Everton Switch To Reusable Plastic Cups With Sodexo

100% of all plastic pint glasses at Goodison Park will now be reusable due to their partnership with Sodexo.

Sodexo have provided new reusable plastic cups which will save an estimated 75,000 single-use plastic cups from being used across a season at Everton’s ground.

Designated recycling points have been installed on the concourse for supporters to place their cups after the initial use, before they are washed and returned to be used again.

The new cups can be reused up to 100 times form part of a wider campaign launched by the club and Everton in the Community, aimed at increasing environmental awareness and reducing the clubs carbon footprint.

Jo Wetherill, Sodexo Catering Services Director at Goodison Park, said: “Reducing waste is one of our key priorities so when Everton asked us for a solution to help drive down plastic waste we were more than happy to use our expertise to find an answer.

“These reusable cups will make a huge difference to the amount of plastic used at Goodison Park and make our work even greener.”

Alix Craig, Stadium Development and Project Manager, said: “The initiative is a key part of our environmental awareness campaign, ‘Everton for Change’, and it has been great to see the Club and Sodexo team up to launch this scheme. Reusable cups will make a huge difference to the amount of single-use plastic used at Goodison Park and help us achieve our environmental goals.”

Announcement: Accenture And FIBA Confirmed For Dubai Summit

iSportconnect are delighted to announce two more fantastic speakers for our Dubai Summit on the 5th of December.

We have added Peter Thomas, European and Middle East Marketing Director for Accenture, and Frank Leenders, Director General at FIBA Media & Marketing Services SA.

They join a host of fantastic names we have lined up to speak, with Frank joining a panel which will cover the three major world cups in sport this year, with huge names from World Rugby and the International Cricket Council taking part on the same panel.

Peter Thomas

Peter leads Corporate, Brand and Digital marketing for Accenture across the Europe and Middle East region and as part of that has led, or overseen, most of the company’s significant sports and arts sponsorship programmes over the last 5 years. Sport has always played a major part in his life and, indeed, he was brought up as a child in Dubai where his father was one of the three co-founders of the Dubai Exiles and Dubai 7s in the late 1960s.

He started his career in the PR Agency world spending nearly 15 years at major global agencies and ending up at Hill&Knowlton where he led the European Technology Practice. In 2004 he joined Accenture as UK and Ireland marketing director responsible for a broad range of marketing and communications programmes before joining the Rugby Football Union in 2009 as the head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs where he was closely involved in the bid for the right to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

In 2012 he returned to Accenture to lead European and UK Marketing including leading their award winning sponsorships of the RBS 6Nations and the National Theatre as well as advising on multiple other sports and arts sponsorships Accenture has globally. In 2017 he expanded his responsibility to include the sponsorship Accenture has with Expo2020 where they are a Premier Partner.

Frank T. Leenders

Frank Leenders (born in The Netherlands, 1968) has more than 20 years of experience in international sports marketing at the highest level. 

He started his professional career with ISL Marketing during the FIFA World Cup 1990 and subsequently joined start-up company TEAM Marketing in 1992, where he was part of the launch and development of the international benchmark project, the UEFA Champions League, since its very first season (1992-93). 

He moved to Rome to join pay Television Sky Italia in 2001, where he was Director of Sports Rights Acquisitions, responsible for the acquisition of all sports related Television rights.

In 2002 he returned to TEAM, where he became Managing Director and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2005. Following his departure at the end of 2010, he co-founded the independent sports marketing firm Value-Experience. 

In 2012, he supported the design and development of a dedicated media and marketing unit for FIBA, the international Basketball Federation in Geneva. Frank is now the Director General of this entity: FIBA Media and Marketing Services SA.

Frank holds a degree in Economics from the University of St. Gallen (CH) and has an MBA from SDA Bocconi in Milano (I).

With a maximum of 150 invite-only delegates, iSportconnect provides a media/agency free opportunity to network with influential senior-level sports business executives. We are famous for our intimate and relaxed environment, encouraging ideas exchange and helping to introduce you to the right new connections.

To register your interest in attending the 2019 iSportconnect Dubai Summit, please contact Joe Condon at joe@isportconnect.com

NBA Makes Unibet The League’s ‘Authorized Sports Betting Operator’

Unibet has been announced as an Authorized Sports Betting Operator of the NBA. Through this agreement Unibet will have access to official NBA betting data to further improve its already strong customer experience.

Kindred Group’s flagship sports betting brand Unibet will now work with one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world, and as part of the agreement, throughout the NBA season. Unibet will have access to official NBA betting data and league marks across its online and mobile platforms in the United States.

Manuel Stan, SVP Kindred US, said: “We are very proud to team with the NBA.  This will add further customer value to an already first-class betting experience thanks to official NBA betting data and league marks across our mobile and retail platforms.  Kindred shares the NBA’s view on a legal and sustainable sports betting market, which makes this partnership a perfect match.”

Viagogo Acquires StubHub From eBay For $4.05 Billion

eBay and viagogo have announced they have an agreement in place for eBay to sell StubHub to viagogo for $4.05 billion in cash.

viagogo and StubHub are two of the world’s biggest ticket marketplaces for live sport, music and entertainment events. The sale is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2020, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

Combined, these complementary marketplaces will sell hundreds of thousands of tickets daily across more than 70 countries, giving fans seamless access to a wider selection of inventory around the world, while sellers, teams and artists will have the ability to more effectively reach a broader global audience.

“We believe this transaction is a great outcome and maximizes long-term value for eBay shareholders,” said Scott Schenkel, interim chief executive officer of eBay Inc. “Over the past several months, eBay’s leadership team and Board of Directors have been engaged in a thorough review of our current strategies and portfolio, and we concluded that this was the best path forward for both eBay and StubHub. We firmly believe in the StubHub business and we are excited about its future growth potential with viagogo as its owner.”

Eric Baker, viagogo’s founder and CEO, who also co-founded StubHub while in business school, but left before the business was sold to eBay for $310 million in 2007, said: “It has long been my wish to unite the two companies. I am so proud of how StubHub has grown over the years and excited about the possibilities for our shared future,” Baker said. “Buyers will have a wider choice of tickets, and sellers will have a wider network of buyers. Bringing these two companies together creates a win-win for fans – more choice and better pricing.”

Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, President of StubHub, added: “Bringing StubHub and viagogo together will allow us to drive further expansion and innovation, and create a more competitive offering for live event fans globally.

“This provides a great opportunity to expand our business, pursue new partnerships and execute our strategy. We expect a seamless transition for all our employees, partners and customers, and we are excited for what the future holds.”

UEFA Looking Into Potential OTT Channel For Champions League

UEFA are reportedly looking into creating an OTT service to stream Champions League fixtures.

The interest in this is reportedly coming from the fact UEFA see such little money coming in from the more minor countries covering the Champions League.

Currently, UEFA are having to go through the process of selling rights on a country by country basis, but companies are become less willing to splash huge amounts on the broadcasting rights of sports competition.

Last week BT Sport signed a deal which will see the competition broadcast on their channels in the UK until 2024.

Uefa’s General Secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, said: “For now, we have lots of [broadcast] partners and are looking forward to continuing our partnerships. We just want to be ready. We just want to have alternative options.”

“Traditional broadcasting has been there for sport and for football in general. Now we need to explore, also for the digital side. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

iSportconnect: Weekly Deals Update

Airbnb + Olympics

Airbnb and the International Olympic Committee have agreed a nine-year global partnership deal.

This agreement will now support the Olympic Movement and cover the IOC’s next five major global events until after the 2028 Olympic Games.

Atlanta Hawks + Intel Sports

The Atlanta Hawks have joined up with Intel Sports to provide a brand new viewing experience for fans inside the arena, watching on their local broadcast channel and on social media.

Puma + Borussia Dortmund

Puma has signed a huge new deal to stay on as kit supplier of Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund until 2028. The eight year deal is worth somewhere in the region of €250 million.

FIFA + GWC

FIFA have named GWC as an Official National Supporter of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019.

Sky Sports + The Masters

Sky Sports has become the exclusive UK broadcaster for the Masters golf tournament from next April, ending the BBC’s live coverage of the event.

EDF Group + Paris 2024

EDF Group has become the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games’ Premium Partner, joining the national partnership programme for Paris 2024 for a period of five years.

Borussia Dortmund + DAZN Media

Borussia Dortmund has joined up with DAZN Media to create a social media campaign that showcases the club’s 2019/20 football season, its star players and past masters to entertain and grow its fanbase in South East Asia.

ATP + Emirates

Emirates will remain as a premier partner for the ATP Tour after securing a new partnership extension for an extra five years.

BBC + Copa Libertadores and BBC + ISL 

The BBC has acquired two new broadcast deals in the week it lost the rights to show the Masters live to Sky Sports.

South America’s major football competition, the Copa Libertadores, will have its final broadcast on BBC as Flamengo play current champions River Plate.

They have also gained the rights to the International Swimming League’s event in London this weekend.

International Esports Federation Sign MOU With Motivate Media

The International Esports Federation and Motivate Media Group have announced a strategic partnership that will see its operations make significant headway in the Middle East.

Endorsed by the IESF, Dubai Sports Council, and Emirates Esports Association, the event will be a celebration of Dubai’s journey as a global destination hub for Esports organizations and industry leaders, thinkers, influencers and gaming enthusiasts.

Esports is the fastest-growing sports category globally with more than 300 million gamers in the Middle East alone. 

Colin Webster, President of the IESF and Ian Fairservice, Founder and Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group, signed an MoU establishing a joint venture that introduces the most significant initiative of its kind for Esports in the region. 

Webster said: “IESF is really excited to be collaborating with Motivate to establish a number of world-class Esports products that represents an important step in supporting Esports growth in the UAE, the Middle East and globally.

“The potential for Esports in the Middle East is now being realised. ‘A national strategy is required to establish and house this remarkable ecosystem, Dubai is an amazing city and Motivate Media Group, celebrating its 40th year, is a perfect partner that can help support this vision,” he added.

Fairservice commented on the deal: “With the evolution of technology and the ongoing emergence of all forms of sport as a cultural and entertainment touchstone in society, there is no better time to launch an initiative that embraces this convergence.

“We see the future in Esports as being one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding platforms in new media and are thrilled to be partnering with a leading institution such as the IESF to develop this in the Middle East.”

AFEX Renews St Helens R.F.C. Sponsorship Through 2022

AFEX has announced the renewal of its sponsorship of St.Helens R.F.C. for another three years. 

The deal to become the exclusive foreign exchange partner for St.Helens R.F.C. was originally signed in 2015, and the relationship has culminated with the club’s record-breaking 2019 season and historic capture of the Super League Championship for the seventh time. 

A leading global provider of international payments and foreign exchange services to 35,000 corporate and private clients across the globe, AFEX is deeply involved in the sporting industry in the UK and around the world.

In tandem with its sponsorship commitments, AFEX assist clubs, organisations, federations, and industry service providers with tailored international payment solutions and hedging strategies to help reduce risk. The market expertise and personalised service AFEX offer is supported by state-of-the art technology. 

Branding for the company will continue to be displayed on the Saints’ official kit, including their shorts and socks. AFEX branding will also be featured across the Saints’ home stadium and official Saints webpage.

Dave Hutchinson, General Manager at St.Helens R.F.C. said: “It’s been fantastic to have AFEX as the Saints’ official global payments partner and we are delighted to have them on board for the next three years. AFEX offer a unique and valuable service and we are grateful for their continued support. It’s wonderful to work with partners like AFEX who are also fans of the club as they have the club’s interests at heart.”

“We’ve enjoyed our journey with the Saints so far—and what a journey! Congratulations to Saints on their winning season and their Super League title,” added Wayne Mitchell, Managing Director at AFEX. “We’re thrilled to be part of Saints’ family, and are especially proud to support a team who contributes so much to the community. We’re looking forward to the excitement of the next three years with Saints.”

Gillette Sponsors FIFA 20 Global Series

Gillette today announced its EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series sponsorship. This Gillette sponsorship will drive engagement and connect the brand with younger audiences through football and esports.

Gillette will activate the EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series sponsorship through Twitch and YouTube “Precision Play of the Day, Presented by Gillette” embedded broadcast segments, on-stream commercials, live on-air promotions, and unique branded content later this season.

Brent Koning, FIFA Competitive Gaming Commissioner for EA, said: “Gillette is a brand synonymous with its connection to the biggest sports in the world. EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series sponsorships such as Gillette exemplify the worldwide power of this esport.”

Gary Coombe, CEO of Global Grooming at Gillette added: “The EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series is an incredibly powerful esports platform, and to add it to Gillette’s long history in football, sports and esports is a true honour.

“We look forward to getting this season underway and working together with a world class video game publisher in EA SPORTS to connect with their fans and a whole new generation of Gillette consumers.”

BBC Agree Broadcast Deal For Copa Libertadores Final And International Swimming League

The BBC has acquired two new broadcast deals in the week it lost the rights to show the Masters live to Sky Sports.

South America’s major football competition the Copa Libertadores, will have its final broadcast on BBC as Flamengo play current champions River Plate.

They have also gained the rights to the International Swimming League’s event in London this weekend.

ISL is a brand new franchise competition launched this year, which has seen huge success, and the London match will be shown live this weekend.

ISL President Konstantin Grigorishin said: “We are very pleased to secure streaming coverage with the BBC for the ISL London match. This agreement shows the great interest that is developing around our ground-breaking professional league that regularly showcases our sport’s stars.

“We have partnered with premium networks in six continents for the first season of the ISL, and we expect more to come on board as awareness of the league grows amongst sports fans who enjoy this revolutionary competition.”