Leeds Seal Investment Deal With San Francisco 49ers

Leeds United have agreed a deal with 49ers Enterprises, the investment entity behind American football giants, San Francisco 49ers.

United Chairman, Andrea Radrizzani, wants funds invested in the partnership to be used to “improve results on the pitch”. It’s reported Radrizzani sold a 10% stake in the club.

The agreement could see the English Championship football team play games at the 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium.

49ers Enterprises President, Paraag Marathe, has also joined Leeds’ Board of Directors.

“This strategic partnership enables Leeds United to align with and gain invaluable expertise from the owners of one of the biggest global sports entities,” said Radrizzani.

“The 49ers are an innovative, successful organisation and we are delighted to have access to such a rich source of business and sporting expertise.

“This exciting partnership builds on the foundations we have laid down at the club in the last 12 months and we can assure supporters that the funds invested will go towards improving results on the pitch.”

Leeds finished 13th in English football’s second tier this season.

SPEAKERS ANNOUNCEMENT: Data & Digital Masterclass, 19th June, London

We are proud to announce that the New York Jets and Accenture have joined the speaker line-up for iSportconnect’s Data & Digital Masterclass taking place on June 19, 2018. The event will feature Rael Enteen, the Jets’ Director of Digital/Social Media, and Nicola Rosa, the Go-To Market Lead for XR Strategy.

Rael Enteen manages the team that creates all the editorial, photo, video and motion graphic content for the New York Jets’ web platforms, apps and social channels.

With extensive experience at companies like Google, Spotify and IBM, Nicola Rosa drives innovation in creating transformational media and entertainment solutions using immersive technologies like AR and VR.

The Masterclass will bring a new focus to examining the digital market by zooming in on what makes digital so special and exciting – data.  Leading rights owners and brands will share insights on how they harness the power of data now and their plans for the future, separating the real digital opportunities from the hype.

Other confirmed speakers for the Data & Digital Masterclass include:

  • An Dang Duy, Chief Information Officer, IAAF
  • David Gibbs, Digital Director Sport & News, Sky
  • Rufus Hack, Chief Content Officer, European Tour
  • Moe Hamdhaidari, Head of Digital Platforms, Chelsea Football Club
  • Jonathan Levene, Managing Director, Intel Sports
  • Daniel Marion, Chief of Information & Communication Technology, UEFA
  • Ali Russell, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Formula E
  • Ralph Straus, Commercial Director, Fédération Equestre Internationale
  • Alexandra Willis, Head of Communications, Content & Digital, All-England Lawn Tennis Club

The Data & Digital Masterclass will explore topics such as:

  • How to access, acquire, activate and analyse customer data to increase engagement, revenue and loyalty
  • Identifying the best new approaches and tools to help rights owners to compete successfully in the online entertainment market
  • Using data insights in customer retention and acquisition strategy
  • Creating high-value content and using data to measure effectiveness
Confirmed Speakers

iSportconnect events operate under Chatham House Rule, promoting a friendly collegial environment in which to forge new relationships, discuss potential partnerships and learn about future business opportunities.

To register your interest in attending the events, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com.

Invitation Policy: The Data & Digital Masterclass is a complimentary event for iSportconnect members who are from governing bodies, sports teams, brands and broadcasters. There is no fee to become an iSportconnect member – If you are not currently a member but would still like to attend the event, please register your interest. No sports agencies, professional service providers & suppliers allowed.

Gfinity Appoint Cook As Executive Chairman

Former Manchester City CEO Garry Cook is the new Executive Chairman of eSports company Gfinity.

Previously a non-executive director of the UK business, Cook will bring to the role experience of leading international companies in the sports, media and entertainment sectors as Gfinity prepares to enter new global markets.

Cook has held several high-profile positions during his career including his role at the Premier League champions, Chief Global Brand Officer for the UFC and President of Nike’s Jordan Brand.

“There are multiple opportunities for Gfinity in a rapidly developing sector, one that is forecast to grow to $1.65bn (£1.22bn) globally by 2021,‘ said Cook.

“The company is well positioned for the next chapter of growth, both in the UK and internationally and I am looking forward to establishing Gfinity as one of the world’s major sports media brands.”

Meanwhile, former Chairman Tony Collyer has stepped down from the Board at Gfinity after 4 years at the business.

Crystal Palace Net PUMA Kit Deal

PUMA are the new official kit supplier for English Premier League football club, Crystal Palace.

The partnership will see the German sports manufacturer provide team and replica strips, training and bench wear for all the club’s sides from 2018/19.

Both the Palace home and away kits have been redesigned, with the latter strip celebrating the famous “Team of the 80s” side which secured promotion to the top flight forty years ago.

Palace chairman, Steve Parish, said of the agreement: “The Crystal Palace sash has a real resonance for our supporters because the team that first wore it was one of the finest in the club’s history. The teams of that era featured several fantastic young players and it is apt that we are bringing back the sash at a time when we have so much exciting young talent coming through our academy.

“The home kit is equally exciting and promises to be a real favourite with our supporters.”

PUMA will also act as the official partner for the club’s merchandise from next season. Paul Spencer, PUMA UKIB General Manager, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Crystal Palace to the PUMA family. It’s a positive time for the club as they continue to establish themselves as a solid Premier League team. We are excited to partner with the Eagles as they head into their sixth consecutive Premier League season.”

The Eagles confirmed their Premier League status last week with victory at Stoke.

Wolves Agree Kit Deal With Adidas

English football Championship winners Wolverhampton Wanderers have agreed a four-year kit manufacturing deal with Adidas.

The new partnership will begin in the summer, ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.

The German sports goods manufacturer will replace Puma, who have been producing Wolves’ kits for the past five seasons.

The club also announced they’re to end their current kit sponsorship deal with The Money Shop a year early.

First Speakers Announced For iSportconnect’s Data & Digital Masterclass

We are proud to announce the first speakers for iSportconnect’s Data & Digital Masterclass which will take place on June 19, 2018. 

The masterclass will bring a new focus to examining the digital market by zooming in on what makes digital so special and exciting – data.  Leading rights owners and brands will share insights on how they harness the power of data now and their plans for the future, separating the real digital opportunities from the hype.

Confirmed speakers for the Data & Digital Masterclass include:

  • An Dang Duy, Chief Information Officer, IAAF
  • David Gibbs, Digital Director Sport & News, Sky
  • Rufus Hack, Chief Content Officer, European Tour
  • Moe Hamdhaidari, Head of Digital Platforms, Chelsea FC
  • Jonathan Levene, Managing Director, Intel Sports
  • Daniel Marion, Chief of Information & Communication Technology, UEFA
  • Ali Russell, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Formula E
  • Ralph Straus, Commercial Director, Fédération Equestre Internationale
  • Alexandra Willis, Head of Communications, Content & Digital, All-England Lawn Tennis Club

iSportconnect’s Masterclass events follow a unique format of interactive discussion and friendly networking. The masterclass takes place under the Chatham House Rule which creates a confidential atmosphere, allowing for discussions to be open and free-flowing.

The Data & Digital Masterclass will explore topics such as:

  • How to access, acquire, activate and analyse customer data to increase engagement, revenue and loyalty
  • Identifying the best new approaches and tools to help rights owners to compete successfully in the online entertainment market
  • Using data insights in customer retention and acquisition strategy
  • Creating high-value content and using data to measure effectiveness

iSportconnect events operate under Chatham House Rule, promoting a friendly collegial environment in which to forge new relationships, discuss potential partnerships and learn about future business opportunities.

To register your interest in attending the events, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com.

Invitation Policy: iSportconnect Masterclasses is an exclusive event for senior level executives from governing bodies, broadcasters, sports teams and sponsorship brands. Sports agencies, professional service providers & suppliers, please contact us for limited partnership opportunities.

NBA And Intel Capital Announce Venture Partnership

The National Basketball League (NBA) and Intel Capital have announced a multi-year sports and entertainment investment partnership.

The NBA + Intel Capital Emerging Technology Initiative will look to identify technologies from global companies that have the potential to impact the future of both industries, from an athlete and fan perspective.

The collaboration will focus on US-based start-ups that both parties can evaluate for potential partnership and investment opportunities.

Intel Capital is a division of Intel Corporation which manages corporate venture capital, global investment, mergers and acquisitions.

Wendell Brooks, Senior Vice-President of Intel Corporation and President of Intel Capital, said of the agreement: “Venture investments in sports reached $1.5BN (£1.1BN) in 2017, and the next five years in sports will be defined by even more technology disruption. With this new initiative, the NBA and Intel Capital aim to bring extensive human and technology resources into companies we believe will lead the next wave of transformation in sports and entertainment.”

“We look forward to tapping into Intel Capital’s infrastructure and 27-year track record of identifying successful start-ups,” Amy Brooks, President of Team Marketing and Business Operations at the NBA, added. “Together, we will identify and support the next generation of innovative sports and entertainment technology companies to find and develop new ways to enhance the game on the court and the fan experience.”

Agag Makes €600M Bid For Formula E

The creator and Chief Executive of Formula E has put forward a €600M (£527M/$716M) bid to acquire full ownership of the company.

According to the all-electric series, Alejandro Agag, has written to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, outlining his plans for the sport.

“I strongly believe in the future of Formula E and this offer is an expression of that confidence,” the Spanish entrepreneur wrote in his letter.

“For this reason, I would like to make a proposal to buy all the shares in the company at a value of €600 million euros equity value.”

Formula E’s shareholders include Liberty Global and Discovery Communications.

Eir Seals Deal With PRO14

Irish subscription channel eir Sport has agreed a three-year deal with PRO14 to show all their rugby matches from next season.

A total of 152 games will be broadcast across Ireland, with fixtures, post-match analysis and highlights shows included in the 30-hour weekly programming.

PRO14’s Chief Executive, Martin Anayi, described the deal with eir Sport as “impossible to turn down.”

“The arrival of eir sport alongside Premier Sports in the UK will be a game-changer for the Guinness PRO14. It is another bold step in raising our Championship to new levels and unlocking its vast potential,” he said.

Dermot Rigley, Commercial and Marketing Director of PRO14 Rugby, added: “The vision eir Sport has for the Guinness PRO14 is going to smash all previous expectations for our teams and their supporters.”

This season’s Pro14 Final will take place on 26th May at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

Halliday Joins Elite As Rugby Adviser

The chairman of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), Simon Halliday, has joined sports recruitment firm, Elite Performance Partners, as a Non-Executive Director and Rugby Adviser.

The former England star and Grand Slam winner boasts an impressive background in banking, having worked for the likes of UBS, Lehman Brothers and Nomura over a 20-year period.

Elite’s Managing Director, David Slemen, said of the appointment: “Simon’s background aligns with the core principles and values of our business. He understands the organisational business objectives within the context of high-performance sport. We’re delighted to have him join our team where his knowledge will be invaluable.”

Halliday also acts as patron for both Help for Heroes and Cardiac Risk in the Young.