How LaLiga’s OTT Platform Is Building A New Global Following

In the next ten years, more than 50% of audiovisual revenue will arrive through over-the-top (OTT) streaming services. That’s the opinion of Jose Carlos Franco, Managing Director of LaLiga’s business intelligence and analytics department.

With such a dramatic shift in the broadcast landscape, rights holders will have to become experts in this new technology, which is why LaLiga became the first major football competition to develop its own OTT service, LaLigaSportsTV.

But doing so does not just represent a new platform to show live sport. As Franco explained, the world of OTT offers an enormous opportunity for data analysis, helping competitions to understand their fans better and build new followings across the world.

“We ask two questions in our department. Who are our fans and how do they behave?” Franco said. “With our OTT platform, we are perfectly positioned to develop better knowledge of our users and how they consume sport, which can then be used to grow our audience.”

LaLigaSportsTV is a multi-channel platform that was created to provide coverage of less-mainstream Spanish sports, rather than broadcast LaLiga matches. In its first year, the service has streamed 1,145 live events and provided on-demand coverage from 35 different sports across smartphones, tablets, PC and Smart TV environments. In this time, it has accumulated 410,000 registered users.

To Franco, each of these users provides a unique data footprint that can help LaLiga to improve its offering. “We have designed dashboards that show the location of every user, how many times they use the app per week, which sports they follow, how long they watch and which device they use,” he explained, adding that all information is strictly anonymised.

“By sharing this insight with our marketing teams, we can then send notifications or recommendations for a specific match, TV service or event. This has been very effective.”

Read the full story here: https://newsletter.laliga.es/global-futbol/laliga-ott-platform-building-a-new-global-following/rrss

 

The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Resumes Legal Action Against WADA

The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation has resumed legal action against the World Anti-Doping Association, in order to gain WADA signatory status. The case will be heard in Lausanne on the 14th of January.

The IMMAF said in a statement: 

IMMAF is challenging the decision in the ordinary Swiss Courts because IMMAF’s application to WADA for signatory status has been rejected.

IMMAF CEO Densign White, said: “At the end of August 2019 we accepted a request of WADA to postpone our court case (scheduled for 4 September) to allow them more time to review the current procedure for a sport organisation to become a signatory. But now WADA has asked for a further 5 months extension which the IMMAF Board of Directors has unanimously rejected.”

“We regret that we have to take legal action, but it seems to be the only way to force this issue. WADA should be a fully independent body but maintain that they need a green light from GAISF to accept IMMAF as a signatory. We continue to wait for GAISF to consider our application for Observer status. As a WADA code compliant sport, we should also be a WADA signatory. Without this status IMMAF’s sanctions are easily bypassed to the detriment of our athletes, their safety and Clean Sport.” said White.

IMMAF first implemented an anti-doping policy based on the World Anti-Doping Code and Standards in 2015. In-competition testing was introduced at its international Amateur MMA tournaments, commencing with the 2015 IMMAF World Championships. IMMAF works with the internationally renowned expert consultancy, Sporting Integrity Ltd, headed by Michele Verroken, to develop its anti-doping policy and programme.

“IMMAF’s application to WADA is a crucial part of being recognised by the Sport Movement. Signing up to WADA means promoting development, open access to funding, professional services and our authority to safeguard participants,” said White. “As we start 2020, we are resolute in pursuit of international recognition which benefits our member federations and our athletes.”

Rocket Mortgage Becomes Multi-Year NFL Partner

Rocket Mortgage has become the new mortgage partner for the NFL on a multi-year deal. To start the new partnership, which will begin at the Super Bowl, Rocket Mortgage are creating a new fan competition.

Rocket Mortgage is introducing the Rocket Mortgage Super Bowl Squares Sweepstakes, the largest official game of Super Bowl squares ever.

Rocket Mortgage will be awarding cash prizes to multiple winners throughout Super Bowl LIV, randomly selecting one person positioned within the appropriate square for each score change to receive $50,000 any time the score changes (a maximum of 30 times). Additionally, two grand prize winners will be selected who will receive $500,000 apiece from Rocket Mortgage.

“We’re thrilled to bring Rocket Mortgage into the NFL family as our first ever Official Mortgage Sponsor,” said Renie Anderson, Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President, NFL Partnerships. “The Rocket Mortgage Super Bowl Squares Sweepstakes is a unique way to kick off our partnership and should add to the excitement of the Super Bowl in a way that is authentic to our fans.”

Jay Farner, Quicken Loans CEO, said: “At Rocket Mortgage we love supercharging the excitement level surrounding huge, international sporting events, and there are none bigger than the Super Bowl.”

“It’s our hope that the money we give away through the squares during Super Bowl LIV will change lives and maybe even help some lucky fans buy the home of their dreams. No matter the score, we are excited that the Rocket Mortgage Super Bowl Squares Sweepstakes will undoubtedly have football fans across the country on the edge of their seats.”

Excel Esports Adds New CEO And CCO

Excel Esports, is expanding with the addition of new CEO Wouter Sleijffers, and new CCO Robin McCammon.

Wouter Sleijffers joins the team as a well established and respected industry figurehead having overseen one of esports greatest success stories as CEO of Fnatic. In his four years at Fnatic, Sleijffers oversaw its transition from esports organisation to a global lifestyle brand. Since leaving the organisation Sleijffers has worked in a series of advisory roles for some of the most exciting new brands in esports, including Socios.com, Maika’i Copenhagen, Aggero and more.

“Excel Esports is the most beloved brand in UK esports, and I’m delighted to take up this new challenge of building the organisation into a household name on a global scale. My experience helping create one of the most established brands in the industry meant I recognised Excel’s extraordinary potential immediately, and I’m thrilled to be helping chart its course to become an international success,” said Wouter Sleijffers, Chief Executive Officer, Excel Esports.

Robin McCammon enters the esports industry for the first time with his move to Excel Esports, having spent over 20 years in the sports and lifestyle industries, 18 of which were spent at iconic sportswear brand Adidas. During his time at Adidas, McCammon was the global lead of the World Cup 2014 project, 2012 UEFA Euro and was responsible for Adidas’ relationships with some of the biggest sports organisations in the world including FIFA, Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC. McCammon led the marketing programs for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 in Canada, and 2019 in France, and was responsible for developing the global profile of international grassroots soccer programme Coerver Coaching.

“In Excel, the boldest British esports brand, I have found a tremendous opportunity to leverage my experience in the sport and lifestyle world to build something truly new with the team that goes beyond what’s expected of an esports organisation. I’m delighted to join the fastest growing entertainment sector with such an immensely ambitious and disruptive company, and I very much look forward to getting my teeth into establishing Excel as a world leader in the esports space,” commented Robin McCammon, Chief Commercial Officer, Excel Esports.

 

iSportconnect Joins Euroleague’s 2020 FanXP Innovation Challenge As Network Partner

iSportconnect is happy to announce we are now a Network partner of Euroleague’s 2020 FanXP Innovation Challenge.

iSportconnect will aid the challenge by promoting the competition across its media channels and helping to expand the audience of this Euroleague event.

Euroleague’s FanXP Innovation Challenge is a competition for start-ups, mainly in the arena of broadcasting. Companies can apply to take part in the challenge where up to ten businesses will eventually be selected to attend the 4YFN conference, at which the finalists will participate in a number of activities aimed at benefitting the start-up.

Jordi Bertomeu, President & CEO of Euroleague Basketball, has said of the event: “We are excited to find out what opportunities can be found in the crossroads of sports, fan experience, technology and innovation. Besides learning about the latest trends in technology and finding solutions to our most important challenges, it is always rewarding to spend time with startups as they instill in our organization a highly valuable mindset of entrepreneurship and innovation.”

The conference will be hosted in the Spanish city of Barcelona, where iSportconnect & iSportconnect Capital Founder and CEO Sree Varma will be part of the jury overseeing the challenge and deciding the winner’s of the 2020 edition.

“I am delighted to have once again been asked to be part of the jury to select the winning startup in the 2020 Fan XP Innovation Challenge. It is always fantastic to see the new ideas that are being created each year and I look forward to being part of it,” said Sree.

Startups can now apply to participate at https://fanxp.euroleague.net/. Applications will remain open until January 10, 2020, and the selection of a maximum of 10 finalists will be announced by January 22, 2020.

The startups that participate are required to satisfy the following conditions:

• 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;

• Possess a product or service with significant potential for growth and a unique value proposition for potential investors;

• Company must have been operating for at least 2 years and have at least two full-time workers;

• Possess at least one Minimum Viable Product, at least in private beta phase;

• Have paying clients and/or users.

In general, startups that participate are expected to contribute to the improvement of the fan experience and generate direct or indirect revenue opportunities through broadcast, in-arena or digital platforms, or a combination of these.

Visit https://fanxp.euroleague.net/ to apply or contact fanxp@euroleague.net for more information.

World Snooker Postpones Upcoming Indian Open

World Snooker have announced that they have postponed their upcoming Indian Open

The World ranking event had been due to take place between the 24th and 28th of March, however the governing body was unable to find a host city in order for the tournament to take place.

In a statement on their website World Snooker added:

“We continue to believe that there is great potential for snooker to grow in India, and it is our intention that this tournament will return to the calendar during the 2020/21 season.

For fans in the region there are still many opportunities to watch live snooker online, as this season – for the first time – many of snooker’s biggest events are broadcast free on Facebook Live throughout India and Pakistan.

This event and the qualifying dates of February 17-19 have been removed from the calendar.”

Penske Corporation Confirm Acquisition Of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the NTT IndyCar Series and IMS Productions

Penske Corporation has announced that it has completed its acquisition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the NTT IndyCar Series and IMS Productions.

“We are looking forward to carrying on the tradition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar racing,” said Roger Penske. “We have been diligently working with the teams at IMS, INDYCAR and IMS Productions over the last two months to ensure a smooth and productive transition and we are ready to hit the ground running. Now, it is time to get to work as we continue the growth of the Speedway and we build on the momentum of the NTT IndyCar Series.”

Penske Corporation becomes just the fourth owner in the history of the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which has hosted the world’s largest single-day sporting event – the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race – for more than 100 years. Penske joins Carl Fisher, who built the track in 1909, Eddie Rickenbacker, who purchased IMS in 1927, and Tony Hulman and Hulman & Company, which has owned and managed the Speedway since 1945.

The iconic venue has also hosted NASCAR, Formula One and other racing series events throughout its storied history. The NTT IndyCar Series continues to be the premier open-wheel racing series in North America and is one of the most competitive championships in the world. IMS Productions is a leading video services and production company.

 

Barney Francis, Former Sky Sports MD, To Leave Sky In 2020

Sky have released a statement revealing that former Managing Director of Sky Sports Barney Francis will be leaving the organisation later this year.

Francis was replaced during 2019 by Rob Webster and moved to the role of CEO for Future Sport within the company. However, he will now be exiting Sky during 2020 after two decades at the company, first taking on the role of Executive Producer at Sky Sports Cricket all the way back in 2000.

Commenting on his departure, Francis said: “I’ve been privileged to work for this great company for more than two decades. It’s been the stuff of dreams for a guy who grew up as a sports-nut.

“Yet the time is right to move on to new adventures in a changing world. I leave with thanks for the support of all of our customers who have enjoed Sky Sports during my time, and of course my colleagues and friends who I will miss greatly.”

Jeremy Darroch, Group Chief Executive at Sky added: “During his time at Sky, Barney has transformed Sky Sports, building a world class team and leaving a fantastic legacy. We wish him the very best from us for the future.

Former NBA Commissioner David Stern Dies Aged 77

David Stern, former Commissioner of the National Basketball Association, passed away on the first of January at the age of 77 following a brain haemorrhage suffered in mid December.

Stern, the longtime Commissioner, transformed the NBA and bought it into the modern era while developing the sport massively both in the United States and globally.

He also helped to create the WNBA and took the game abroad for the first time, with regular season fixtures being played in Japan, Mexico, England and later this month in France.

His tenure was not without controversy, as he oversaw the acrimonious relocation of Seattle’s franchise to Oklahoma City, a refereeing match-fixer and a number of player lockouts.

Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner said in a statement:

“For 22 years, I had a courtside seat to watch David in action. He was a mentor and one of my dearest friends. We spent countless hours in the office, at arenas and on planes wherever the game would take us. Like every NBA legend, David had extraordinary talents, but with him it was always about the fundamentals – preparation, attention to detail, and hard work.

“David took over the NBA in 1984 with the league at a crossroads. But over the course of 30 years as Commissioner, he ushered in the modern global NBA.  He launched groundbreaking media and marketing partnerships, digital assets and social responsibility programs that have brought the game to billions of people around the world.  Because of David, the NBA is a truly global brand – making him not only one of the greatest sports commissioners of all time but also one of the most influential business leaders of his generation.

“Every member of the NBA family is the beneficiary of David’s vision, generosity and inspiration.  Our deepest condolences go out to David’s wife, Dianne, their sons, Andrew and Eric, and their extended family, and we share our grief with everyone whose life was touched by him.”

Interview With Alejandro Agag (Founder and CEO of Extreme E)

A short clip of iSportconnect TV‘s interview with Alejandro Agag, Founder of both Formula E and Extreme E, at the latter’s calendar reveal for their inaugural season in 2021. Alejandro is the CEO of Extreme E and in this clip from the interview he discusses why he created Extreme E and what they have achieved within the first year of existence. Full interview coming soon to iSportconnect TV…