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NASCAR bolsters international efforts with new leadership roles

NASCAR has announced a series of new leadership appointments as it expands its international business.

The organisation has named Jim Cassidy as new chief international officer, who will be reporting to Steve O’Donnell, executive vice president and chief racing development officer.

Cassidy will oversee all international competition and commercial operations, building on the success of NASCAR’s three international series with the NASCAR Pinty’s Series in Canada, NASCAR Mexico Series and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.

O’Donnell said: “Jim brings nearly two decades of racing operations and industry leadership experience. He has worked tirelessly to grow our existing motorsports properties outside of the U.S and will lead our efforts to identify important growth opportunities internationally for our sport and its growing fanbase.”

Cassidy added: “NASCAR racing is broadcast in over 185 countries and territories, with race fans engaging stock car racing in person at events in Canada, Mexico and across Europe. The demand for NASCAR racing internationally has never been stronger and we look forward to bringing our sport closer to race fans everywhere.”

Meanwhile, Chad Seigler has been appointed as the vice president, International Business Development and Celeste Griffin-Churchill as senior director, International.

NASCAR additionally named Ben Kennedy as general manager, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Kennedy will oversee all aspects of NASCAR’s truck series, working closely with Brad Moran, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series managing director, and Jeff Wohlschlaeger, managing director, Series Marketing to continue to deliver great racing, fan experience and marketing across this series.

Kennedy will report into Elton Sawyer, vice president, Competition and will work closely with O’Donnell and Steve Phelps, executive vice president and chief global sales and marketing officer.

ITF announces major restructure of professional tennis with 2019 transition tour

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has today announced details of the new ITF transition tour that will be launched in 2019 as part of a major restructuring of professional tennis.

The tour aims to provide a more effective pathway linking the ITF Junior Circuit and the senior professional game, and also ensure that prize money at professional level tournaments is better targeted to enable more players to make a living.

The creation of the transition tour is based on ITF research that shows that while over 14,000 players compete each year in professional tournaments, only around 350 men and 250 women break even financially without consideration of coaching costs.

The transition tour will be staged within a more localised circuit structure that reduces costs for players and tournament organisers. This will also increase opportunities for players from more countries to join the pathway and be supported in their transition to professional tennis.

The transition tour forms part of a new worldwide tournament structure that has been agreed between the ITF, ATP and WTA in order to address the current challenges at entry level.

This structure is expected to reduce the number of professional players with ATP and WTA rankings from 3,000 players to approximately 750 men and 750 women.

Women’s tour structure 2019:

Men’s tour structure 2019:

ITF President David Haggerty said: “The new worldwide tournament structure in which we have collaborated with the ATP and WTA will help address the issues of transition between the junior and senior game, and enable more professional players to make a living.

“The introduction of the transition tour will allow players to take the first steps towards becoming a future champion within a more targeted and affordable circuit structure.”

Chris Kermode, ATP Executive Chairman & President, added: “The new points structure from 2019 will lead to significant enhancements to the player pathway through men’s professional tennis, providing a seamless link for players to progress upwards into ATP Challengers and beyond.

“We look forward to the successful implementation of the new structure through our continued extensive collaboration with the ITF.”

Steve Simon, WTA Chairman & CEO, commetned: “It is the goal of many talented young tennis players to compete on the WTA Tour. We support the restructuring of the pathway to professional tennis that is being announced by the ITF which is designed to simplify the forward progress of talented young players through different tournament levels.

“These efforts will provide more targeted job opportunities for players, and ultimately establish a clear pathway structure for players to move up to the WTA professional level.”

iSportconnect adds Canal+ and Olympic Channel to Broadcast Masterclass lineup

iSportconnect is pleased to announce that two additional guest speakers have been added to the lineup for the Broadcast Masterclass on February 28, 2018.

Sebastien Audoux, Head of Sports – Canal OTT (Canal+ Group), and Federico de Mojana, Head of Programming at the ‎Olympic Channel, will take part in the day’s first panel focusing on the new generation of video platforms.

Discussion topics are set to include how pay-TV operators can keep customers, the challenges for rights owners creating direct-to-consumer platforms and whether pay-TV & OTT offerings can co-exist.

Audoux will bring valuable insight to the content programme, with his current role encompassing the structuring and negotiating of a wide variety of deals relating to the development, production & acquisition of programming content, plus digital media and technology.

De Mojana is a thought leader in his field and is responsible for the content strategy of the Olympic Channel, including the creation of content partnerships with production companies, rights holders and international federations.

The event offers a unique opportunity for leading executives to learn more about a crucial sector of the sports industry. A range of panel discussions, presentations and case studies will also focus on the future of the broadcast rights landscape, deepening audience engagement, monetising mobile audiences and adapting to new platforms.

Confirmed speaker lineup:

Peter Hutton, CEO of Eurosport

Jonathan Licht, Director of Strategy at Sky Sports

Aarti Dabas, Head of Media Rights, Broadcast & Digital at the International Cricket Council

Shane Warden, Director of Broadcast & Technology at ATP Media

Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights at Formula 1

Ralph Straus, Commercial Director at the International Equestrian Federation

Stefan Kürten, Executive Director of EBU Sport

Sebastien Audoux, Head of Sports – Canal OTT

Federico de Mojana, Head of Programming at the ‎Olympic Channel

The event will be held at K&L Gates’ offices in central London. No agencies or press will be in attendance and, as Chatham House Rules will be strictly adhered to, all discussions will remain confidential.

Additionally, a series of intimate networking sessions will give delegates an opportunity to forge new relationships and discuss potential partnerships in a relaxed atmosphere.

Want to attend? See our invitation policy below:

There is no fee to attend this event. However, the Broadcast Masterclass is open exclusively to senior sports business executives from broadcasters, rights holders and sponsorship brands only.
No agencies or press can attend and, as we follow Chatham House Rules, all discussions will remain confidential.
Capacity is capped at 150 delegates allowing intimate access to key decision makers in the sports industry.

Please contact Chris Edbrook (chris@isportconnect.com) to register your interest in attending.

The SPOT hits the mark with exceptional list of speakers and innovative programme

What do the Founding Director of the Sports Innovation Programme at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Global Head of Research at Nielsen Sports and a former Director for Federal Cybersecurity Policy on the White House National Security Council have in common?

Answer: They will all be guest speakers at the first edition of The SPOT, which will take place on 15-16 May 2018 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

ThinkSport has unveiled a number of knowledgeable speakers along with details on the programme of a pioneering new event that aims to stimulate progress in sport by bringing together bright minds and fresh innovations inside and outside the industry.

Senior Manager at Exponent, Inc. and former MIT Sports Innovation Programme founder Kim Blair, who has also an interesting background as a NASA aerospace engineer, will discuss new technologies.

Mike Wragg, Global Head of Research at Nielsen Sports, will share his insights into the global expansion of e-sports, while Dr. Earl Crane of Emergent Network Defense, a former National Security Council member, will give a presentation on digital security.

Anything but conventional, The SPOT will offer the following:

• A Marketplace and Demo Zone, where participants will be able to present and discover innovative products and solutions;
• Numerous networking opportunities allowing new cross-sector partnerships and projects to come into being;
• An engaging conference and workshop programme, created to connect participants with pioneers in innovation;
• An international start-up competition to promote and reward new business ideas.

The two-day conference and workshop program is structured around the themes of Connecting the World, Information is Power, Future Athletes and Future Sport. Discussions will take place in an open space and a dynamic atmosphere. Speakers will share their insights with participants and then engage in thought-provoking conversations with each other and with attendees.

The start-up contest targets young companies with innovative business ideas that help to promote sport and physical activity in any form. Start-ups have until 20 April 2018 to sign up for the event, where they will be given the opportunity to make three-minute pitches of their concepts on a dedicated stage.

Each start-up will then partake in three-minute Q&A sessions with a panel of experts. A handful of shortlisted start-ups will then advance to the final, to be held in front of an audience that will include investors. Start-ups can benefit from interesting event packages as well as the early bird rate.

Anna Hellman, Director of ThinkSport, said: “We have been thrilled by the interest shown in The SPOT by people from all kinds of sectors and backgrounds. As a result, we have lined up some great speakers and contributors. We will continue to work hard to create a valuable event that brings together people of all different backgrounds who are keen to think outside the box. It is about offering different angles on various topics that will have an important impact on the future of sport.”

ThinkSport has signed up seven sponsors for The SPOT already: Be.care (Health Services), digitalswitzerland (Swiss Digital Network), EVS (Broadcast Production Services), Medbase (Medical
Centres), Mindmaze/ Gait Up (Motion Analysis Solutions), Nielsen (Research & Insight) and Penceo (a digital communication agency).

Negotiations with other companies are ongoing. Click here to find out more about supporters of The SPOT.

Whether you work in the sports industry or elsewhere, come from Switzerland or abroad, The SPOT is sure to engage people with an interest or stake in sport, physical activity and technology and those keen to think outside the box. Secure your early bird rate by registering at www.thespot2018.org by 25 February 2018.

SportAccord 2018 confirms initial speaker line-up for Bangkok conference programme

SportAccord has confirmed close to 25 speakers for the upcoming SportAccord World Sport and Business Summit. SportAccord will be held from 15 – 20 April 2018 at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre, Thailand.

“We have an amazing SportAccord lined up for 2018, across the conference, the exhibition and the many programmes and events that comprise SportAccord, said Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to experience many new elements this year, most notably the new HealthAccord conference stream, additional events, hospitality and networking areas, as well as the unique Thai Pavilion. We’re looking forward to hosting the most prestigious annual sports business event for sport and industry, towards creating a better future for the global sports community and citizens worldwide.”

This year’s SportAccord Summit (Plenary) is focused on “Uniting A Global Audience: Marketing and Sponsorship for the Future.” Continuing the theme of ‘sponsorship and marketing’ throughout the conference programme, speakers will be representing organisations across the entire sports business landscape including industry, international sports federations, cities and regions, as well as legal and medical experts. Confirmed speakers include:

Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand
Adolfo Bara, Managing Director Sales & Marketing, La Liga
Caroline Baxter Tresise, International Consultant, Social and Human Resources, UNESCO
Charmaine Crooks C.M. Olympic Medalist, President, NGU Consultants
Craig Howe, CEO & Founder, Rebel Ventures
David Eades, Journalist and Anchor, BBC World
David Simon, President, Los Angeles Sports Council
Frederique Reynertz, Director of Legal and Business Affairs Department, IAAF
Giles D. Morgan, Independent Advisor and Former Global Head of Sponsorship & Events, HSBC Holdings PLC
Guy Port, Managing Director Asia, Nielsen Sports
Hayden Opie, Senior Fellow (Melbourne Law Masters), University of Melbourne
James Pearce, Sports Broadcaster, BBC
Jeff Benz, CEDS, JAMS Mediator and Arbitrator and former General Counsel of the United States Olympic Committee
Kim Andersen, President, World Sailing
Laurie Cavan, GM Parks, Recreation & Culture, City of Surrey, BC, Canada
Margo Mountjoy, Chair, ASOIF Medical + Scientific Consultative Group, IOC Medical + Scientific Commission-Games Group FINA Bureau
Matteo Vitello, Business Relations Manager, Technogym SPA
Matthieu Reeb, Secretary General, Court of Arbitration for Sport
Melanie Duparc, Coordinator, Smart Cities & Sport
Michael Lenard, Vice President, ICAS
Prof. Fabio Pigozzi, President, FIMS (International Federation of Sports Medicine) & Member of the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission – Medical and Scientific Group
Stephen Townley, Chairman, Active Rights Management Ltd
Thomas Lund, Secretary General, Badminton World Federation
Troy Pugmire, Managing Director, Gramercy Global Media

The SportAccord 2018 conference programme comprises five key streams including: The Summit, CityAccord, LawAccord, MediaAccord and HealthAccord. The conference programme, exhibition, networking and cultural events can be attended by delegates who register at www.sportaccord.com.

Glory Kickboxing names Fairtex official glove provider

Glory Kickboxing has today announced a global equipment partnership with Fairtex, who engineer boxing and Muay Thai gloves.

Fairtex will outfit all athletes on fight night, beginning immediately with next month’s Chicago event and extends to every live event throughout the multi-year partnership.

Jon J Franklin, Glory Chief Development Officer, said: “Two of the most well-known brands in combat sports are joining forces, but this announcement represents much more than that.

“We strive as an organization to put on the biggest and best fights possible, with our world-class athletes setting an incredible standard for excellence. With Fairtex as a partner supporting that endeavor, the fighters can perform with confidence that their equipment is held to the same standard of excellence.”

Philip Wong, Fairtex Chairman and Founder, added: “As companies, both GLORY and Fairtex have been unceasingly committed to pursuing the passion of combat sports.

“We’ve long felt that Fairtex should be part of the best kickboxing events worldwide, so I’m honored to finally be working with GLORY to make that a reality.”

As part of the partnership, Fairtex will be prominently featured throughout Glory’s global network, including brand presence on the promotion’s broadcast, digital platforms and at live events.

Dubai Duty Free extend Irish Derby sponsorship

Dubai Duty Free has agreed a deal to extend their sponsorship of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby for 2018.

The race, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday 30th June, represents the highlight of the three day Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival.

The airport retailer has sponsored the race since 2008, having initially commenced its partnership with the County Kildare venue in 2002.

The total value of the 12 furlong contest will be 1.5 million euro with prize money distributed to the first eight placed horses with the winner receiving 870,000 euro. Dubai Duty Free will also sponsor five other races on the day.

Derek McGrath, CEO of The Curragh, said: “Dubai Duty Free have been outstanding partners of the Curragh and I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution that Colm McLoughlin and his team have made to the success of the Irish Derby over the past ten years.”

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, added: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with the Curragh for 2018 and happy that our association with the Curragh has grown over the years.

“The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is now a weekend festival of quality racing and entertainment and the media exposure generated greatly raises the profile of our brand in Ireland.”

How Monterosa helped EA Sports transform the global voting experience for Premier League fans

EA SPORTS is a leading global interactive entertainment software company publishing a series of market leading games including FIFA 18, Madden 18 and NBA Live 18. As the Lead Partner of the Premier League, EA SPORTS holds the exclusive global rights to activate the Player of the Month award.

THE CHALLENGE

For the 2017/18 season, EA SPORTS challenged us to help them take more ownership of the exclusive asset and to drive greater value from the right, with added importance on providing a secure and scalable platform to match their innovative reputation.

Our response was to deploy Fan Voice, our leading web-based voting product powered by our award-winning interaction platform LViS. The solution enables our clients to offer voting experiences at scale across multiple destinations, languages and brand designs.

RESULTS

GIVING FANS THE CONTEXT

Fan Voice Integrates with video and live data to transform voting from a task into an experience. With each player having their own page, fans can now review their monthly performance (minutes played, goals scored, etc.) and watch the player in action, to help them choose their preferred option.

SOCIAL VOTE SHARING

We wanted the fans to be able to shout about who they had voted for. So we deployed the Fan Voice meme generator. Fans are offered a choice of headlines to lay over an image of their selected player. It then creates a card that can be shared instantly across Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.

CAPTURING DATA & REWARDING FANS

A key area identified for this project was linking the FIFA game series with the real-life Premier League competition and we were keen to find ways in which we could create a connection with EA SPORTS’ popular FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) feature.

By asking fans to share their gamer details such as username, email address and preferred console we were able to reward a selection of fans with highly sought-after Player of the Month hero items within their personal FUT teams, giving them an advantage over their online competition.

Click here to try out a demo of the EA SPORTS Premier League Player of the Month vote experience

Eurosport to offer fans VR coverage of Olympic Winter Games across Europe

Eurosport is set to offer sports fans the first-ever live virtual reality (VR) coverage of the Olympic Winter Games across Europe.

The broadcaster’s VR app will allow supporters to fully immerse themselves in the Games, with more than 50 hours of live coverage available, including some of the biggest moments from PyeongChang.

Fans will also be able to personalise their viewing experience by choosing their preferred view point from a selection of camera positions, which will take viewers closer to the heart of the live action.

The coverage is set to be provided to Eurosport by the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), the broadcaster’s partner at next month’s Games.

Ralph Rivera, Managing Director, Eurosport Digital, added: “Discovery has set out to transform the Olympic Winter Games viewing experience, so being able to offer viewers across Europe every minute of the Games and now every angle of some of the biggest events in live VR goes a long way to delivering this promise.

“We want to do this to engage more people, on more screens, with the Games than ever before, offering something new to attract younger audiences. In this way, we hope to make fans care even more about the sports they are passionate about.”