the earliest opportunity.

“Clearly, accepting this position pre COVID-19 means the situation is now very different to the one I originally envisaged coupled with it being a very different environment inside the EFL, when compared to the one I left in 2015/16. Taking those two factors into consideration and balancing the needs of my family, health and well-being, I feel the decision to leave is the right one.

“Between now and my departure date there is still plenty of work to be undertaken on behalf of EFL Clubs and I remain committed to finding solutions to the many challenges we currently face.”

EFL Chair Rick Parry said: “Whilst disappointed, I understand the reasons Dave has outlined and respect his wishes. He remains committed to the EFL and will continue to lead the Executive until he leaves us in 2021.”

Today’s announcement is not linked to ‘Project Big Picture’ and the decision was taken prior to details of the proposals being made public over the weekend. 

The EFL will start the recruitment process for Mr Baldwin’s replacement with immediate effect.

2023 Solheim Cup To Be Hosted In Spain

The Ladies European Tour announced today Spain will host the 2023 Solheim Cup at the world-renowned championship course at Finca Cortesin, Andalucía, with the exact tournament dates to be finalised soon.

Set to host the prestigious international women’s professional golf team event for the first time in the tournament’s history, Spain is no stranger to staging high-profile golf events with a rich history in both the men’s and women’s game, hosting the Ryder Cup in 1997 and staging 75 events on the LET and LETAS calendar including the season’s order of merit – The Race to Costa Del Sol.

Following in the footsteps of Scotland as the most recent destination to host the memorable match-play competition on European soil in 2019 and Toledo, Ohio, who will stage the upcoming 2021 contest, Spain becomes the sixth European nation to play host to the greatest team event in women’s golf following previous countries including; Wales, Sweden, Ireland and Germany.

Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol in Andalucía, Finca Cortesin is world-renowned as an elite golfing destination, previously staging three Volvo World Match Play Championship’s as well as regularly featuring in the top five list of ‘best courses’ in Spain by Golf World and Golf Digest magazines. It also recently enjoyed a comprehensive upgrade of all putting surfaces in 2017 and is known for its excellent condition of the fairways and greens and challenging course design, an ideal supplement to its attractive landscaping.

Speaking about the news, Ladies European Tour CEO, Alexandra Armas, said: “We are delighted to announce Spain as the host nation for the 2023 Solheim Cup when it returns to European soil for the 18th edition of this major international team golf event. Spain is a passionate golfing nation with knowledgeable fans and a history of developing generations of talented golfers while Andalucía’s strong cultural heritage will make for a unique experience for players, guests and supporters alike. The tournament will not only enhance the country’s reputation as an elite golfing nation but the Costa del Sol as a must-visit destination, which will help to inspire the next generation of children to take up the game.”

Spanish golfers have played an integral part of the tournament since the inaugural event was held in 1990, with as many as seven players representing Team Europe over the years – with only Sweden and England contributing more players to previous Solheim Cups.  More recently, home favourite Carlota Ciganda has participated in the last four consecutive contests while Costa del Sol star Azahara Munoz also has four appearances to her name since making her debut in 2011.  

Costa del Sol are joining the Global Partner family for the 2023 event, alongside PING and Rolex who are long-standing supporters of the Solheim Cup. Deporte & Business will stage the event, working alongside the Ladies European Tour to deliver all aspects of the tournament. Deporte & Business General Manager, Íñigo Aramburu, said: “It’s an honour getting the Solheim Cup for Spain. Undoubtedly, a good understanding among all the institutions involved was a key factor. Andalucía, Costa del Sol, Acosol, the Marbella City Council, the Benahavís City Council and the Royal Spanish Golf Federation went hand in hand to achieve a milestone that will promote quality tourism in Andalucía, and that will highlight the Costa del Sol as an unbeatable destination for women’s golf. I would like to thank the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour for the trust they placed in the Spanish bid.

“I can assure you we will try to host the best and most fun Solheim Cup in history. The Costa del Sol is a unique destination in the world and thanks to this event everybody will see it. I would also like to emphasize that the Solheim Cup venue, Finca Cortesin, is one of the best in Europe and its hotel has been ranked first in Spain and Portugal, so the teams will enjoy a world class hospitality in a spectacular setting.”

Chicago Bulls And SPORTFIVE Partner To Secure International Brand Partnerships

The Chicago Bulls and SPORTFIVE today announced a new exclusive partnership in which the global sports business agency will lead the effort to secure brand partnerships from outside the U.S. for the team.

The NBA recently allowed each team to secure up to two brand partnerships from regions outside the U.S. As a team with significant global reach, a strong international fanbase and one of the largest social followings of any sports team in the world, the Bulls are positioned very well for international partnerships. As part of the relationship, SPORTFIVE will leverage its worldwide sales network and vast sponsorship expertise to help the Bulls secure partners from international regions. 

“With more than 100 million Bulls fans around the world, we understand the importance of establishing distinct connections with all of our fans, even if they never have the chance to attend a game in person,” said Mark Levitt, Senior Director of Business Development, Chicago Bulls. “We are uniquely positioned to welcome two international brands into our Bulls portfolio of partners and look forward to the opportunities these first-of-their-kind, strategic brand partnerships will bring.”

Carl Woodman, Country Manager UK for SPORTFIVE, adds: “The Chicago Bulls are a fantastic partnership opportunity for international and multinational brands. As one of the key pillars of our global business is connecting premier sports properties with great brands, we are thrilled to partner with the Bulls to drive international brand partnerships for the team. They have the potential to deliver significant value to the right brand that is looking to engage with, and through, a powerhouse NBA franchise.”

SPORTFIVE has an experienced sales leadership team and a vast global network, which enables the agency to provide first-class, commercial sales services to sports rightsholders around the world.

ELEVEN SPORTS To Broadcast Liga Nos For Three Seasons In Poland

ELEVEN SPORTS Poland has secured exclusive rights to Liga NOS, Portugal’s top-tier football division, for the next three seasons.

ELEVEN’s coverage begins this weekend with the clash between Portuguese giants Sporting CP and FC Porto on Saturday.

The new deal will give Polish fans the chance to follow all the excitement from Liga NOS, LIVE. Alongside the likes of Sporting, FC Porto and Benfica, ELEVEN subscribers will be able track the progress of Polish goalkeeper Paweł Kieszek at Rio Ave FC.

ELEVEN SPORTS POLAND’S COO, Patryk Miroslawski said: “The Portuguese league is an excellent addition to the football offering we already provide our subscribers. Fans are going to be able to watch teams such as Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Braga in action and there will be particular interest in SL Benfica in the coming weeks, who will be going up against Lech Poznań in the UEFA Europa League group stage this season. ELEVEN Poland already provide fans LIVE access to LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A and the FA Cup, and this is a great opportunity for fans to watch even more football on our platform.”

IBM Enters Esports Arena With Multi-Year Overwatch League Deal With Activision Blizzard

Today, IBM and the Overwatch League™, the world’s first global esports league with 20 city-based teams, announced its first-of-a-kind multi-year deal to bring IBM’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to esports. A sponsorship component kicks off at this year’s 2020 Overwatch League Grand Finals, which started Oct. 8 and run through Oct. 10. With the agreement – IBM’s first-ever esports deal – the technology leader becomes the official AI, cloud, and analytics sponsor of the Overwatch League. The deal covers the 2020 Grand Finals and the entirety of the 2021 and 2022 Overwatch League seasons.

Through the course of the deal, IBM and the Overwatch League plan to leverage IBM’s suite of advanced cloud and AI products. Starting in 2021, IBM and the Overwatch League will be working closely to develop technology solutions leveraging IBM’s expertise in natural language processing and machine learning to improve the league’s rankings system, and utilize IBM’s Watson AI capabilities to create live and in-broadcast predictive analysis, with specific solutions currently under development.

“We’re constantly striving to give fans the ability to more meaningfully engage with the Overwatch League, and teaming up with IBM enables us to do just that,” said Brandon Snow, Chief Revenue Officer of Activision Blizzard Esports. “IBM’s cutting-edge AI and machine learning, underpinned by cloud technologies, will help enable us to bring interactive and innovative engagement opportunities to our fans and teams. This is a fantastic benefit to our viewers, and we’re very excited to be announcing it during the biggest event of our season.”

“We’re thrilled to bring our world class Cloud platforms and Watson portfolio to one of the leading esports platforms in the world,” said Noah Syken, Vice President of Sports & Entertainment Partnerships, IBM. “The solutions we’re partnering to create can help the organizations, players, and fans enjoy an even more immersive, engaging experience. We look forward to working with the Overwatch League, to bring innovative solutions at scale, to broad and relevant audiences.”

The sponsorship with the Overwatch League will kick off in 2021 and include new solutions, that plan to be hosted on the IBM Cloud. Those solutions, which are currently under development, will leverage IBM’s suite of analytics tools to process in-match data, adding Watson’s AI capabilities through the use of Watson Machine Learning and the AutoAI functionality within Watson Studio. Additionally, the solutions will find new ways to showcase the wide array of historical statistics that the Overwatch League gets from live play. 

The announcement of IBM and the Overwatch League teaming together is IBM’s first foray into the global world of esports and joins an impressive list of sports and entertainment partnerships that IBM technology powers around the world. IBM has been a part of gaming history as a hardware manufacturer, chip creator, and software provider for developers since 1985. Over the past 35 years, IBM has worked with gaming and esports entities through PowerPC processors, NLP, and cloud technology.

IBM has been a long-time partner to a range of sports organizations, teams, and events, including tennis (US Open and Wimbledon), golf (The Masters), football (via ESPN Fantasy Football), and the GRAMMY Awards. Through IBM’s partnerships, including IBM’s new engagement with the Overwatch League, IBM is able to reimagine sports, and entertainment experiences for fans, players and coaches alike, leveraging the flexibility of the hybrid cloud, and other AI-powered solutions.

Formula 1 Announces TV Rights Extension With Movistar+ In Spain Until 2023

Formula 1 today announces Movistar+ have extended their TV rights agreement to exclusively show the full FIA Formula 1 World Championship™ until the end of 2023, in Spain and Andorra.

The extended three-year agreement will see Movistar F1 continue to show unparalleled coverage of the FIA Formula One World Championship™ for the next three years and is the only channel where fans can witness all the live action in this territory.

Movistar+ is the first platform in Spain and Andorra to have a dedicated 24/7 F1 Channel, guaranteeing unparalleled live coverage of all the Grands Prix in Ultra High Definition (4K). The channel also provides fans with a top weekly magazine show #Vamos Sobre Ruedas’ which discusses all the latest action from the world of Formula 1.

As part of the new agreement Movistar+ will also gain enhanced digital rights to increase the sports offering on its digital and social platforms, ensuring fans have more access than ever before.

Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights Formula 1 said:

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Movistar+ as they continue to provide outstanding and in-depth coverage of the sport. Spain is an important market for us, especially with such brilliant Spanish talent growing in the championship like Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonzo making his much anticipated return next season. We look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with Movistar+ as the sport enters an exciting new era.”

Juan Andrés García Ropero, ‘Bropi Sport Director of Movistar + said:

“For Movistar to be able to extend our relationship with the F1 is great news. F1 is one of the most in demanded competitions from our customers, we have a dedicate a 24/7 channel, which has great dedicated content each weekend. This good news comes at the best possible time, with audiences rising at every Grand Prix and with a very exciting upcoming future, thanks to the return of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz joining Ferrari”.

Mediapro Looks To Renegotiate Ligue 1 Rights Deal With LFP After Missed Payment

Jaume Roures, CEO of Mediapro, has revealed to L’Équipe that the company wishes to renegotiate their broadcasting rights deal with the LFP in France.

The deal to broadcast Ligue 1 began only a couple of months ago ahead of the new season, however, Roures has explained to L’Equipe that the company will not be making the latest scheduled payment in order to try and renegotiate the deal.

“We have asked to speak about our contract this season because of Covid-19. It is obvious that Covid is affecting a lot of aspects of our being able to exploit our rights. We want to talk about that,” Roures said.

“We want to renegotiate the contract for this season. It has been very affected by Covid-19, everyone knows because everyone is suffering through it.

“We are not questioning the project as it is. But the bars and restaurants are closed, advertising is down – these are things that everyone knows,” he also stated.

“The contract was established in conditions that are completely different to the current situation. That is obvious. We need to speak about it. Aside from that, we will see how it ends up. We are not putting into question the contract, but we are putting into question the current situation.”