FINA Announces $6.4 Million COVID-19 Support Plan

FINA is pleased to announce a global COVID-19 support plan in excess of $6 million USD to assist athletes who will compete in the Tokyo Olympic Games next summer, through three distinctive programmes:

•    $4 million USD in grants for a minimum of 160 National Federations to provide support to athlete training, competition, and living expenses.

•    $460,000 USD in grants to the five Continental Organisations to enable supplemental resources to athletes.

•    $2 million USD to athletes selected to participate in the FINA Scholarship Programme, either at FINA Training Centres or at National Federation training facilities.

FINA President Dr. Julio C. Maglione, with the full support of the FINA Bureau, outlined a comprehensive programme to support elite athletes with medal prospects, as well as Universality athletes from developing countries.

“The primary objective of this programme is to provide direct assistance to athletes preparing to compete in Tokyo. FINA recognises the importance of support to all athletes, including elite athletes with medal prospects, as well as less experienced athletes from developing countries trying to attain Olympic qualifying standards,” said Dr. Maglione.

FINA has created and augmented these programmes to express its unwavering commitment to aquatic athletes who continue to endure hardships related to their training and competitive opportunities due to the pandemic. Previously, FINA made an extraordinary commitment to redistribute over a four-year period a substantial portion of its Olympic-related revenue. However, because so many previous plans by the National Federations and Continental Organisations cannot take place due to travel restrictions, FINA has enabled a high level of flexibility in utilisation of its financial support, with strong emphasis on direct assistance to athletes.

Additionally, the FINA Scholarship Programme will include 100 athletes from National Federations that do not currently have athletes with Olympic Qualifying Standards – 80 swimmers and 20 divers – and enable intensive training at FINA Training Centres in Senegal, Thailand, Russia, and the United States. Each athlete is eligible for up to $2000 USD monthly for living and training expenses, with world class coaches in outstanding facilities.

“FINA places great confidence and trust in the National Federations and Continental Organisations to develop creative and effective solutions for athletes who will compete in Tokyo. We have developed a simple and direct process for athletes to receive funding, and we know that this unprecedented level of financial support will enable aquatic athletes to reach their full potential,” concluded President Maglione.

Table Tennis England Partners With British Esports Association

Table Tennis England has teamed up with the British Esports Association to promote the importance of mental wellbeing and exercise.

The partnership brings together traditional sport with esports (competitive gaming) to explore the similarities between the two and promote the benefits of each other’s activities.

Table tennis and esports both offer a great brain workout, can improve cognitive functions, test reaction times and allow people to have fun and relax and socialise with one another.

Both activities have been proven to improve behaviour, concentration and attendance levels in schools, while also having benefits for those at the other end of the age spectrum, including those who have dementia or Parkinson’s.

Both organisations are committed to bringing more participation opportunities to deprived areas of England. They will help promote each other’s activities, help get young people active and push table tennis as a suitable social activity which helps develop key skills also used in gaming.

The campaign will utilise top stars in the fields of table tennis and esports to talk about their mental health experiences and struggles to help reduce the stigma surrounding it, as well as Olympic table tennis players’ thoughts on gaming as a stress-relieving activity.

There will be activations on social media, video platforms and more, with the intention to host physical events in the future when it is safe to do so.

Until then, both organisations will promote the partnership and generate buzz on social media, with a mix of both entertaining and informative content.

Table Tennis England Chief Executive Sara Sutcliffe said: “The importance of good mental and physical health has arguably never been in sharper focus than now, and the positive effects of both table tennis and esports are there for all to see.

“I’m particularly excited by the potential of this partnership to engage people of all ages and encourage them to seek out the benefits of an active lifestyle, both physically and mentally.”

British Esports Association founder and CEO Chester King commented: “We’re delighted to be partnering with a reputable governing body to highlight the positives that both sports and esports promote. We have lots of ideas and hope to get the conversation going around the importance of both physical and mental health.

“Table tennis is also a sport that’s close to my heart and I look forward to seeing us get involved with some exciting activations.”

Newcastle United And FUN88 Agree Long-Term Commercial Extension

Newcastle United are delighted to confirm that FUN88 will remain as the club’s primary partner after a new long-term commercial agreement was reached.

As part of the new agreement, FUN88 – which has been a familiar sight on first team kit since summer 2017 – will continue to feature on the front of players’ shirts and training wear.

Established in Asia in 2008, FUN88 has a significant online following around the world and offers sports betting, live casino, slots and keno games in multiple languages.

The brand has also developed a popular presence on social media with Newcastle United fans, with thousands of Magpies supporters interacting with its accounts and many benefitting from its competitions and ticket and shirt giveaways over the last three years.

Lee Charnley, Newcastle United’s Managing Director, said: “We are delighted FUN88 has renewed its relationship with Newcastle United and committed its support to the club over a number of years to come.

“Building on the success of our partnership to date, we look forward to this next phase and working together to engage fans and grow our collective reach around the globe.”

A spokesperson for FUN88 said: “FUN88 is delighted to continue its association with Newcastle United Football Club.

“Together with the club, we live the dream of expanding our fan base across all continents, especially in Asia.

“FUN88 is optimistic that this partnership will assist us in becoming the leading gaming and entertainment platform in countries across the world.”

PTI Digital Appoints iSportconnect To Grow Sports and Entertainment Portfolio In Mainland Europe

London, July 20 2020 – iSportconnect, The World’s Largest Private Business Sport Network, are thrilled to today be able to reveal our newest regional consultancy client, PTI Digital.

PTI are technology and digital experts who drive commercial revenues for 70+ sports and entertainment clients, helping them to Activate Digital Engagement in three core ways:

  1. Advise, producing a digital strategy that delivers bottom line returns and technology roadmaps to activate digital outcomes
  2. Activate, ensuring technology enables smarter campaigns and sponsorship engagement
  3. Monetise, enhancing revenue streams and driving return from digital assets

Speaking on the announcement, Mike Bohndiek, PTI Digital CEO, said: “Having expanded our product offering and client base in the UK, we are excited to be launching into Mainland Europe, with Spain our strategic focus.

“In putting together a launch at this scale, you need excellent local knowledge, a hands on partner set and an ability to cut through the noise. In iSportconnect we have an established partner who can deliver on this and we are already seeing early partnership results.”

iSportconnect CEO Sree Varma commented: “Here at iSportconnect it is fantastic that we are able to announce PTI Digital as our latest consultancy clients.

“PTI’s work is well respected in the industry and we are immensely proud to have been chosen by PTI for this role as the company looks to expand their portfolio within the world of sport and entertainment.”

iSPORTCONNECT CONSULTANCY

iSportconnect’s Consultancy division works to help our clients with commercial development, marketing and communications and business strategy surrounding the world of sport. We help to provide business intelligence, global sports market entry strategy and support and are constantly on hand as advisors 24/7 for our clients. Our consultancy clients include the likes of LaLiga, Sodexo, Tata Communications, Sportradar, Hookit and ATPI.

ABOUT iSPORTCONNECT

iSportconnect was launched in 2010 with the aim of bringing together sports business professionals around the world in a sports business networking community enabling them to meet one another, find information and obtain access to a wide range of relevant services. The platform is now the largest global private network of sport business executives, where membership is exclusive and follows a strict door policy.

RedBird Capital Partners Acquire An 85% Stake In Toulouse FC

Toulouse Football Club and Club owner Olivier Sadran have entered into a definitive agreement with RedBird Capital Partners to sell a 85% majority stake in the Club.  Effective today, Mr. Sadran has stepped down from his current role as majority owner and President, though will retain a 15% stake in the Club and remain an active member of the Board of Directors.

“We are proud and excited to help write the next chapter of Toulouse FC and realize its tremendous potential,” said Gerry Cardinale, Founder and Managing Partner of RedBird Capital Partners. “We are committed to building a sustainable, long-term foundation for the Club’s success by enhancing its on-field sporting performance, business operations and contributions to its community.  We look forward to working closely with Olivier, the City of Toulouse and the Occitanie Region to return Toulouse FC to an elite level and elevate the entire city of Toulouse through its long-term success.”

Also announced today is the appointment of Damien Comolli as President of Toulouse FC, effective immediately.  Mr. Comolli has had a successful career in several senior management roles at various clubs and leagues throughout Europe, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Fenerbahçe and Saint-Étienne.  In his new general management role at Toulouse FC, Damien will oversee the overall management of the club, including all sporting activities.

Olivier Sadran commented, “I welcome Gerry and RedBird as new partners in an organization and a city that are big parts of my life.  I am also pleased that RedBird has brought Damien to Toulouse as a key member of our leadership team.  Damien is a well-respected colleague in the Football world.  After getting to know Gerry, Damien and the team at RedBird, I am confident that together we have the energy, expertise and resources to take the Club to the next level.  I look forward to working alongside them and sharing the pleasure of winning.”

Damien Comolli added, “I am thrilled and honored to lead Toulouse FC as its new President. Toulouse is an extraordinary city with a football club that has the opportunity and ability to succeed.  We recognize the unique talent this city has and plan to commit continued focus towards youth development throughout the region. The Club has great potential and I am looking forward to working with our players, staff and RedBird to execute upon our plan to build a stronger future for the Club.”

Betcris Teams Up With IMG ARENA To Bring New Virtual Sports Content

Betcris, one of the leading sports betting operators in Latin America, has signed a partnership with IMG ARENA to provide virtual sports and gaming solutions.

The content will be available to players at Betcris’ online sportsbook and casino as well as at the 100-plus venues it runs across Central and South America.

This new partnership includes 3D Slots, 3D Table Games, Scheduled Sports (including soccer, tennis and more), Instant Sports, Casino and others. The different products will be rolled out over time, giving Betcris the ability to provide maximum oversight of their integration into its platforms.

IMG ARENA’s virtual sports portfolio harnesses cutting-edge, 3D motion technology from Leap Gaming to capture and recreate ultra-realistic versions of some of the world’s most popular sports.

The product suite offers a variety of virtual, high-end and customisable gaming alternatives to both online and retail operators. The content enables Betcris to significantly broaden its offering and appeal to players looking for different forms of entertainment, and brings some of the most sought-after gaming solutions to greater parts of the Latin American gaming market.

JD Duarte, Betcris CEO, said: “The global gaming scene is constantly changing. Offering fresh, innovative content helps to ensure that gaming and sports gambling operators can stay on top of the market while continuing to enhance the customer experience with creative products.

“The agreement with IMG ARENA is one more step in our plan to bring new entertainment options to our customers, hand in hand with the best providers in the industry. The response to the new games has been very positive and every day we see more of our players enjoying this new category.”

Max Wright, SVP Commercial at IMG ARENA, said: “We are extremely excited to have launched our virtuals with Betcris, an operator that has invested significantly in bringing innovation to their players and has chosen the perfect way to boost engagement using our virtuals.

“This deal marks an important stage in the growth of our virtuals offering, securing IMG ARENA a leading position in the Latin American market.”

Providing variety is one of the key focuses Betcris continues to promote within the organisation, with an ongoing commitment to deliver user-requested content from multiple channels. In addition to the ability to give existing customers a greater selection of activities from which to choose, the diversification of its product offering enables the operator to increase its customer base and offer increased operational and commercial security.IMG

Liverpool FC Launches Global Partnership With Mauritius

Liverpool FC has today announced a new global partnership with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and Economic Development Board Mauritius as the club’s official tourism and economic development partner.

The deal forms part of the country’s drive to become a leading global tourist destination and business hub of Africa. The three-year partnership will see Mauritius benefit from a range of LFC digital, social media and marketing assets.

As well as being one of the top premier luxury holiday destinations in the world with one of the highest rates of return visitors, Mauritius is also one of the most business and investment-friendly locations in the world. The island has been an established centre for international banking and finance for at least 20 years and plans to grow this reputation for business around the world.

Billy Hogan, managing director and chief commercial officer at Liverpool FC, said: “This is an exciting partnership and we’re delighted to build on our existing relationship with Mauritius following the opening of the LFC International Academy on the island in July 2019.

“We have a large, passionate fan base in Mauritius, and we’re pleased to be able to bring our supporters closer to the club through this partnership.

“We look forward to working with Mauritius Tourism and its Economic Development Board to support their ambition to further establish the country as a leading tourist destination and economic forum.”

Honourable Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, prime minister of Mauritius, added: “Mauritius is proud to be an official partner of Liverpool Football Club, a global football elite and Premier League champions.

“We both share common values of dedication, determination and unity. This collaboration aims at strengthening and propelling Mauritius as a thriving economic powerhouse and a world-class tourism destination.”

NBA And Smart TV Platform VIDAA Announce Multiyear Partnership

The National Basketball Association and VIDAA USA, Inc. today announced a multiyear partnership to make NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service, available for purchase on all Hisense and Toshiba TVs through the VIDAA smart TV platform.  Beginning with the 2020-21 NBA season, more than 20 million users of VIDAA-enabled smart TVs across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East will be able to purchase NBA League Pass and watch hundreds of live NBA games each season through the VIDAA platform.

“I am proud that we teamed up with the NBA since it is one of the most popular leagues in the world,” said Guy Edri, EVP of Business Development for VIDAA platform. “Our mission is to bring the finest sports entertainment – both global and local – to fans at the touch of a button.  We will enable the best experience for our consumers and NBA fans in every corner of the world.”

“We’re excited to offer NBA League Pass to VIDAA subscribers and provide another platform for our international fans to experience the excitement of NBA basketball,” said NBA SVP, Global Media Distribution and Business Operations, Matt Brabants. “VIDAA’s vast reach and strong commitment to promoting NBA League Pass will help us continue to grow the game of basketball in priority markets around the world.”

NBA League Pass provides the most comprehensive live and on-demand access to an entire season of NBA games in high-definition with live stats, alternative audio and multiple viewing options.  Subscribers will have access to League Pass’ Next-Generation game viewing enhancements, including new camera angles, multiple in-language streams, celebrity influencer commentary, in-depth analytics and statistical graphics, and social media integration.  VIDAA users will have the option to purchase a variety of subscription packages based on their location.

In January, VIDAA announced the global launch of a completely revamped version of VIDAA, including a new user interface and the integration of content providers, putting the user and their habits at the center of the TV experience.  The platform incorporates a centralized user management, advertising and billing system, which simplifies the user experience and provides customers with a more direct way of accessing the content they enjoy.

British & Irish Lions And SA Rugby Announce Joint Venture

The British & Irish Lions and SA Rugby have today announced the creation of a joint venture for the 2021 Tour to South Africa. 

The ground-breaking, new model aims to maximise the Tour’s appeal by bringing together two of the biggest brands in world rugby to work in a more collaborative way. 

Under the terms of the new venture, The Lions and SA Rugby will combine their commercial offering, enabling broadcasters, partners and licensees the chance to fully leverage and activate around a new centralised programme.  

A more joined-up approach to CRM, digital and social content will provide more opportunities to engage with the global rugby fanbase, while also unlocking new assets such as a Tour documentary that can now be packaged together to offer access inside both Lions and Springboks camps. There will also be a co-ordinated ticketing, travel and hospitality programme to ensure fans have more access to the Tour matches taking place in South Africa next year. 

“We are pleased to announce the formation of our new joint venture with SA Rugby; the first time a Lions Tour has been approached in this way,” said Ben Calveley, Managing Director of The British & Irish Lions. 

“A Lions Tour is a global sporting event and its continuous commercial growth over the last decade has made it clear that a more collaborative, efficient and optimised structure was needed. 

“Together with SA Rugby, this new approach will ensure that the 2021 Tour will reach new heights and avoid some of the inefficiencies we have experienced on previous tours. While competition on the field of play is great, off the field we should aspire to work collaboratively to create a whole greater than the sum of the parts.” 

Commenting on the announcement, SA Rugby CEO, Jurie Roux, said: 

“The creation of the joint venture is an important milestone on our journey towards next year’s series against the Lions. 

“Our partnership with the Lions is a good example of rugby’s northern and southern hemispheres working together to create greater benefits for both organisations.

“I am confident that this new more collaborative approach will help unlock new and increased revenues for South African rugby and the British & Irish lions, which gets reinvested in the game, and look forward to working in close partnership between now and the Tour next year.” 

Bach Plans To Run For Second Term As IOC President

IOC President Thomas Bach has announced that he plans to run for a second term at the helm of the organisation in his opening speech at the start of the 136th session of the International Olympic Committee.

Bach concluded his speech by stating: “If you, the IOC Members want, I am ready to run for a second term as IOC President and to continue to serve you and this Olympic Movement, which we all love so much, for another four years.”

During the speech he is also stated the need for sport during the current time: “Sport has great social significance by being the glue which bonds communities together. Sport has great economic significance by creating jobs and generating an important contribution to GDP. For all these reasons, sport is an essential factor, not only during the crisis but also for the recovery from the crisis. This is why we have repeatedly called on governments to include sport in their corona recovery programmes. And our actions have been recognised and our message has been understood by many,”

He also emphasised the need for unity in his message, saying: “We must even strengthen our efforts to convince governments and the entire international community of the irreplaceable value of the Olympic Games. It is the only event today that brings the entire world together in peace, solidarity and without any discrimination.”

“The athletes from the 206 National Olympic Committees and of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team are living this value of non-discrimination. This was demonstrated in a unique way by Jesse Owens, the legendary four-time Olympic champion. At home, he had to suffer from the painful reality of racial segregation. In contrast, in the Olympic Village, he was living together as an equal with all the other athletes enjoying the same rights.”