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…

Sally Bolton OBE appointed as next Chief Executive of the AELTC

The Committee of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which stages The Championships, Wimbledon, has announced the appointment of Sally Bolton OBE to succeed Richard Lewis CBE as Chief Executive of the AELTC following The Championships 2020.

In a process of planned succession, the AELTC conducted a robust and wide-ranging global search process with the support of executive search firm SRI Executive.

With a proven track record of sports and event management experience at both an executive and non-executive level within the sports industry, Bolton was recognised by the AELTC Committee for her depth of experience, vision and positivity in managing a wide variety of external and internal stakeholders at both a strategic and operational level together with her commitment to striking a balance between innovation and evolutionary progress.

Ian Hewitt, AELTC Chairman, commented: “Sally has a well-established pedigree in international event experience across a variety of sports with her background in rugby league, athletics and here at Wimbledon over four Championships. Her ability to combine a depth of operational knowledge with quality strategic thinking will make a significant contribution to the future strategy and direction of the AELTC and she will be an excellent leader of our able executive team. Our Committee felt that she is perfectly placed to assist us in embracing and delivering on our future challenges and opportunities.”

Sally Bolton OBE commented: “I am thrilled to be appointed as the next Chief Executive of the AELTC. In my four years working here to date I have learned what a special place the All England Club is and to be asked to lead such a fantastic organisation through the next period of its history is a tremendous honour and privilege. We have some fascinating challenges and opportunities ahead of us, and I look forward to working with Richard to achieve a successful transition before he steps down, and with Ian, the Committee and the rest of the executive team to ensure that Wimbledon continues to be regarded as highly as it is today.”

Richard Lewis CBE, AELTC Chief Executive, commented: “I am delighted that Sally has been appointed as my successor, she is the ideal person to take on this wonderful role. I look forward to working with her as we begin the process of a smooth and well managed transition. In the meantime, I look forward to working with Ian and the rest of the Committee on the delivery of a successful Championships in 2020 before I finally step down.”

Bolton has been working in sport since 1996. Having been Chief Executive of Wigan Rugby League and Orrell Rugby Union clubs she then delivered numerous events at major stadiums such as Wembley, Old Trafford, Millennium Stadium and Murrayfield. Bolton went on to lead the delivery of the Rugby League World Cup in 2013 following which she was awarded the OBE. She then spent two years as the Managing Director of the Organising Committee for the London 2017 World Athletics Championships, before joining the AELTC as Head of Corporate Affairs in 2016. Taking on the position of Strategic Planning and Operations Director in February 2018, Bolton has been part of four Championships at Wimbledon, and played a significant role in the acquisition of the Wimbledon Park Golf Club. She has been a Board Member of UK Sport since March 2018 where she is the Board’s diversity champion and has been a member of the Major Events panel since 2013.

Liverpool Partner With Acronis

Liverpool FC has welcomed global leader in cyber storage, Acronis, to the Reds family in a new multi-year partnership.

The technology company, which provides hybrid cloud solutions for backup, disaster recovery, and secure file sync and data access, will now become LFC’s official global cyber backup and storage partner.

The partnership will see the Swiss-Singaporean technology leader provide LFC with innovative cyber backup and cloud solutions to improve data storage and access and create a more efficient and collaborative workflow.

Being able to efficiently back up and safeguard huge volumes of important information using cloud-based storage solutions – from team data to day to day business operations – will significantly help LFC optimise its data management in the increasingly digital world.

The ability to securely sync files will enable departments to easily share a range of documents and collaborate on important tasks, making for more efficient, streamlined ways of working.

Partnering with high performance organisations in the sports industry, Acronis aims to continue to build brand awareness, recognition and visibility across global markets.

Billy Hogan, managing director and chief commercial officer, Liverpool FC, said: “We are always looking for ways to enhance the way we store and share important files and information across the business, so we’re looking forward to working with Acronis as our new official global cyber backup and storage partner.

“Our data is incredibly valuable, and safely and efficiently storing and accessing that information is critical to the way we operate as a business and a football club.”

Enrico Tizanno, senior vice president of technology and transformation, Liverpool FC, said: “We look forward to working closely with Acronis to utilise its expertise and innovation in data storage, backup and disaster recovery solutions to help us meet our modern data needs.

“From how to best protect our valuable data assets, to how we can make the best use of the petabytes of the data we have and securely distribute it.”

The Five Vectors of Cyber Protection that make up the backbone of Acronis’ solutions include safety, accessibility, privacy, authenticity, and security (SAPAS). Using this approach will help the club to ensure easy, efficient, and secure management of data, applications, and systems.

Serguei Beloussov, Acronis founder and CEO, said: “At the highest level of competition, data is a critical asset. Acronis’ technology is perfectly suited for helping organisations get #CyberFit in high-pressure, digitally intensive environments.

“We are proud to partner with this great club and look forward to our joint projects in the future.”

Acronis is already a part of the FSG family and the sporting world, through its current partnership with the Boston Red Sox and Roush Fenway Racing.