ITTF Announce Hana Bank As Title Sponsor Of 2020 World Team Table Tennis Championships

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has revealed that Hana Bank will be title sponsor of the 2020 World Team Table Tennis Championships, which will be staged between 22 – 29 March in Busan, Korea Republic.

Hana Bank is one of the business networks under the parent company of the Hana Financial Group, headquartered in Seoul and established in 1967.

The Hana Bank 2020 World Team Table Tennis Championships is the most significant international table tennis event of the entire year, in which the world’s best players will be representing their national men’s and women’s teams in a bid to win the sport’s most coveted titles.

Held since 1926, the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships represent the greatest annual event in the sport, not merely in terms of historical significance, but boasting the highest global interest among players, fans, media and partners, which now include Hana Bank.

“We are thrilled to have Hana Bank coming in as title sponsor of the 2020 World Team Table Tennis Championships and proud to be partnering with one of the top financial institutions in Korea Republic. We look forward to working with Hana Bank to innovatively activate their brand not just in Korea Republic but globally through not just on court signage but also the ITTF’s 3.5 million social media fans and creative on-site fan engagement. We are sure we can take Hana Bank’s brand global through our biggest asset, the World Table Tennis Championships.” – Matt Pound, ITTF Marketing Director

“Hana Bank is delighted to be partnering with the ITTF for the 2020 World Team Table Tennis Championships, the sport’s most prestigious event. Hana Bank shares many core values with the ITTF and so we look forward to growing together and putting on a show for table tennis fans around the world.” – Lee Ho-Sung, Deputy President & Group Head Youngnam Business Group at Hana Bank

“The Hana Bank 2020 World Team Table Tennis Championships will be the first edition held in Korea Republic, so this is a very proud moment for all table tennis players, officials and fans in the country. With the support of Hana Bank, we are fully committed to making this a spectacular and unforgettable occasion in Korean sporting history.” – Ryu Seung-min, President of the Korea Table Tennis Association (KTTA), ITTF Executive Vice President and IOC Member

Together the ITTF and Hana Bank will be aiming to achieve record-breaking media figures at the 2020 World Team Table Tennis Championships, after last year’s event saw TV viewers from over 145 countries make up a cumulative audience of 265 million people and cumulative reach of 665 million, while social media impressions approached one billion five hundred million across the ITTF’s English, Chinese and Japanese language platforms.

2020 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix Postponed Due To Coronavirus Outbreak

Formula 1’s Chinese Grand Prix has become the latest sporting event to be postponed in China following the continued outbreak of the coronavirus.

The Chinese GP follows events such as the World Athletics Indoor Championships and the Chinese Super League as other sporting competitions to suffer a similar fate due to the virus continuing to spread.

In a statement released by Formula 1, they say:

“The Chinese Grand Prix Promoter, Juss Sports Group, officially requested the postponement after ongoing discussions with the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of People’s Republic of China (CAMF) and Shanghai Administration of Sports.

Amid continued health concerns and with the World Health Organisation declaring the coronavirus as a global health emergency, Formula 1, together with governing body the FIA, jointly decided to accept the postponement request in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans.

Formula 1 and the FIA will continue to work closely with the teams, race promoter, CAMF and the local authorities to monitor the situation as it develops, with all parties studying the viability of potential alternative dates for the Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.

“The Chinese Grand Prix has always been a very important part of the F1 calendar and the fans are always incredible,” Formula 1 said in a statement. “We all look forward to racing in China as soon as possible and wish everyone in the country the best during this difficult time.””

LEC Partner With Pringles For 2020

LEC have partnered with Pringles once again, with the snack brand becoming the Official Savoury Snacks Partner in 2020.

As well as providing must-have snacks at the LEC Studios, Pringles will once again be running an exclusive promotion through can codes, from today until May 5th, 2020. There are more opportunities to win than ever as you will only be competing against the fans who entered a code that exact day. By entering the code from the bottom of any Pringles Can at LEC.Pringles.com, snack-happy fans across Europe can win prizes every day, including:

  • Hextech Skins (Hextech Renekton, Hextech Jarvan IV, Hextech Malzahar, Hextech Kog’Maw, Hextech Alistar)
  • EUR 50 Riot Point Vouchers
  • Hextech Chest & Keys

Additionally, the partnership with Pringles will offer 10 lucky winners an exclusive money-can’t-buy experience at the LEC Studios in Berlin featuring:

  • A Behind the Scenes Tour of the Studio
  • Tickets to the show
  • Meet & Greet with Casters
  • Playtest on stage

LaLiga Increases Global Presence With Opening Of London Office

As a part of its ongoing international growth strategy, LaLiga has strengthened its presence in London, capital of the global sports industry, with the opening of its first office in the United Kingdom. 

Forming an official base in this key global market will support the league’s goal of promoting LaLiga around the world, while enhancing relationships with stakeholders and engaging with fans of LaLiga and its member clubs. 

LaLiga will continue to contribute to the growth of LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank clubs in the UK by offering them a strategic location in the heart of London’s King’s Cross, one of the British capital’s primary hubs for business, technology and transport. LaLiga is thus well placed to continue building local relationships that will further enhance its growth.

Oscar Mayo, Head of Revenue, Marketing and International Development of LaLiga said: “This strategy sees LaLiga contribute to the growth of LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank clubs in key markets by offering business opportunities with support provided by our experts in each region.”

The league recently increased its visibility to UK and Irish consumers through the launch of LaLigaTV, the linear channel offering 24/7 coverage of LaLiga on both SKY and Virgin TV platforms. Made possible via its broadcast relationship with Premier Sports, this makes all LaLiga Santander matches, plus an array of content, including analysis, documentaries, interviews and LaLiga SmartBank highlights, available to millions of households and commercial premises across the UK and Ireland. 

Speaking about this addition to its global office footprint, LaLiga President Javier Tebas commented: “The UK is one of the most important strategic markets for both LaLiga and its clubs. From a business perspective, London is home to the world’s leading media outlets, broadcasters and sponsors. We look forward to building on the already strong reputation that Spanish football has in the country where the game was born.” 

HUGO BOSS Extends Partnership With Formula E

Formula E has today announced that HUGO BOSS has extended its partnership as official apparel partner for a further three seasons, until at least the end of the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

As official apparel partner since joining the electric racing series at the start of season four, HUGO BOSS will continue to dress Formula E staff, senior management and volunteers, as well as putting their name to the BOSS | EMOTION CLUB at every E-Prix.

Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E, said: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with HUGO BOSS. HUGO BOSS was the first lifestyle brand to join Formula E in season four and extending our partnership reaffirms our shared commitment to create a more sustainable future. HUGO BOSS is more than our official apparel partner, they reinforce our position as a global lifestyle movement. With their driver ambassadors on the grid and their name on our premium hospitality experience at every E- Prix, HUGO BOSS is truly a part of the Formula E family.”

Mark Langer, CEO of HUGO BOSS AG, commented: “We have been involved in the development of Formula E from an early stage, and we are pleased to see how we have successfully grown together. Along with our shared commitments to excellence and innovation, both brands embody a certain lifestyle, an element of the collaboration that we will further strengthen with the BOSS | EMOTION CLUB. The next three seasons will see us continuing and deepening our relationship.”

The BOSS | EMOTION CLUB is home to the most exclusive Formula E hospitality experience. From fine dining to live music and entertainment, celebrity guests and unparalleled views of all the racing action.

HUGO BOSS has been an early supporter of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, choosing to switch racing categories after many years in motorsport, with Formula E closely aligning with the company’s constant drive for innovation, excellence and sustainability.

Sportradar Announces Exclusive Media Partnership With XFL To Provide Fans And Partners Rapid Access To Data And Statistics

Sportradar has revealed a new media partnership with the XFL that will provide fans and partners quick access to data, statistics and league information. The inaugural XFL season kicks off on February 8 and concludes with the championship game on April 26.

As an official sports data partner of the XFL, Sportradar offers a play-by-play data feed specifically designed for media usage, including websites, apps and digital platforms like fantasy sports. This ensures that anyone following XFL games and engaging with league content has access to the most up-to-date data and statistics.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the XFL in its inaugural season as an official sports data partner,” said Steve Byrd, Head of Global Strategic Partnerships at Sportradar. “There is a big appetite amongst the media industry for the XFL’s official data. We’re looking forward to delivering this coveted content to our media partners and, ultimately, the fans.”

“Sportradar is a leader in the distribution of sports data and content and adding their expertise to our world will allow us to broaden our reach,” said Jeffrey Pollack, President and COO of the XFL. “Through this partnership our fans will have even more access and opportunities to engage with our games, teams and players.”

The deal adds to Sportradar’s official data partnerships with US leagues, including the NBA, the NFL, the NHL, MLB and NASCAR.

EFL Extends Thai Airways Partnership

The EFL and Thai Airways International (THAI) have today announced an extension to their partnership, which will see the airline have rights across all of the EFL’s five Finals for the third consecutive season.

As part of the renewed agreement, THAI will continue to have digital and in-stadia presence across the EFL’s Finals at Wembley Stadium; Carabao Cup, Leasing.com Trophy, Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two Play-Off Finals.

Last season’s matches were broadcast to over 150 territories to hundreds of millions of people worldwide, including key international markets for THAI, providing the airline an opportunity to engage with their global customer base and showcase the EFL’s flagship competition to an international audience.

THAI will use their access to VIP tickets and digital platforms to raise awareness of this milestone in their history with fans worldwide.

The extension of the partnership is a product of the EFL’s continued work with brands internationally to help showcase EFL competitions and sponsors on a global stage.

EFL Chief Commercial Officer, Ben Wright, said: “The EFL are pleased to further extend our partnership with THAI ahead of this year’s Wembley Finals.

“The international market is hugely important to the EFL to raise the profile of the League, our Clubs and our competitions and over the past two seasons, the partnership with THAI has allowed us to further increase the EFL’s presence worldwide, while providing the airline with a unique opportunity to engage with our audiences both in the UK and abroad.

“We look forward to working with THAI this season, starting with the Carabao Cup Final taking place next month.

President of Thai Airways International, Sumeth Damrongchaitham, said: “We are pleased that THAI will continue to be an Official Supporter of the EFL, this partnership is a great opportunity to connect with football fans from all corners of the world.

“The most popular sport which significantly attracts travellers is football. We see a large amount of bookings annually which coincide with major football competitions. We very much look forward to strengthening our ties with England through this partnership.

William Hill And CBS Sports Sign Official Partnership

CBS Sports and William Hill have joined in a strategic partnership that makes William Hill the Official Sports Book and Wagering Data Provider across all CBS Sports platforms.

The deal will reimagine fan engagement through a unique integration of sports betting, media, product and technology. The partnership will tip off with initial integrations in March on CBS Sports digital platforms, with a full rollout planned for the fantasy football season.

The partnership extends CBS Sports’ digital leadership in the sports betting space, and allows for the creation of even more relevant content across its wide array of platforms. CBS Sports will utilize William Hill’s odds, experts and more than 140 sports books to bolster its current digital offerings, delivering deeper information and programming produced from William Hill sportsbooks across the country, and further engaging sports bettors and fans. In addition, the partnership includes opportunities to feature William Hill data, odds and markets across CBS television programming.

William Hill will receive exclusive rights to promote its brand across CBS Sports’ broad range of digital platforms, including through CBS Sports Fantasy, one of the largest fantasy platforms in the world, resulting in highly efficient customer acquisition for the sports betting company.

Jeffrey Gerttula, Executive Vice President and General Manager, CBS Sports Digital, said: “We’re thrilled to launch this momentous partnership, which will allow us to deepen our investment and further extend our leadership in delivering multiplatform sports wagering content, while providing William Hill with unprecedented reach for their market-leading betting platform as they continue to grow their industry-leading U.S. business.

“The power of our distribution, combined with the strength of our brands and the expertise of William Hill, has us well positioned to tap into the explosive growth of the legal sports betting industry in the U.S. Together, we will deliver even more value to this rapidly growing segment of sports fans.”

Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill US, commented: “CBS Sports, similar to William Hill, has a longstanding history of connecting fans directly to the biggest events and most iconic moments in sports.

“We are excited about this partnership, with assets including mass-reach digital content products, one of the largest fantasy sports databases and platforms in the world, and leading sports television programming, which will allow us to expand the William Hill brand across America quickly and efficiently.”

CBS Sports Digital is the second-largest sports property in the U.S. with more than 80 million users per month across its sites and apps as well as tens of millions of followers on social platforms. CBS Sports Digital offerings include SportsLine, the dedicated subscription platform for game picks and predictions that has seen strong subscriber growth in recent years; CBSSports.com; 24/7 streaming network CBS Sports HQ, which features the nightly SportsLine show focused on sports betting and delivered triple-digit viewership growth in 2019; CBS Sports Fantasy; CBS Sports apps; and 247Sports. 

Powered by a heritage that dates back to 1934, William Hill established its U.S. presence in Las Vegas in 2012 and has grown to become America’s leading sports book operator by differentiating itself from the industry as an innovative pioneer in sports betting. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that overturned PASPA in 2018, William Hill has led the United States expansion of sports betting and now has operations in 10 states. The company currently accepts one out of every four sports bets placed in the U.S.

ITU Reaches Deal With Blerter For Events Management Platform

The International Triathlon Union has entered into an ongoing partnership with Blerter with a view to adopting their event-organisation technology for its multisport races around the world. The ITU-specific platform will help streamline processes and the flow of crucial information between management, officials and medical teams during races, allowing for faster incident reaction times and increasing the safety of athletes and public alike.

“ITU is always looking for ways to improve safety at its events and to support our network of officials around the globe”, said ITU Head of Operations Thanos Nikopoulos. “Blerter’s system not only allows us real-time sharing of crucial information between on-site staff but, long-term, it can also serve as an educational tool for everyone who uses it.”

“During successful trials for the past two years at the New Plymouth World Cup, we have seen first-hand the benefits the platform brings to the consistency and efficiency of race organisation and we are looking forward to more of our events adopting it in the future.”

As well as Grand Final, World Series and World Cup-level races, Blerter will also be available to regional events, helping to raise standards and share best practice with ITU’s developing National Federations, central elements of ITU’s long-term strategic goals.

“Working with ITU events over the past couple of years, we have seen how our technology really helps them streamline their delivery and operations. We’re thrilled that this new partnership will enable ITU to ensure triathlons around the world gain access to this powerful technology to help them reduce the complexity and increase the effectiveness of their event delivery,” said CEO & Founder of Blerter Richard Gill.

“ITU and Blerter are natural partners, both passionate about innovating to help improve the lives of event organizers and increase the popularity and quality of triathlons everywhere. Together, we are just getting started, but the possibilities for this partnership to demonstrate leadership across all sports are fascinating.”

First Global Sports Week Paris Concludes With A challenge To World Sports Leaders

The first Global Sports Week Paris concluded Friday with a challenge to leaders of the international sports movement to embrace change in order to protect and increase sport’s impact in the world.

The call to action came from a group of 50 under-25s, selected from 22 nations to serve as spokespeople for the emerging generation across the 15 keynote discussions at the heart of the event.

The ‘Young Sports Makers’ were among more than 2,000 delegates who attended across the two days of Global Sports Week, which sought to explore the future of sport at the intersection of business and society.

More than 250 investors and 130 international media were also present at the summit, organised under the patronage of UNESCO and the high patronage of M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.

The agenda was dominated by issues including access to sport, digital transformation and athlete activism, alongside sport’s role in the climate emergency and driving gender equality.

Speakers from across sport, business, culture and society included F1 Executive Chairman and CEO Chase Carey, International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons, French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu, eight-time Olympic Swimming champion Matt Biondi and Rolling Stones musician Matt Clifford.

Global Sports Week was also the stage for significant announcements from international sports bodies and brands, including:

  • The All England Lawn Tennis Club’s announcement of four new environmental commitments, which include reducing carbon emissions at Wimbledon to ‘net zero’ by 2030;
  • The French Football Federation (FFF’s)’s signature to the French Sports Ministry’s Charter of 15 Eco-Responsibility commitments, which will apply to all FFF events hosted at the Stade de France and the French Federation’s training facilities;
  • Paris 2024’s unprecedented agreement with the Agence Francaise de Developpement to expand funding for sport-led sustainable development projects around the world;
  • Banque Populaire’s new partnership with the French Surfing Federation; and
  • Danone making the Danone Nations Cup the first international tournament to participate in the ‘Common Goal’ campaign, committing to donate 1% of revenues to the charitable movement.

A series of sports tech and social innovation pitch contests also took place at Global Sports Week, including the Tremplin Invest Finals and the 2nd FFF Innovation Awards. The winners, selected from more than 250 international entrants, will benefit from the opportunity to collaborate with the world champion French Football Federation. They were named as:

  • Sceenic (UK) in the Fan Experience category;
  • Physimax (Israel) in the Sport Performance category; and
  • Tiraka (France) in the Social Responsibility category.

Commenting on the success of Global Sports Week, French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu said: “Global Sports Week clearly has its place in the world sports calendar. We’ve been delighted to welcome such a diverse and international range of delegates, and impressed by their willingness to investigate ways for sport to change and to contribute across a wider range of social issues. It’s a great opportunity for Paris to gather these international leaders.”

Global Sports Week President and Co-founder Lucien Boyer said: “We are excited by the success of this first edition, which shows the world of sport has much to gain from listening to the new generation. Our vision was to offer disruptive formats, and voices coming from outside sports. We believe the sports movement is ready for change. This is a journey we look forward to continuing at next year’s Global Sports Week Paris.”