iSportconnect Reveals Full Events Calendar For 2020

iSportconnect is extremely happy to be able to reveal our complete events calendar for 2020.

With 14 events planned it is set to be a fantastic year for iSportconnect and we cannot wait to welcome as many of you as possible to our events all around the world.

To begin 2020 we will be holding two events in February, our Hospitality Masterclass in Leeds on Wednesday the 5th of February and an Esports Masterclass on Thursday the 20th.

To follow this we will be hosting our Broadcast Masterclass in London on the 19th of March, before heading to Turkey for our Istanbul Summit.

Alongside Istanbul, we will also be holding the iSportconnect Ticketing and CRM Masterclass in May.

In June we will then host our Brands Masterclass in London, before heading out for the Helsinki Summit to finish the first half of the year.

To begin July we will then be back to London for the Host Cities Masterclass.

It will be a packed September as we host three events, our Regatta in Portsmouth, the Digital Media Masterclass in London and then back to Lausanne for our yearly summit in Switzerland.

October is set to be free before we return for two events in November, the Stadia Masterclass in Madrid and our Leadership Masterclass in London.

We will then finish our year off once again with the Dubai Summit in December.

Horse & Country and EQ Sports Net Join Forces to Raise the Bar on Equestrian Sports Streaming

Horse & Country TV (H&C), the leading international equestrian sports network, is pleased to announce its acquisition of the dominant US equestrian streaming provider, EQ Sports Net (EQSN). 

Fans of equestrian sports in the US and Canada will now have unprecedented access to top competition livestreams from home and abroad, as well as exclusive training and educational shows, entertainment and documentary series. Of 20 million regular riders worldwide, 5.6 million are in the US and Canada, where the equestrian sector (excluding racing), contributes $50 billion a year to US GDP.1 

Dedicated to producing the highest quality multi-camera sports programming, EQSN provides more than 100 days of live and on-demand coverage of some of the top competitions in North America, including the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the Great Meadow International Three-Day Event, and the National Collegiate Equestrian Association Championships. 

In addition to live sports programming, EQSN subscribers will now also have access to H&C’s extensive library of more than 1,200 hours of quality equestrian content, and live streams from around the world. H&C currently brings viewers live coverage of events including the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping, the Longines Lumühlen Horse Trials, and the London International Horse Show from Olympia. 

H&C is available on more than 30 platforms worldwide, including web and mobile, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire, Amazon Prime Video in the UK and Germany, and a variety of pay-TV broadcast platforms in Europe. 

Heather Killen, CEO of H&C, said: “Teaming up with EQ Sportsnet represents an opportunity for H&C to deepen its commitment to the North American market, in conjunction with the best production outfit in the sport today. We believe that combining EQSN’s live sports coverage with H&C’s multi-platform digital OTT services and deep content resources will offer fans of the sport an experience unmatched by any other provider.” 

EQSN CEO and Co-founder, David Qualls, said of the merger: “Now our subscribers will be able to enjoy a 24/7 linear network in addition to top quality equestrian and lifestyle programming between live events. H&C’s international reach benefits our event organizer partners too, bringing their shows to new audiences in Europe and around the world. We look forward to working as part of the H&C team to expand our roster of shows and other specialty content.” 

iSportconnect Confirmed As Principal Media Partner For SportAccord’s Beijing 2020 Summit

SportAccord has unveiled five Principal Media Partners for its World Sport & Business Summit 2020 in Beijing, ensuring quality coverage of sport’s No.1 annual global gathering.

iSportconnect is elated to once again be a principal media partner of SportAccord for the upcoming World Sport & Business Summit 2020 in Beijing, and we look forward to helping SportAccord as they produce another fantastic event.

The news organisations will provide media and marketing support for SportAccord 2020, including in-depth reporting from the event, which will take place from 19-24 April at the China National Convention Center. Aside from providing breaking news, bulletins and feature coverage, the Principal Media Partners will also be able to conduct interviews via video and podcast formats, with high-profile attendees set to provide significant interest. 

The news organisations have been granted key rights, including recognition in marketing material and sponsored signage in high-visibility areas, as well as publication distribution on dedicated stands. They will also have the opportunity to host workshops and will play a key role at the heart of the bustling SportAccord 2020 Media Zone, which is set to attract hundreds of media representatives from China and worldwide.

SportAccord state: iSportConnect is considered to be the world’s largest private sports business network. iSportconnect moved up a tier to become a Principal Media Partner at SportAccord 2019 in Gold Coast.

John Hewitt, Event Operations Manager, Communications, SportAccord said: “The high-level meetings at SportAccord 2020, as well as the Summit, CityAccord, HealthAccord, LawAccord, MediaAccord conference programmes that will attract key decision-makers in the business of sport. Delegates will be also be introduced to the inaugural InvestAccord conference programme which will focus on connecting tech start-ups with investors in sport. 

“We are delighted to have lined up an established selection of Principal Media Partners, all of whom have been involved in SportAccord for several years. Their coverage – before, during and after the event – will provide a vital platform for the key messages, insights and news developments in relation to the highly anticipated SportAccord 2020 in Beijing.”

The annual World Sport & Business Summit is a six-day event attended by leaders of the global sports community. It is the only global sports business event attended by all the international sport federations and their stakeholders, who host their Annual General Assemblies during SportAccord.

In October, CNN was unveiled as the Top Media Partner for SportAccord 2020, as well as the inaugural Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019, that took place from 10-12 December at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

SportAccord has teamed up with iSportconnect, SportBusiness, Sportcal, SportsPro and Yutang Sports due to their exceptional coverage, reach and expertise within the global sports industry. 

Registration is open for the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2020 in Beijing, the 18th annual SportAccord event. Organisations can become an official partner or exhibitor and discuss these investment opportunities with sales@sportaccord.sport.

Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord using #SA2020, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook. For media enquiries, email media@sportaccord.sport.

FIBA Enters Strategic Partnership With GCBH LP for Basketball Champions League

FIBA, the world governing body of basketball, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with GCBH LP, a US entity backed by a group of experienced sports and media investors, to take Basketball Champions League to its next level and reshape the landscape of club competitions in Europe and beyond.

Under the terms of the strategic partnership agreement, FIBA and GCBH have formed a new entity majority owned and controlled by FIBA, called FIBA ClubCo, to jointly hold their shareholding in BCL. Together, GCBH and FIBA will partner with 11 European National Basketball Leagues and the Union of European Leagues of Basketball (ULEB) to provide equity funding and targeted know-how to BCL to further improve, develop and commercialize the competition for the benefit of fans, players and clubs. Additionally, FIBA ClubCo will also hold and develop the newly revamped Intercontinental Cup and possibly other international club competitions in the future.

GCBH brings important financial capital and resources as well as expertise in the fields of media, broadcasting, digital rights, sports commercialization, sponsorship and growth investing. GCBH is led by principals Brian Bailey, a 25-year private equity industry veteran who has held senior positions at the Carlyle Group, Carmichael Partners, Carousel Capital and Forstmann Little & Co, and Kevin Tsujihara, a long-time, dynamic media executive who spent nearly 25 years at Warner Bros. Entertainment, including six years as CEO, with a lifetime passion and business interests in the sport of basketball. They are supported by a select group of investors and operating partners holding senior industry positions

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said, “It is an important day for FIBA and our national federations, leagues and clubs. FIBA confirms its commitment to offer a platform of growth to clubs around Europe and beyond. A group of prominent investors with media expertise will significantly assist us in achieving the strategic objective approved by the FIBA Congress last August, that is to shape international club competitions.”

Brian Bailey, Managing Partner of GCBH, said, “Kevin and I are both incredibly excited about the explosive growth opportunities in basketball, the world’s fastest-growing and second-largest sport, with nearly 1.5 billion fans worldwide, and we are very enthusiastic about FIBA’s vision for international club basketball competitions. We also share FIBA’s values of meritocracy and inclusiveness in sports and we are fully supportive of FIBA’s important role in developing and promoting the sport that we love.”

Kevin Tsujihara, Managing Partner of GCBH, said, “The FIBA ClubCo partnership aims to set the financial and strategic foundations for international club basketball to reach its full potential. GCBH is excited to leverage its resources and its collective experience in media, sports and investing to support Patrick Comninos and his team in establishing BCL as the pre-eminent club competition in Europe.”

BCL CEO Patrick Comninos said, “This new partnership and initial investment signifies an important step in the continuous growth of the BCL and its mission to offer a competitive environment of the highest level. We are very pleased that experienced industry leaders such as Brian and Kevin share our vision regarding the potential for growth that club basketball has in Europe.”

Dove Men+Care And Guiness Six Nations Agree Multi-Year Partnership

Dove Men+Care has announced a multi-year partnership with the Guinness Six Nations, building on the brand’s global rugby portfolio including partnerships with the English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Italian rugby unions.

Dove will be working with the Guinness Six Nations to champion the values of the game of rugby, centred around care, honour and respect, shown by players, officials and fans throughout the Championship.

Carlos-Javier Gil, Global Vice President of Dove Men+Care, said: “Rugby shares many of Dove Men+Care’s brand values – care, honour and respect – and we’re incredibly excited to continue our commitment to rugby by partnering with the Guinness Six Nations. We recognise rugby as a platform to positively impact lives through championing an inclusive vision of care and challenging male stereotypes.”

Rupert Hunter, Six Nations’ Chief Commercial Advisor said: “We are delighted to welcome Dove Men+Care to the Guinness Six Nations partner family. The brand already has a strong association with rugby, but we look forward to expanding their reach further through the scale of our television and digital audience around the world and working together to develop a range of compelling fan-focused initiatives.”

This announcement follows a busy 2019 for Dove Men+Care with the brand launching its emotive film series titled, ‘Care For Every Position You Play’, giving a unique insight into how the world’s best players balance pursuing excellence on the pitch with caring for their families at home.

Nongfu Spring Becomes LaLiga’s Official Drinking Water Supplier In China, LaLiga Join Up With Stonegate

LaLiga and Chinese drinks brand Nongfu Spring have reached an agreement for the company to become the official supplier of drinking water for the Spanish competition in China for the current season.

LaLiga is now connected to one of the market leaders in the Asian country, further strengthening its bid to expand through agreements and collaborations with reputable local companies.

“This agreement with Nongfu Spring allows us to take another step forward in our relationship with brands and the Chinese public. Linking LaLiga with products consumed by millions is certainly fantastic news for our company and our clubs,” said Sergi Torrents, LaLiga’s country manager for China.

“The agreement will definitely expand our brand presence and influence among sports fans. Football is young and passionate, hence we believe the alliance will bring Nongfu Spring closer to younger customers. We want to bring our passion and enthusiasm to fans and build an intimate relationship with them,” a principal of Nongfu Spring stated.

Besides Nongfu Spring mineral water, which is its main product, the Hangzhou company also markets other brands, such as Farmer’s Orchard, Victory, Oriental Leaf and Whisked Milk Tea, which have reached every region of China.

LaLiga have also confirmed that LaLiga TV will be shown in Stonegate Pubs across the UK following a new agreement signed with the company.

Alexandra Armas Appointed Permanent Ladies European Tour CEO

Alexandra Armas has been confirmed as the permanent CEO of the Ladies European Tour (LET), reporting directly to the LPGA-LET Joint Venture Board of Directors, chaired by LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan.

Armas took on the role of Acting CEO in early October 2019, working closely alongside the Board to complete the 2019 season and build the 2020 schedule, which will be announced on Friday. She previously held the position of LET Executive Director from August 2008 to December 2012.

LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan said: “Every great team needs a great leader and we are lucky to have Alexandra, who has the experience, passion and relationships necessary to quickly rebuild the LET schedule and brand.

“From working with Alexandra during her previous stint at the LET and since she re-joined the team in October, I am incredibly impressed with her ability to deal with our various stakeholders and partners with grace and skill. As Acting CEO of the new LET, she has already proven herself and our Board believes that she is the right person to manage our business long-term and drive strong growth in the years ahead as the permanent leader of this Joint Venture.”

Commenting on her appointment, Armas said: “I am incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to lead the Ladies European Tour at what is a real turning point for women’s golf and professional sport. The vision for the LPGA-LET partnership is a completely new project and I believe strongly that we are heading in the right direction to take the LET to greater heights. I look forward to working on the evolution of the business to grow the opportunities for LET members.”

Armas has worked in the golf industry for 20 years. After playing on a golf scholarship at Wake Forest University and earning a master’s degree in Business, she played on the Ladies European Tour for four years. She achieved fantastic results in her previous Executive Director role and while she has since built her own sports marketing business, Armas is now ready for the next challenge and building on the growth strategy for the long term and sustainable success of the LET.

Global Sports Week Adds Rock ’n’ Roll To Inaugural Line-Up

Global Sports Week has announced its latest trio of headline speakers: Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Committee; Sally Bolton, incoming CEO of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (Wimbledon); and Rolling Stones musician Matt Clifford.

The trio reflect the diversity of the newly-released event programme, www.globalsportsweek.com, which explores the future of sport at the intersection of business, society and culture.

Estanguet, triple Olympic Champion in Canoe Slalom and member of the International Olympic Committee, will feature in a star-studded opening session on Thursday 6th February at the Carrousel du Louvre, before participating in an announcement related to the Games.

Bolton, in her first major public appearance since becoming the first female appointed to the Wimbledon CEO position, will also use the Global Sports Week stage to make an announcement on behalf of the club, alongside discussing the challenge of staging events in a purpose-led world.

Clifford, a longtime touring Rolling Stones member and favourite collaborator of Mick Jagger, will address the relationship between music and sport from his perspective as a composer for properties including the UEFA Champions League. 

Single day passes – priced from 395 Euros – are now available for Global Sports Week, which will take place between February 5th and 7th at the Carrousel du Louvre.

This final ticket release represents a last chance to join 1,000 leaders of the world sports economy when they meet at the iconic Carrousel du Louvre for an event designed to shake, shape and share the future of sport.

The two-day Global Sports Week Paris forum, organised under the patronage of UNESCO and the high patronage of M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, will be complemented by a week-long off-festival of sports business events throughout the city.

Day one and two-day passes include entry to a special Global Sports Week Paris Celebration Party, featuring a variety of international star guests and demonstrations. All passes include access to a complementary programme of talks and activations in the main event Village.

For more information: www.globalsportsweek.com

Over 80 Start-ups Apply To Take Part In Euroleague’s Fan XP Innovation Challenge

More than 80 startups headquartered in 17 different countries from five continents have applied to become one of the 10 finalists at the Euroleague Basketball 2020 Fan XP Innovation Challenge that will take place next month in Barcelona. Each of the startups was tasked with finding solutions to offer the best fan experience possible in one of three fields: broadcast-related fan engagement; in-arena fan engagement and/or smart arena solutions; and fan engagement through digital platforms.

From the startups that have applied, 10 finalists will be chosen from a jury to exhibit their projects at 4YFN, the startup exhibition of the Mobile World Congress with more than 25,000 attendees. They will also be able to present their pitches in a public session at the 4YFN conference, where a jury formed by top sports, tech, innovation, and investment specialists will select the winning startups.

4YFN is the world’s most influential startup business platform enabling startups, investors and corporations to create, discover and launch new ventures together. Held alongside MWC, 4YFN is the forum for entrepreneurship.

The finalists will receive mentoring sessions with Euroleague Basketball executives to get first-hand insights from the elite sports sector, private networking opportunities to connect with sports/basketball professionals and jury members, and a chance to test the product at the EuroLeague Final Four in Cologne 2020.

Members of the jury include Dr. Stina Lundgren Högbom, the research and outreach manager at the SSE Center for Sports and Business in Stockholm; Sree Varma, founder, and CEO of iSportconnect, the largest global private network of sports business executives, and iSportconnect Capital, a new investor network providing investment opportunities for its members within the sport and leisure sector; Luis Vicente, sports transformation evangelist, working in senior executive roles or providing C-level consultancy services to some of the world’s greatest brands in multiple sports; Dídac Lee, Co-Founder to Galdana Ventures, a fund of funds that invests in a selection of the best Venture Capital Managers globally, and member of the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona and the club’s Head of Digital Area; and Susanne Timosci, a senior executive at Deutsche Fussball Liga who specializes in identifying, evaluating and enabling innovation opportunities through partnerships, JV’s and M&A within the leagues’ investment program “DFL4Equity”.

The startups that applied were required to meet certain requirements: 1) possess a product or service that provides an innovative proposal to upgrade the fan experience in sports and generates new or expanded revenue opportunities for sports organizations, 2) possess a product or service with significant potential for growth and a unique value proposition for potential investors, 3) have been operating for at least two years and have at least two full-time workers, 4) possess at least one Minimum Viable Product, at least in private beta phase, and 5) have paying clients and/or users.

Tennis Australia Announces Multi-Year Extension With Sportradar

The world’s leading sports data services provider, Sportradar, today announced a wide-ranging multi-year partnership extension with Tennis Australia, leveraging its audiovisual (AV) and data content, encoding technology and Integrity Services to protect matches and expand their presence across global audiences.

As part of the deal, Sportradar will continue to deliver their AV, data and Integrity Services for the Australian Open, the Grand Slam of the Asia Pacific, including the Main Draw, Qualifiers and Wild Card play-offs in Melbourne and Zhuhai, China, as well as the ATP 250 Adelaide.

On-site in Melbourne covering Australia’s summer of tennis since 2016/17, Sportradar will once again be responsible for helping to showcase one of the most prestigious international sporting events for fans across the world. Sportradar will deliver the matches via its AV encoding services, providing high-definition streams for the Australian Open’s official website, app and social media channels, and broadcast partners in multiple territories, including Australia, New Zealand, India and the Sub-continent, and the Americas.

The extension comes after a competitive tender process last year and now includes the provision of Sportradar’s Server Slide Ad Insertion (SSAI), a dynamic automated IP-based advertising insertion tool allowing Tennis Australia and its broadcasters to commercialise their streams efficiently.

Sportradar will utilise its unique combination of technology and expertise to administer and analyse data from the games to provide entertaining content and statistics for its clients to increase engagement. At the same time, it will deploy its award-winning Integrity Fraud Detection Services (FDS) to protect all matches from betting-related integrity threats.

Sportradar’s Managing Director Sports Partnerships, David Lampitt said: “The Australian Open is a hugely popular event across the world. Tennis Australia has a truly innovative and progressive approach to nurturing and advancing the interests of the game.

“Our combination of cutting-edge technology together with our expertise across data, AV and Integrity Services will continue to support those aims. Our own mission in partnering with rights holders like Tennis Australia is clear – we have an ongoing and long-term commitment to safeguarding tennis, whilst delivering investment into premium content enabling the continued growth of the game across the world.”