beIN Extends Premier League Rights In Middle East

On the day (August 10) the new English Premier League season kicks off, beIN SPORTS announced that it is extending its broadcast partnership with the league and will continue to broadcast exclusively all EPL matches in the Middle East and North Africa through 2021-22. 
 
beIN SPORTS already has exclusive rights in the region for 2018-19 and the new deal adds three more seasons. The agreement was signed in London on August 9 by Richard Scudamore, Executive Chairman of the Premier League, and Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Chairman and CEO of Qatar-based beIN Media Group.

Premier League fans in MENA will be able to watch all 380 games per season exclusively live on beIN, in addition to having access to comprehensive magazine programming, including pre- and post-match shows, as well as daily highlights and weekly wrap-up programmes. 

Subscribers to beIN’s market-leading OTT service beIN CONNECT will be able to watch all Premier League content, including the live streaming of matches, across web, tablet and mobile devices.
 
“We know there are many passionate fans of Premier League clubs right across the Middle East and North Africa, and that beIN SPORTS does an excellent job making the competition available to them,” Scudamore said. “beIN is a long-term partner of the League and its first-rate coverage has helped to grow interest in our clubs across many countries. We look forward to continuing to work with them to make the best Premier League action available to fans in the region for the next four seasons.”

Al-Khelaifi, who is also president of French club Paris Saint-Germain, said: “The Premier League has trusted beIN MEDIA GROUP and beIN SPORTS again to be the official and exclusive broadcaster, champion and custodian of its product in the Middle East and North Africa. Nothing brings people together and excites passions and emotions like sport; particularly football. The Premier League is one of the most exhilarating of all leagues in world football, attracting the best talent on and off the pitch and providing the most captivating entertainment. We are delighted to be able to exclusively offer this premium sports content to our subscribers, bringing them closer to the Premier League for many more years to come, together with our unparalleled library of movies, drama, entertainment, comedy and children’s programming. We are happy to extend our long-term partnership with the Premier League and to continue promoting the brand and growing its fan-base in the Middle East and North Africa.”

Russian Betting Brand Enters Premier League With Cardiff City

English Premier League club Cardiff City FC has named 1XBET as its Global Betting Partner for the coming season and the 2019-20 campaign.

The partnership is intended to help 1XBET, which holds a Russian gaming license, to expand its reach across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North Africa and the Americas.

Russia currently licenses about a dozen online betting companies. 1XBET ranks among the most popular brands with market leader LigaStavok, Fonbet, Leon and Bingo-Boom.

Launched in 2007, 1XBET claims to be among the top three most-visited betting and gaming websites in the world with over 1,000 markets, and a strong emphasis on localization. The platform is translated into over 50 languages and offers 24/7 support in half of those.

“This is the first association, we have agreed within the Premier League, and we are delighted to make our step into it with a hardworking partner such as Cardiff City FC, said Eugene Kiryukhin, 1XBET’s Director for Development of International Partners

Cardiff City Executive Director & CEO, Ken Choo said: “We are excited by our cooperation with 1XBET. They are a forward-thinking, progressive business with a large global footprint.”

Asian Games Ready For Kick-Off

In terms of the number of competing athletes (over 16,000) and nations (45), the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia will be the biggest sports competition of the summer.

The Games begin formally with an Opening Ceremony on Saturday August 18, but competition actually starts Friday August 9 with men’s group stage football at the Patriot Stadium in West Java. Broadcast preparations for covering the kick-off are complete, lines have been tested with Telkom Indonesia, graphics are in place and commentary circuits are live.

The bulk of the Games events, running for a fortnight until September 2, will take place in Jakarta (which hosted the 1962 edition) and Palembang, the first time the multi-sport event will be hosted in two cities.

Television production is being handled by IGBS, a joint venture between Infront subsidiary HBS and IMG Media. The company was formerly Doha Asian Games Broadcast Services, set up in September 2004 with the mission of being the Host Broadcaster of the Asian Games in Doha 2006. Since then it has delivered the SEA Games Singapore 2015, and provided production teams for the Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 and the Asian Games Incheon 2014.

The World Broadcaster Meeting, where IGBS presented final plans, took place in Jakarta on Monday with 14 organisations present.

The brands line-up of the Games will feature a cluttered array of sponsor and partner logos, overwhelmingly from the host nation, including only a few global brands and one Olympic TOP sponsor.

Of the 13 TOP sponsors, five are Asian companies, but South Korea’s Samsung, an Official Sponsor of the Asian Games, will be the only TOP partner taking part.

The Asian Games boast Mastercard as one of the six Official Sponsors. Arch-rival Visa is a TOP sponsor.

There are a dozen Official Prestige Partners (the top tier), with three foreign companies: Qatar airlines, Tissot watches and Chinese sportswear group 361°.

There are four Official Partners, including Japan’s Canon, which will also be a Gold Partner of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Among the Supporting Sponsors is Japanese tech group NEC, and the 31 Official Licensing partners include American brands KFC and Polo (Ralph Lauren) and Hong Kong-owned international retailer Giordano.

The 40 different sports on display will include esports as a demonstration sport for the first time in a competition sanctioned by National Olympic Committees. Esports will become a medal sport in 2022 at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

 

Baseball Spotlights Rock & Roll Connection

The synergy between sports and popular music came into sharp focus this week when baseball’s Cleveland Indians unveiled the logo for next year’s MLB All-Star Game.

The guitar-shaped symbol puts a spotlight on Cleveland as the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The body of the guitar is bordered by the red stitches of a baseball with the MLB logo at the head of the guitar.

MLB Deputy Commissioner Tony Petitti, on hand at Progressive Field to unveil the image for one of the sport’s most popular events, said: “You can see from the logo what we think the tie-in should be in Cleveland. We try to do something unique in every market we’re in, so music is what you can expect to see in 2019.”

The music connection is one that iSportconnect will bring into focus at the 2018 Brands Masterclass on September 18 in London. Streaming service Spotify will be on the programme with Sarah Keifer, Director of Business Marketing, EMEA, among the thought-leading speakers taking part.

MLB and the Indians are talking to the Rock Hall about taking part in the festivities around the All-Star Game.

Greg Harris, President of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is a baseball man. He used to an executive at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

In 2016, when the Indians played in the World Series, they held a gala event at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Disney Continues To Digest ESPN+ Launch Costs

ESPN parent Walt Disney has blamed an operating loss at BAMTech, the MLB Advanced Media tech company in which it owns a controlling stake, as a key factor in reduced operating income for its cable networks in the 3rd Qtr. report issued this week. Cable revenues for the quarter increased 2% to $4.2 billion but operating income decreased 5% to $1.4 billion.

BAMTech powers ESPN’s first direct-to-consumer offering, ESPN+, launched in the American market in April of this year. For a monthly fee of $4.99, the service will stream more than 10,000 live events annually, but it will not feature the NFL or the NBA.

BAMTech is owned 75% by Disney, 125% by MLB Advanced Media, 9% by the NHL and 1% by the NBA.

A decline at family channel Freeform was also a factor in the results. ESPN as a whole actually enjoyed an increase for the period, thanks to affiliate revenue growth and the comparison to severance and contract termination costs incurred in the prior-year quarter. Affiliate revenue growth reflected contractual rate increases. Subscriber numbers actually declined

The improvement was partially offset by higher programming costs primarily due to a contractual rate increase for NBA programming. Advertising revenue also slipped due to a decrease in impressions from lower average viewership, again partially offset by higher rates. Advertising revenue was adversely impacted by one less NBA final game.

Adidas And UEFA To Join iSportconnect 2018 Digital Rights Holders Masterclass In Lausanne

iSportconnect are delighted to announce that adidas and UEFA have joined the speaker line-up for iSportconnect’s 2018 Digital Rights Holders Masterclass, taking place on September 24th, 2018. Claudio Borges, the Global Director of Digital Planning for adidas and Daniel Marion, Chief of Information and Communications Technology, UEFA are the new names added to the programme.

Claudio’s team is responsible for planning seasonal and campaign strategies across online touchpoints and developing digital standards to be rolled out across all adidas global markets. His team also works together with Sports Marketing to define the best set of digital rights to be included in global asset deals. Previous to adidas, Claudio Borges spent 8 years with Manchester City Football Club and City Football Group leading the group’s fan relationship marketing strategy.

Daniel Marion holds an Engineering degree and an MBA from the London Business School. He has extensive experience in the delivery of ICT solutions thus enabling the operations of major Football competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and the last five UEFA European Championships, in areas ranging from Networking, Event Management and Digital Media. Mr Marion joined UEFA 20 years ago and has held different jobs within ICT as well as Digital Media areas and is currently Chief of ICT with a team of more than 80 people. During the last two European Championships, he held a position in the tournament management team. In the last couple of years Marion worked on digital transformation leveraging new technologies.

The overall objective of ICT is to bring value to its stakeholders and help UEFA deliver the ultimate best during competitions.This exclusive event taking place at the digital innovation hub, Gotham will focus on Content and Data & Innovation for Federations & Rights Owners.

Also confirmed for the speaker line-up at the 2018 Digital Rights Holders Masterclass Lausanne are:

  • Rudiger Muller: Head of Digital Communications, FIFA
  • Ian Holmes: Director of Media Rights, Formula 1

iSportconnect events operate under the Chatham House Rule, promoting a friendly collegial environment where attendees can forge new relationships, discuss potential partnerships and business opportunities.

To register your interest in attending the 2018 Digital Rights Holders Masterclass Lausanne, please contact Abigail Kalikwani – abigail@isportconnect.com

Invitation Policy: 2018 Digital Rights Holders Masterclass Lausanne 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 are allowed to attend.

For limited partnership opportunities, please contact Abigail Kalikwani – abigail@isportconnect.com


Serie A Games Get New Live International Window on OTT

When the Serie A season kicks off on August 18, games will be available in more than 20 countries around the world via a new OTT service created by IMG. The company has revealed that it will launch Serie A Pass, a global OTT subscription service delivering live coverage of every game from the top Italian League to fans in India and other key markets.

Serie A Pass will be launched with a full content offering including all live games, match replays and additional magazine and archive programming.

The new service – www.seriea-pass.com – will be available on desktop, tablet and mobile and via Apps on IOS and Android devices to include Chromecast and Apple airplay.

Pricing for the service will vary geographically with the initial launch in euros, dollars and rupees as appropriate. Monthly charges will be €7.99 or $8.99 or 299 rupees (about half the euros price). Season-long passes will cost €49.99 or $59.99 and or 999 rupees.

IMG has created three new magazine shows for the coming season: Inside Serie A, Serie A – Full Impact and The Serie A Highlights Show.

Watford FC Adds MoPlay Partnership

English Premier League club Watford FC has signed up mobile betting brand MoPlay to become the club’s new sleeve partner for the season kicking off this Saturday August 11 at home against Brighton. The deal is the club’s largest sleeve sponsorship deal to date (terms were not disclosed).

The MoPlay offer focuses on live in-play experiences for micro moments that matter most across its portfolio of sports, casino and games. A new app provides customers with a fast, simple, personal and secure service.

The relationship with Watford will see MoPlay’s full logo appear on the sleeve of the team’s home shirt, while the brand’s app icon will sit on the away shirt sleeve.

Watford will be working closely with MoPlay to develop activation initiatives in a range of markets and will soon be announcing a number of fan-aimed initiatives.

MoPlay announced a new partnership with Manchester United earlier this week.

“This is an important year for the club, as we strive to increase our global reach while continuing to make our fans proud by doing things differently in the Watford way,” said Spencer Field, Commercial Director of Watford FC. “We are thrilled to have found a partner, in MoPlay, that matches our ethos by looking to disrupt the betting industry by offering its customers a more engaging and enjoyable experience.”

MoPlay CEO Juergen Reutter said: “Securing a shirt sleeve presence in the Premier League, so soon after our launch, is a true statement of intent for the MoPlay brand. We’re delighted to be partnering with Watford, a club on the up, and one we feel a genuine synergy with.

“Since our first meeting with Watford’s representatives, we’ve been hugely impressed by the club, its authenticity and its ambition. Our objectives are fully aligned in terms of global expansion and offering enhanced experiences for a new generation of fans. Our motto is to #MoveOnUp, and we aim to make that ethos a reality with Watford, on and off the pitch, during the season ahead.”

NBA, Spotify And Halewood International Added To Speaker Lineup For 2018 Brands Masterclass In London

iSportconnect is delighted to announce that NBA, Spotify and Halewood International have joined the speaker lineup for the 2018 Brands Masterclass, taking place on September 18, 2018. Daniel Rossomondo, the SVP, Head of Global Media and Business Development, for the NBA, Sarah Kiefer, the Director of Business Marketing, EMEA, for Spotify and James Wright, the Business Development Director for Halewood International, are the new names added to the lineup.

As Head of Media & Business Development in the Global Partnerships group at the National Basketball Association (NBA), Dan Rossomondo leads business development for new global marketing partners and manages the media sales relationships and media execution with NBA global licensees and partners while working to increase existing revenue and create new revenue streams.

Dan has previously served as Senior Vice President, International Business Development where he worked with regional offices across the NBA’s different business units. Dan also spent time in the Global Media Department where he managed the content needs of league marketing and merchandise partners on a global basis, worked on the NBA’s domestic U.S. television renewal and was the point person for the league’s television and digital media licensees with respect to advertising sales within Global Media Distribution. Additionally, Dan managed relationships with U.S. content distribution partners.

James Wright is an experienced Managing Director – Hawkshead & Aber Falls Whisky with a demonstrated history of working in the beer, wine and spirits industry. The Halewood portfolio includes Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, sponsor of the National Rugby Awards at Twickenham on August 29. After years of working on building beer brands such as Tiger, Corona and Tsingtao, James is now on the whiskey end of the business as Managing Director of Halewood’s Hawkshead & Aber Falls Distillery in Wales.

Sarah Kiefer runs Business Marketing for Spotify in EMEA. She is responsible for supporting the growth of Spotify’s advertising business and positioning Spotify as one of the most valuable parts of any media plan. Prior to joining Spotify, Sarah’s background was in Video and TV, most recently at Ooyala, the online video technology provider, and prior to that at Discovery and Viacom. Sarah is particularly interested in the intersection of media, technology and advertising and spent two years living in Silicon Valley and studying for an MBA at Stanford University.

More than ever, brands are at the heart of the business of sport. This exclusive event will engage thought leaders in a challenging and ever-changing global industry.

The programme for discussion will feature topics such as Embracing Transformational Tech, Brands & the eSports Phenomenon and Making New Deals & Making Them Work.

Other confirmed speakers for the 2018 Brands Masterclass include:

  • Lars Lamadé, the Head of Sponsorship, Europe & Asia, SAP
  • Gerhard Fourie, Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy, Aston Martin
  • Arjoon Bose, Marketing Head UK & Northern Europe at Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley and Fibre

PREVIOUS SPEAKERS

To register your interest in attending the 2018 Brands Masterclass, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com

Invitation Policy: The 2018 Brands 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. No sports agencies, professional service providers & suppliers are allowed to attend.

For limited partnership opportunities, please contact abigail@isportconnect.com

 

Milan Council Approves €15m San Siro Renovation

Italian football giants’ AC Milan and Inter Milan are to stay at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium after the city council agreed to renovate their ground at a cost of €15 million (£13.3 million).

The Serie A rivals have shared the famous stadium, also known as the San Siro, since 1947.

However, the iconic venue is lagging behind rival football stadiums with improvements urgently required in terms of seating, executive boxes and toilets.

The Milan City Council has agreed to the refurbishment, which is expected to be completed by 2020.

A council press release stated: ‘The technical committee for the use and management of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium and related services have approved the annual routine maintenance programme and plan of work for extraordinary maintenance and innovation of the stadium, to be carried out by June 2020.

‘It confirmed the annual relaying of the pitch, plus other procedures, such as the lighting of entrances, a new operations centre for police, sealing of the first tier, redevelopment of electrical systems and rebuilding the first-tier toilets.

‘The stands and executive boxes in the first tier will be modernised, plus there will be a new lounge for the club museum, increase in commercial spaces, construction in the red stand’s first tier of a fourth executive box and new media areas, as well as the renovation of the square outside the stadium.’

Inter Milan will play Champions League football this coming season after finishing 4th in last year’s top flight table, two places ahead of AC who’ll compete in the Europa League.