Global Sports Week Set To Kick-Start France’s Own “Golden Decade” Of Sport

Representatives of more than 70 countries are set to participate in the first Global Sports Week Paris as France seeks to kick-start its decade in the global sports spotlight.

Organisers of the new annual gathering of the world sports economy have confirmed the participation of more than 1,300 international delegates, with just a week to go to the start of the inaugural event.

Conceived as a Davos-style forum, Global Sports Week will take place at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris on February 6th-7th, preceded by a VIP reception and series of off-programme events.

The summit is organised under the high patronage of M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic. It also benefits from the patronage of UNESCO and the « Proud support » of international partners including the International Paralympic Committee, UEFA, Formula 1, FIA, UN Women, EPCR, FIBA, FIVB and the Bundesliga.

In total, more than 65 international commercial and institutional partners are backing Global Sports Week, including many that will also be present when Paris hosts the 2023 Rugby World Cup and 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Global Sports Week forms part of a broader French ambition to mobilise sport as a driver of international economic and social development in the new decade.

Speakers including F1 Chairman Chase Carey, International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons, film maker Claude Lelouch, swimming legend Matt Biondi and surfer Justine Dupont will join international business and political leaders to address issues ranging from the climate emergency to sport’s role in driving gender equality and the impact of digital transformation on sport’s core business model.

At the heart of the concept, 50 young spokespeople, representing 22 nationalities, will voice opinions and challenge received ideas as ambassadors of a new generation driving radical change. 

The event will also provide the stage for key policy announcements from the likes of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (Wimbledon), while French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu will host a private meeting of international sports ministers on the sidelines of the summit.

Global Sports Week takes place at a time when Paris is emerging as a post-Brexit challenger to London for the status of Europe’s capital of sports business. It follows the success of the inaugural NBA Paris Games, which were moved from London to the French capital after almost a decade.

Lucien Boyer, President of Global Sports Week, said: « The first Global Sports Week will be a truly international gathering, meeting our ambition to put sport at the centre of the global debate. In this context, Paris offers an ideal stage as it prepares to be the centre of the sports world in the 2020s.

SportAccord 2020 Message from President Raffaele Chiulli

SportAccord President Raffaele Chiulli has released a statement surrounding SportAccord Beijing 2020, which has been set to go ahead in April but has now come under threat due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Statement reads:

I am writing in regard to SportAccord 2020, to provide an update on the status of our upcoming event in Beijing, China given the current Coronavirus outbreak.

Our thoughts are with the people of China and families affected by the outbreak. SportAccord is monitoring the situation and we are following the recommendations provided by the Chinese Authorities, the World Health Organisation, and other leading health authorities around the world. We are also fully aware of the recommendations on travel and restrictions imposed by airline companies and governments. 

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and share any developments regarding SportAccord 2020. Please rest assured SportAccord will continue to do what is in the best interests and safety of all our delegates.

Sincerest regards,

Raffaele Chiulli
President
SportAccord and GAISF

Major League Soccer And U.S. Soccer Choose Stats Perform As Global Data Partner

Major League Soccer (MLS) and U.S. Soccer today announced an exclusive official data deal with Stats Perform, the revolutionary leader in sports AI and data.

Stats Perform will leverage its unique combination of the most trusted and granular sports data and advanced AI capabilities to create superior fan, spectator and bettor experiences for men’s and women’s soccer competitions in the United States through Stats Perform’s RunningBall, Opta and Integrity services.

“We’re delighted to announce we have been chosen as the exclusive global data partner for MLS and U.S. Soccer,” said Alex Rice, Chief Rights Officer at Stats Perform. “As a trusted partner of MLS for over 10 years and U.S. Soccer for three years, we look forward to delivering the highest quality data to create the best experiences for fans and bettors, while continuing to support the growth of soccer in North America.”

The agreement facilitated by Soccer United Marketing (SUM), U.S. Soccer’s partner for more than 15 years, grants Stats Perform the right to exclusively collect, analyze and distribute official ultrafast data and player data to global broadcast, media, betting and professional teams for all MLS, U.S. Open Cup and Men’s and Women’s National Team matches. For the first time, MLS and U.S. Soccer will also offer an official ultrafast data feed optimized for sports betting operators from all MLS, and select U.S. National Team and U.S. Open Cup matches.

The introduction of data and AI capabilities will help raise the profile of soccer in the United States and increase fan engagement, bringing fans closer to games, teams and players across MLS, the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT), U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT), and the U.S. Open Cup.

For the first time MLS and U.S. Soccer will also offer an official ultrafast data feed optimized for sports betting operators.

“Soccer United Marketing is proud to facilitate the execution of this expansive, long-term partnership between Stats Perform, MLS and U.S. Soccer,” said Chris Schlosser, SVP, Media. “We are excited to partner with Stats Perform to create MLS and U.S. Soccer’s first official data feed optimized for Sports Betting. As the betting landscape continues to evolve, it is important that quality and accurate data are available to power sports betting experiences and Stats Peform is a proven global leader in the creation of soccer betting data feeds.”

The partnership also increases data coverage to over 3,000 U.S. Soccer Development Academy matches, which unlocks data-driven talent identification processes for the Federation and clubs, furthering U.S. Soccer’s strategic approach to improving player development.

“The partnership with Stats Perform further represents U.S. Soccer’s commitment to using data and technology to grow the game domestically,” said U.S. Soccer Director of Analytics and Research Ross Moses. “Data quality and coverage are central to our objectives to win and grow the fanbase, and Stats Perform has shown to be a leader in the space. With coverage of not only the senior national teams but also youth and club competitions like the U.S. Open Cup, we continue to push ourselves to find competitive advantages on the field and build our connection with fans off it.”

World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen To Be Sponsored By Unibet

Unibet has signed a global sponsorship agreement with the world’s best chess player, Magnus Carlsen, making Unibet Carlsen’s main sponsor in 2020 and 2021.

Unibet, Kindred Group’s global sports betting brand, enters a two-year commercial sponsorship with the chess World Champion Magnus Carlsen, strengthening the brands position as the preferred choice among expert bettors by partnering with the ultimate ambassador for decision-making based on calculated risks.

“We see great potential in building a stronger market position towards the hundreds of millions of chess fans around the world, as well as all other online gamblers who understand and appreciate the value of gaining an advantage by digging into data and researching facts. Since 2014, Unibet has communicated that “luck is no coincidence”, celebrating those players who rely on research and statistics to make informed decisions. Magnus is a perfect fit for this concept, and our most recent marketing campaign is a good example of that”, says Rhodri Darch, Chief Commercial Officer at Kindred Group.

Magnus Carlsen, who recently set yet another world chess record, with the longest stint of games without loss in classical chess (120 matches, and counting), is pleased to have the deal in place.

“This is something I’m really looking forward to. Unibet and I share a lot of the same values and interests in sports and related stats. We both know that “luck” is no coincidence. To make the right decisions, you need a well-balanced combination of knowledge, skill, and intuition”, says Magnus Carlsen.

“Unibet also have a highly professional and at the same time creative and playful approach to precise execution, which is something I can associate with. I find it exciting that such a big and global brand now aims to take greater ownership of international chess,” continues Magnus Carlsen.

The agreement is part of Unibet’s global marketing strategy and an optimisation of the marketing mix to better cater for the Group’s long-term strategy towards sustainable growth.

“We are proud to present the highest rated chess player in history as our global ambassador for the next two years. Magnus Carlsen is the reigning world number one since 2010, World Champion since 2013, and has won a total of twelve World Championships in classical chess, rapid chess and blitz. We are delighted to support him in his future endeavours, retaining his position as the world’s best chess player”, continues Rhodri Darch.

On The Move: Latest Community Jobs Update

Anurag Dahiya will become ICC Chief Commercial Officer.

Giorgio Brambilla is AS Roma’s new Commercial Director.

Dominic Coles has been named the Head of GB Sport Media.

Eric Boullier will take over as the Managing Director of the French Grand Prix.

Tom Rischbieth will become Football Federation Australia’s General Manager, Commercial – Leagues.

Mauricio Macri was named the FIFA Foundation’s Executive Chairman.

Andrew Berry is now Executive Vice President of Football Operations and GM of the Cleveland Browns.

Sanjay Raina is Abu Dhabi Media’s new Executive Director, Commercial.

Daniela Forsyth is now Sales Manager, EMEA for Stack Sports.

Jenny Smith has become Volvo Car UK’s Head of Events, Sponsorship & Communications.

On The Move: Latest Community Jobs Update

Anurag Dahiya will become ICC Chief Commercial Officer.

Giorgio Brambilla is AS Roma’s new Commercial Director.

Dominic Coles has been named the Head of GB Sport Media.

Eric Boullier will take over as the Managing Director of the French Grand Prix.

Tom Rischbieth will become Football Federation Australia’s General Manager, Commercial – Leagues.

Mauricio Macri was named the FIFA Foundation’s Executive Chairman.

Andrew Berry is now Executive Vice President of Football Operations and GM of the Cleveland Browns.

Sanjay Raina is Abu Dhabi Media’s new Executive Director, Commercial.

Daniela Forsyth is now Sales Manager, EMEA for Stack Sports.

Jenny Smith has become Volvo Car UK’s Head of Events, Sponsorship & Communications.

LaLiga Sign Hollywoodbets As Official Betting Partner In South Africa

LaLiga has announced its first partnership deal in South Africa with local sports betting company, Hollywoodbets. After signing a deal until the end of the 2019/20 season at an exclusive press conference this morning, the Durban-based organisation has become the league’s Official Betting Partner in South Africa.

Hollywoodbets is one of the country’s most prominent betting companies and with this partnership, it aims to not only enhance the experience of LaLiga fans but also create innovative projects that will bring LaLiga closer to its followers.

The partnership will include the appearance of Hollywoodbets on Digital Board Replacements (DBR) and on-pitch advertising during the LaLiga Santander Matches. Hollywoodbets will also use LaLiga tickets and merchandise for upcoming campaigns.

Hollywoodbets has a proven track record of supporting development projects within local communities and has supported 140 initiatives within just the last year. This partnership deepens LaLiga’s investment in the country, where it has had a presence since 2015, and supports its mission to develop football at a local level. Through partnering with an organisation that is over 5,300 members strong it will become possible to reach more up-and-coming players and teams on the ground.

The press conference, featuring both LaLiga and Hollywoodbets’ representatives, took place today in Sandton, attended by the former South African goalkeeper and Hollywoodbets’ Brand Ambassador, Brian Baloyi, LaLiga South Africa Managing Director Marcos Pelegrín and Hollywoodbets Operations Executive, Sandisiwe Bhengu. Attendees got the opportunity to register with the betting company and also received promo codes to use for the upcoming weekend’s LaLiga Santander matchday 22.

Bhengu said: “We are proud to be a partner of one of the best football leagues in the world. South Africans are devoted to football and LaLiga is widely enjoyed throughout the country. We are confident that this will be a long-term and effective partnership with LaLiga. As a company that believes in investing in our communities we look forward to touching more lives in collaboration with a brand like LaLiga that shares in this vision. We are confident that this is the beginning of a new era in South African football entertainment where our future SA stars will be touched anew by their international football heroes.”

Pelegrín added: “Strategic partnerships like these help us to penetrate and expand across new markets. We want to keep growing in the South African market, as we endeavour to increase our fan base and bring LaLiga even closer to our fans.”

“Further, this partnership allows us to keep working on developing football in South Africa as we have been doing in various community tournaments in places like Soweto, Port Elizabeth and Polokwane. This has been a shared driver for both brands to partner on, and it is also an important objective for Hollywoodbets,” concluded Pelegrín.

Anurag Dahiya Appointed ICC Chief Commercial Officer

The International Cricket Council has appointed Anurag Dahiya as their new Chief Commercial Officer.

Dahiya joins after spending nearly six years with Singtel, where he was most recently the Head of Content and Media Sales. Prior to this Dahiya had spent more than 13 years with STAR Sports.

ICC Chief Executive Officer Manu Sawhney, stated:  “I am delighted to welcome a commercial leader of Anurag’s calibre to the ICC. He brings extensive experience across the commercial, content and media rights functions that are so important if we are to achieve our long-term ambition for global growth.”

Dahiya said in the announcement: “It is an honour for me to be joining the ICC at such an exciting time. I am looking forward to working with the team to ensure cricket is optimally placed to make the most of the opportunities presented to us by a fast-changing media and sponsorship landscape.”

The ICC added: Anurag brings more than two decades of commercial experience from Asia’s fast growing media industry, most recently as Head of Content and Media Sales at Singtel, Asia’s leading telecommunications group, where he has driven significant financial results and seen sharp market share growth. At Singtel, Anurag was also responsible for conceptualising and implementing the video content strategy and managing content operations for Singtel’s IPTV and OTT video platforms.

Sodexo To Enhance The Live Experience For Thousands Of Fans During 2020’s Largest Sporting Events

After the success of the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019, 2020 will be an outstanding year for Sodexo Sports & Leisure: our teams will be mobilized and part of the success of the biggest international sporting events, from the Super Bowl LIV in Miami to the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, the Tour de France and including several UEFA Euro Games. Sodexo teams will be fielding all their know-how and diversity of services to offer sports lovers multiple and memorable experiences.

Sodexo: unique assets at the service of sports fan

As a recognized partner of the major international sports events, Sodexo offers:

  • A wide range of services from catering for all kind of public spectators to comprehensive hospitality packages covering reception, accommodation, transport, creation of dedicated areas such as fan zones and related activities.
  • Dedicated expert team of 40,000 people across the world, experts for managing international events and facing daily logistical challenges to welcome and serve vast numbers of people so that they all have a memorable experience.
  • The ability to help our clients meeting challenges faced in all major events today such as digital, environmental and social impact as well as the customization of services expected by spectators.

Nathalie Bellon-Szabo, Global CEO Sodexo for Sports & Leisure, explains: “2020 will be an exceptional year for Sodexo Sports & Leisure: we are honoured to offer our expertise and services at Top worldwide sporting events, while caring about our environmental impact as well as about our customers’ expectations. By doing so, we help forge exceptional memories that only live events can offer. I am convinced that living these moments of collective joy and live emotion ensures sustainable happiness and positively impacts the quality of life of the greatest number of people.”

Sodexo meets the three major trends impacting all large-scale events in the world today 

Growing demand for customization and multiple expectations

  • In catering, priority given to local tastes and flavours, and multiple choice

For example, at the 2020 Super Bowl in the Hard Rock Stadium:

    • Centerplate, our North American company will showcase local products and recipes inspired by the Hispanic tradition in Miami and its region and always continue to strengthen bonds with 40 local businesses and producers.
    • Vegetarian dishes enter the stadiums – a genuine new feature at sporting events. The Impossible TM Burger (created by Impossible Foods used vegetable-soya protein) will be offered for the first time at the Super Bowl.
  • Very high-end experiences

During the 2020 Super Bowl, all suites at Miami Hard Rock Stadium have the option to purchase premium in-suite catering. Guests can choose from packages (food and beverage) or order a la carte. Every suite will be serviced by a dedicated attendant throughout the game.

  • Tailored hospitality offerings

As an example, at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Sodexo through its subsidiary STH (Sports Travel and Hospitality Japan kk) will be offering the choice of five bespoke hospitality packages, with first class meal experiences and top category seats. The hospitality options range from an informal environment through to first class fine dining with personal service. Comprehensive hospitality will be provided at 15 VIP areas for corporate guests, individuals, sports federations and sponsors. Experience of the Japanese marketplace was developed at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, working in partnership with JTB, Asia and Japan’s, leading travel company.

Of the 15 hospitality venues, six will be specially constructed temporary facilities, such as the prestigious Platinum Pavilion located near the Olympic stadium.

An imperative to reduce the environmental impact of sport events

  • Reducing single-use plastic
  • Sodexo made commitments to phase out single-use plastics at least by 2025, with a focus on prioritizing the highest volume items from its operations in 15 countries, representing close to 70% of the Group revenues.
  • At the Hard Rock Stadium, the aim is to eliminate the 2.8 million pieces of plastic, including 600,000 bottles, used each year. A first step will be taken in a few days, for the Super Bowl, as for the first time, aluminium cups will replace 500,000 plastic ones traditionally used in particular for serving beer.
  • Sodexo has already eliminated significant portion of plastic during the Tour de France for the 1,000 daily guests catering.

 

  • Fighting food waste
  • Sodexo is committed to reduce food waste from its operation by 50% by 2025. We started the global implementation of WasteWatch, the largest data-driven waste reduction program in the food services industry globally.
    • During sports events, numerous actions have been implemented such as encouraging the composting of foodstuffs and converting waste oils into biofuels, surplus food donations to local Food Rescue missions during the Super Bowl in the USA and to Restos du Coeur in France, during the French Open tennis tournament.
  • Supporting local and small business
    • By 2025, 10 billion euros of Sodexo business value will be benefiting SME’s.
    • And it is in this spirit that, when crafting the catering offer for the Super Bowl, Sodexo chose more than 40 local artisans, purveyors, and restaurants from the south of Florida to have their products featured at Hard Rock Stadium.

Deploying digital to further enhance the experience 

  • Digital makes spectators’ lives easier and helps them focus on the live event: for example, tablets to choose their meals in suites, more flexible options and means of payment via smartphone, on-line ordering applications and including on-site orders by scanning a QR code at one’s seat and the Clear program to check age requirements for alcohol consumption, as well as robots that can make and serve pizzas, ice creams and cocktails.
  • Large-scale Data analysis now allow us to better tailor our offerings along with those of our clients by always improving knowledge of the consumer to improve experience.

Sodexo and major sporting events in 2020

  • The Super Bowl (US)
  • Rolex Masters (Monte Carlo)
  • Roland Garros (French Tennis Open)
  • UEFA EURO (in the UK and in Spain)
  • Tour de France (French bicycle race)
  • Tokyo Olympic Games (Japan)

Minor League Baseball Releases Letter Sent To MLB As Dispute Rolls On

Minor League Baseball has released a letter that was sent to Major League Baseball as the dispute between the two organisations continues.

The Statement begins: “Dear Commissioner Manfred,

There has been much public discussion regarding the ongoing negotiations between Major League Baseball (“MLB”) and Minor League Baseball (“MiLB”) with respect to a new Professional Baseball Agreement (“PBA”) that will set the terms for the continuation of affiliated minor league baseball in communities across the country. The MiLB Negotiating Committee is singularly focused on working with MLB to reach an agreement that will best ensure that baseball remains the National Pastime in communities large and small throughout our country. However, it recently has become apparent that the best way to advance negotiations is for us to set forth with clarity in a letter to you the position of MiLB on the key issues that we must resolve in these negotiations.”

The statement then centred on five main points of concern – Full Season Minor League Baseball, Short Season Minor League Baseball, the Appalachian League, the Dream League and finally Minor League Economics and the Question of Subsidies.

Major League Baseball later responded by releasing a letter of their own that was sent in reply to MiLB.

MLB selected key points from MiLB’s and described a number of them as false, stating of one fact “This may be the most transparently false statement in a letter full of such statements.”

These letters are the latest part of an increasingly sour conflict, with no immediate conclusion in sight.

However, MLB ended their statement by stating: “We have a meeting scheduled next month with your negotiating committee to continue the discussions and hopefully establish a more constructive atmosphere to resolve these very complicated issues in (a) manner that not only preserves baseball for the long-term in the places that currently have teams, but also provides future MLB players with the facilities and working conditions that our Clubs believe they deserve.”