UK sporting public would rather attend Wimbledon, Six Nations and Olympics than World Cup 2018, research reveals

New research has revealed that British sports fans would prefer to purchase tickets to a host of other major sports events, home and abroad, rather than the Football World Cup 2018 in Russia.

Data collected by sports and entertainment research company SMG Insight shows that Brits rank Wimbledon, the Six Nations and both the Winter and Summer Olympics as events they would most like to attend if money and geography were no object.

The Football World Cup ranks above the World Athletics Championships and the Commonwealth Games for fans, with the Rugby World Cup 2019 already level-pegging with football’s blue riband event on fans’ wish-lists.

Bruce Cook, SMG Director, says that several factors may be putting sports fans off the World Cup: “There’s a feeling that Russia next year may well not be the most hospitable place for England fans. The violent clashes during the Euros involving Russian fans has no doubt had an impact on fans’ views.

“On top of that, England’s performances at major tournaments will have pushed Russia 2018 down the list of many fans. There’s no doubt that England will be well-supported in Russia but for many casual sports fans, England’s showing at recent tournaments has been enough to push the World Cup down our wish-list league.”

IAAF agrees new broadcasting deal with ESPN and EBU for World Indoor Tour rights

The IAAF has reached a new agreement with ESPN Media Distribution and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for the sale and distribution of media rights for selected events in the IAAF World Indoor Tour (WIT) from 2018 to 2023.

ESPN and the EBU will represent the global media rights to IAAF WIT events in Karlsruhe, Dusseldorf and Torun, held in February 2018.

Rights for the Mȕller Indoor Grand Prix Glasgow are also included in the agreement from 2019.

The news follows the announcement in August that ESPN Media Distribution and the EBU will hold the media rights for IAAF events across Europe and Africa, including the next three IAAF World Championships and IAAF World Indoor Championships.

IAAF CEO Olivier Gers said: “Athletics has had a phenomenal year with World Championship events in Uganda, Kenya and of course the spectacular IAAF World Championships in London this summer which was viewed in over 200 territories around the world.

“Bringing our sport into the homes and hands of our growing fan base underpins the media rights deals we are pursuing.  ESPN and the EBU have both the experience and the creativity to deliver this ambition.”

Charly Classen, vice president and general manager of ESPN EMEA, said “We are delighted to extend our partnership with the IAAF and the EBU.

“These events in the World Indoor Tour are a great addition to the deal and an excellent way for us to build on the solid foundations that began with the agreement we announced in August.”

Director of EBU Sport Stefan Kürten said: “The World Indoor Tour Athletics is an exciting addition to our existing agreement with IAAF and ESPN.

“Athletics is enjoying incredible success across Europe at the moment with viewers able to enjoy over 2,300 hours of action from this year’s IAAF World Championships across our territories.”

French Football Federation renews Volkswagen partnership until 2023

The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced the renewal of its partnership with Volkswagen until June 2023.

A major partner of the FFF since 2014, Volkswagen has reaffirmed its support for the French Men’s and Women’s Teams, the Coupe de France and all amateur football.

Noël Le Graët, president of the FFF, said: “We are delighted to extend this adventure with Volkswagen. The renewal of this major partnership with one of the largest car manufacturers marks the confidence that is given to the French Football Federation, its national teams and to French football as a whole.

“We have established a very constructive relationship over time. It has enabled us to finance means of transport for amateur clubs.”

Thierry Lespiaucq, president of Volkswagen Group France, added: “Volkswagen France and its entire network are delighted to continue their engagement with the FFF and continue to showcase the most popular sport in France for their shared values: commitment, closeness and passion.”

BMW becomes FIA Formula E official vehicle partner

BMW has extended its partnership with the FIA Formula E Championship, becoming the new Official Vehicle Partner of the electric street racing series as part of a multi-year agreement.

Starting from the season-opener in Hong Kong on 2-3 December, the German manufacturer will supply a fleet of vehicles, including the new-model BMW i3s medical cars and the BMW i8, which is used as the Qualcomm Safety Car.

Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO of Formula E, said: “It’s fantastic news that BMW i is extending its commitment as Official Vehicle Partner. Even when Formula E was just an idea and didn’t exist, we had BMW on board as a partner that believed in this project from the very beginning.

“It’s a legendary brand in the world of sports and in the car industry, and soon we’ll also have them in the pitlane trying to win. So, I can just say – welcome to the pitlane, and welcome again as a strong partner of Formula E.”

Jorg Reimann, vice president BMW brand experience, said: “It was almost a logical step for us to get involved in Formula E with BMW in 2014 – and it’s just as logical to continue the partnership in the coming years.

“Formula E is breaking new ground in motorsport in many ways, just as BMW does in terms of the mobility of the future, which is why the combination works really well.

“We’re particularly looking forward to seeing the BMW i3s on the track this season. It’s the sportiest BMW i3 there has ever been. This model clearly demonstrates how BMW combines driving pleasure with a premium character that is consistently geared towards sustainability.”

Fulham Football Club submits Riverside Stand plans

Fulham Football Club has today submitted an application to the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham council for the redevelopment of the Riverside stand at its Craven Cottage stadium.

This application follows a period of consultation and open dialogue with residents, supporters, and many stakeholders with an interest in the project and local area.

The Club secured planning permission for its previous design in 2013. The new proposal, commissioned by Fulham FC’s Chairman Mr Shahid Khan, has incorporated a modern design that is sympathetic with the river and local area and best reflects the needs of the Club, community and neighbourhood by delivering a wide range of benefits both now and for future generations.

In addition to increasing the seating capacity at Craven Cottage, the Club has sought to add amenities to help transform the riverside walkway into a world-class leisure destination, both on matchdays and non-matchdays.


This new design will still allow the River Thames walkway to be opened up, an aspect of the approved design in 2013, and will incorporate bars, restaurants, and lounges —all of which will be open for business throughout the year.

Alistair Mackintosh, Fulham FC Chief Executive Officer, said: “Everyone here at Fulham Football Club is incredibly excited to submit this application, and we are confident that the plans we have laid out will both upgrade the current stand and add new facilities that everyone in the community will be able to enjoy and appreciate.”

Formula E names Motorsport.com as official digital media partner

Formula E has named Motorsport.com as its official digital media partner ahead of the start of season four.

The Motorsport Network will bring fans of the electric street racing series additional news and video content across 28 global editions in 81 countries in 17 different languages.

As part of the agreement, new video content including the Formula E ‘Street Racers’ magazine programme will be shown on Motorsport.tv broadcast platforms on traditional cable, plus its online OTT apps and website.

The new media partnership is an extension of the existing relationship between Motorsport Network and the FIA Formula E Championship, with the former having announced earlier this year that it has taken an ownership stake in the electric street racing series.

Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Motorsport Network as our digital media partner – as we aim to benefit from the extensive reach of their platforms to bring Formula E content to as many passionate fans around the world.

“Formula E is transforming motor racing for the digital generation and as the leading motoring and motorsport media operation, Motorsport Network are the ideal partner to continue growing our presence in this space.”

Zak Brown, Motorsport Network Chairman, said: “The Formula E championship and Motorsport Network are both experiencing massive growth and we believe joining forces with this media partnership will provide to be very beneficial for both of us.

“Motorsport Network’s investment in Formula E was driven by the audience growth and engagement we saw in the series on our platforms.

“There is a new breed of motorsport fan around the world that is inspired by electric mobility, that will discover Motorsport Network for the first time thanks to our partnership. We also plan to work closely with the championship’s manufacturers to help them showcase their vision of the future of electric vehicles.”

Santander agrees three-year UEFA Champions League sponsorship deal

Banco Santander has agreed a thee-year deal to become an official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League for the 2018 to 2021 cycle.

The agreement represents the third partnership to be agreed as part of the curren sponsorship sales process for Europe’s most prestigious football competition. Heineken and Nissan have both already confirmed that they have extended their sponsorship of the competition for another three years.

Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Events SA Marketing Director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Santander into the UEFA Champions League sponsor family and are excited to partner with one of the most distinguished and forward-thinking banks globally.

“There is natural fit between the UEFA Champions League and Santander, with the bank being consistently recognised within the best global brands and, of course, with the UEFA Champions League Final remaining the most watched annual sporting event on the planet.

“Santander has a great heritage in sport and this partnership will allow the UEFA Champions League to further engage with football fans in Latin America and around the world.”

Banco Santander Executive Chairman, Ana Botín, added: “Santander’s partnership with the UEFA Champions League, the world’s most global and aspirational sporting competition, builds on our support of Libertadores and, more recently, Racing Santander, the local football team of the Cantabrian city where our bank was founded 160 years ago.

“We love sport. Our free-time exercise, which we do to challenge ourselves to be better, the weekend match we watch with family and friends, our loyalty to a club and the excitement of the spectacle. We will continue our support of sport because it is a valuable way to contribute to the prosperity of the communities where we work.”

EFL announces new partnership with Thai Airways

The English Football League (EFL) has announced a new partnership with Thai Airways, who will become an official supporter of the EFL.

As part of the agreement, Thai Airways will benefit from a digital and in-stadia presence at all five EFL Finals to be held at Wembley Stadium throughout the 2017/18 campaign.

The partnership is a product of the recent activity undertaken in Asia by the EFL – including August’s Asian Summit in China – coupled with the growing relationship and connections with Thai organisations. The EFL has also signed a number of high-profile broadcast deals in the region in recent months, including Super Sports in China and MCOT in Thailand.

EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said of the deal: “Asia is an increasingly important market for the EFL and our commercial partnerships are providing us with the opportunities to develop a strong footing in the region.

“The EFL’s standing is growing overseas, with this season’s launch of iFollow providing international fans with unrivalled access to EFL matches. This relationship will help to continue the growth in profile of the EFL and ensure that football fans in Asia are more engaged with our clubs and competitions than ever before.

“I am delighted that Thai Airways will become a part of the team for all five of our major finals and look forward to working closely with them as the relationship develops.”

Mrs Usanee Sangsingkeo, Thai Airways Acting President, added: “We are pleased to announce that Thai Airways is to be an Official Supporter of the EFL and see our partnership as a wonderful opportunity to connect with football fans. We very much look forward to strengthening our ties with England through this partnership.”

GLORY kickboxing confirms livestreaming deal with Pluto TV

GLORY, the world’s premier kickboxing league, has today announced a partnership with Pluto TV – the leading free Internet television service in America – to livestream the preliminary bouts at every GLORY fight night.

Previously untelevised, full preliminary fight cards take place before the GLORY SuperFight Series at each live event. These bouts give fans an opportunity to see emerging kickboxing talent before they are ready to debut on the big stage.

“Pluto TV has been a great partner for GLORY,” said Nadim Tannous, Vice President of Digital, GLORY. “Their curated GLORY channel has already been extremely well received and this additional live content will create new means for fans to access the kickboxing they crave.

“A major element of our online strategy is to distribute via OTT platforms and increase our brand presence with the leaders in that space. We look forward to growing further with Pluto TV.”

Amy Kuessner, VP of Content Partnerships, Pluto TV, added: “Pluto TV fans love sports and GLORY Kickboxing is one of our most popular channels. This expanded partnership brings never before seen live content to our viewers nationwide.”

SAP becomes official sponsoring partner of the DFB Academy

The DFB Academy and SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) have announced that SAP has become an official sponsoring partner of the DFB Academy.

The initial three-year agreement between the market leader for enterprise software and the academy of the German Soccer Association (DFB) will focus on joint innovation projects in the framework of the evolution of soccer in Germany.

The collaboration is set to concentrate on topics involving young talent support, match and practice analysis and expert training. As a DFB sponsoring partner, SAP brings years of experience in the areas of data analytics, evaluation of payer performance and technological innovations in football to the table.

Oliver Bierhoff, Project Manager, DFB Academy, said: “A core tenet of the academy is our desire to continue the evolution of German soccer, and we want to use the latest technologies to do so.

“Big Data analytics is becoming more and more important for soccer, and we want to apply it for our work. We are very pleased to have a strong partner like SAP, which stands for competency, innovation and modern infrastructure and technology. These are the characteristics we want to utilize to our benefit.”

Bernd Leukert, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE and responsible for Products & Innovation, SAP, added: “Data analytics and performance improvements based on reliable information are decisive in all respects of professional sports.

“Together with the DFB Academy we will continue to work on innovations for soccer in Germany. With our expertise in the processing of mass data for match and practice analysis, we can deliver real added value to the DFB Academy in the areas of young talent support, talent development and player scouting.”

SAP has been an official premium partner of the DFB and its national team since 2013. Previous co-innovation projects have helped the team to victory at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the FIFA Confederations Cup and the UEFA European U21 Championship in 2017.