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.”

Coronavirus Causes Postponement Of Chinese Super League Postponed And World Athletics Indoor Championships

The Chinese Super League has opted to delay the start of the league season due to the outbreak of coronavirus across the country.

China’s Football Association has said the reasoning behind delaying the start of the season is for “Prevention and control of the pneumonia epidemic of the new coronavirus infection, and to protect the health of the majority of fans, media, players, coaches, game officials, clubs and district staff”.

In addition, World Athletics have been forced to postpone the planned World Athletics Indoor Championships which had been planned for March in Nanjing, China.

In a statement released, World Athletics state:

“It is with regret that we have agreed with the organisers of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing (13-15 March 2020) to postpone the event to March 2021.

We know that China is doing all it can to contain the new Coronavirus and we support them in all their efforts but it is necessary to provide our athletes, Member Federations and partners with a clear way forward in what is a complex and fast-moving set of circumstances.

The advice from our medical team, who are in contact with the World Health Organisation, is that the spread of the Coronavirus both within China and outside the country is still at a concerning level and no one should be going ahead with any major gathering that can be postponed.

We have considered the possibility of relocating the event to another country and would like to thank the cities that have volunteered to host the championships. However, given concerns still exist regarding the spread of the virus outside China, we have decided not to go with this option, as it may lead to further postponement at a later date.

The indoor season for athletics falls within a narrow calendar window (up to the end of March) and we believe we will be able to find a suitable date in 2021 to host this event. We would like Nanjing to be the host given the extensive planning and preparation they have put into this event.

We have chosen not to cancel the championships as many of our athletes would like this event to take place so we will now work with our athletes, our partners and the Nanjing organising committee to secure a date in 2021 to stage this event.”

Indianapolis Colts Make Allegiant Their Official Airline Partner

Allegiant and the Indianapolis Colts have entered a partnership that will make Allegiant the “Official Airline of the Indianapolis Colts,” the airline and the team announced today.

Allegiant has been a proud airline sponsor of the Colts since 2015, but this new, multi-year agreement unites one of Indianapolis’ newest corporate leaders with the Colts, giving both organizations the chance to enhance the fan experience, whether at a game in the stands, watching from home or flying Allegiant to an away game.

“Sports travel is the ultimate leisure travel. At Allegiant, we’re always looking for ways to connect fans to the cities where they can see their favorite teams play,” said Scott DeAngelo, Allegiant’s chief marketing officer. “Being the official airline of the Colts allows us to give fans a next-level experience through special promotions, player appearances, fan activations and more.”

As part of the agreement, the upper terrace level of Lucas Oil Stadium will be named “Allegiant Terrace Level,” enhancing the value of upper concourse tickets with entertaining gameday activities, contests and more. Allegiant also will give Indiana residents the chance to compete to be permanently featured on one of 133 banners on the terrace level, immortalizing their Colts fandom for the world to see.

“The Colts look forward to our continued partnership with Allegiant, all with an eye toward enhancing the experience for fans, partners and other stakeholders,” said Roger VanDerSnick, Colts chief sales & marketing officer.  “Whether at the stadium on gameday or when traveling with Allegiant, Colts fans can expect more access to exciting activities, amenities and offers from both our companies, which will allow us to better engage with our fans and customers year-round.”

Allegiant already connects Indianapolis to Las Vegas through a twice-weekly nonstop route. But now, that route will play a role in bringing Colts fans to Las Vegas when their team takes on the renamed Las Vegas Raiders at their new home, Allegiant Stadium.  Also, as part of the agreement, football fans can expect Allegiant-branded activations at Touchdown Town, Colts promotions and activation at the Indianapolis International Airport and other in-stadium promotions like the Allegiant “Non-Stop Football Toss” with Colts team mascot “Blue.”

Allegiant identified Indianapolis as a key market for its growing cross-country service and began operating five routes out of Indianapolis in February 2015. It is one of the airline’s 20 permanent bases, which currently offers nonstop service to 15 cities. Allegiant has invested $40 million into the Indianapolis base of operations, permanently stationing 80 employees and three aircraft there. Allegiant serves four airports in Indiana—Indianapolis, South Bend, Fort Wayne and Evansville—flying thousands of Hoosiers on nonstop routes to 36 cities around the country.

“Our employees live, work and raise their families in Indianapolis, so we truly strive to be Indy’s hometown airline,” added Allegiant’s DeAngelo. “Entering into this partnership with the Colts demonstrates that we are invested in the city in every possible way, and we’re constantly looking for new ways to further embed ourselves into the fabric of the community.”