Olympic Channel announces six new federation partners

The Olympic Channel has today announced that it has reached cooperation agreements with the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), and the international governing bodies for fistball, muaythai, polo, powerlifting and tug of war to collaborate on content for the multi-platform global media destination.

The agreements with AIMS, International Fistball Association (IFA), International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA), Federation of International Polo (FIP), International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) bring the number of partners who have announced similar agreements with the Olympic Channel to 63.

Federation partners include international sports federations (IFs), recognised federations and organisations, multi-sport organisers and non-recognised federations.

“We are excited to welcome these organisations to the Olympic Channel’s robust family of federation partners,” said Mark Parkman, general manager of the IOC’s global Olympic Channel.

“As we look ahead to 2018, we are in a great position to promote all sports and athletes within the Olympic Movement, and help to distribute their content and grow their audiences worldwide.”

In addition to live event streaming, the Olympic Channel works with its federation partners to present event coverage, highlights, magazine shows, news coverage and original programming providing an additional platform to distribute content that are complementary to current broadcast and distribution arrangements.

The Olympic Channel is a multi-platform destination where fans can experience the power of sport and the excitement of the Olympic Games all year round, and is available worldwide via mobile apps for Android and iOS devices and at olympicchannel.com.

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iSportconnect adds Sky Sports and ICC to Broadcast Masterclass lineup

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

Jonathan Licht, Director of Strategy at Sky Sports, and Aarti Dabas, Head of Media Rights, Broadcast & Digital at the International Cricket Council, will bring significant value to the content programme, courtesy of extensive expertise in the broadcast space.

Peter Hutton, CEO of Eurosport, has also been confirmed as a guest speaker for the event, which will bring together industry thought leaders to focus on new ways for media companies, rights owners and technology partners to prosper, thrive and grow as the digital revolution continues to disrupt the sports broadcasting market.

Staying ahead of the broadcast curve has never been more difficult, with new opportunities coming online every single day, and the event offers a unique opportunity for leading executives to learn more about a crucial sector of the sports industry.

Debates are set to include a number of crunch topics, including the rise of OTT and the future of the broadcast rights landscape, while a series of networking sessions will ensure those in attendance are able to share experiences and best practises.

The event will be staged at K&L Gates’ London office, which is located in the modern iconic premises of One New Change in the heart of the city.

No agencies or press will be in attendance and, as we follow Chatham House Rules, all panel discussions will remain confidential, allowing delegates to forge new relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.

A full speaker lineup for the event will be confirmed in due course. Please contact Chris Edbrook (chris@isportconnect.com) to register your interest in attending.

Raelene Castle appointed new Chief Executive Officer of Rugby Australia

Highly-regarded sports administrator Raelene Castle has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Rugby Australia.

The former Chief Executive Officer of National Rugby League club Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Netball New Zealand will begin her new role in January 2018, following the resignation of Bill Pulver in August.

Castle will become the first woman to lead the national governing body for Rugby and in doing so will become the first female Chief Executive across all of the major national unions in world rugby.

Castle said: “I am honoured to be joining Rugby Australia and bringing to it my commercial and sports management and marketing experience.

“Having followed Rugby closely for over 30 years and having worked in the New Zealand and Australian sporting environments for the past 10 years, there is no doubt Australian rugby has a clear international and domestic offering for both male and female athletes that can be further developed and strengthened.

“I am especially looking forward to getting out into the Rugby communities across Australia and meeting the diverse range of people that make the game tick.”

Rugby Australia Chairman, Cameron Clyne, said Castle was the standout applicant from a list of over 200 candidates: “Raelene is an extremely impressive executive who covered every base as far as what the Board was looking for in a Chief Executive Officer to lead our game into an important new chapter.

“She offers an incredible wealth of experience in sports administration and business, with an outstanding track record in commercial, marketing and communications roles.

“Through her most recent roles as CEO of the Bulldogs and Netball New Zealand, Raelene has led sporting organisations at both a national and club level, giving her an in-depth understanding of what it takes to run a national sporting body as well as the unique challenges for clubs and the importance of building strong relationships and a unity of purpose within a sporting code.”

Baroness Harding and Sandy Dudgeon join The Jockey Club’s board as Julia Budd becomes Deputy Senior Steward

Baroness Dido Harding and Sandy Dudgeon will join the main board of The Jockey Club, which runs many of British horseracing’s most popular events, including the Randox Health Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival and The Investec Derby, and is the sport’s largest commercial group.

Harding and Dudgeon have been appointed to The Jockey Club’s Board of ‘Stewards’ for three-year terms from 1st January 2018. Stewards are Members of The Jockey Club elected to oversee the performance of the Group and ensure The Jockey Club lives up to its Royal Charter commitments to act for the long-term good of British Racing, which includes reinvesting all profits back into the sport.

Baroness Harding said: “I have been involved in horseracing all my adult life and it is a huge honour and privilege to be appointed a Steward of The Jockey Club. British Racing has never been stronger and I look forward to playing my part in helping The Jockey Club and the sport thrive going forward.”

Sandy Dudgeon said: “I am delighted to be asked to join The Jockey Club’s Board of Stewards. I very much look forward to all that will be involved and hope my experience both in the UK and more recently in Asia will be of some use as we seek to act in the best long-term interests of British Racing.”

Julia Budd, who has been a Steward since 2012, has been elected to the position of Deputy Senior Steward (equivalent of Deputy Chairman), succeeding Andrew Merriam.

Julia Budd said: “It has been a privilege to act as a Steward and now to be appointed as Deputy Senior Steward. I have big shoes to fill in succeeding Andrew Merriam after the tremendous contribution he has made in the role, but I look forward to the challenge very much.”

ITTF signs multi-year integrity partnership with Sportradar

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has signed a new integrity partnership with Sportradar and will utilise the organisation’s monitoring, intelligence and prevention solutions to help safeguard against match fixing.

Hundreds of matches each year will be covered by Sportradar’s Fraud Detection System (FDS), a service that credibly and effectively identifies betting-related manipulation in sport, across all ITTF’s major events.

As part of the agreement, the ITTF will also call on Sportradar’s bespoke Fraud Intelligence Unit (FIU) to develop an unmatched picture of those who may be looking to enable, organise and finance any integrity attacks on the popular global sport.

ITTF President, Mr Thomas Weikert, said: “We are very pleased to be signing a partnership with Sportradar, as the world’s leading supplier of solutions to help prevent the threat of match-fixing and other integrity concerns around table tennis.

“Protecting the sport from such activity is crucial in maintaining table tennis’ position as an exhilarating spectacle and professional sport. We are looking forward to working with Sportradar to keep our sport clean, which is one of the aspects that we pride ourselves on.”

Sportradar’s Managing Director of Integrity Services, Andreas Krannich, added: “Table tennis is a truly global sport, enjoyed in every corner of the globe and fan favourite at every Olympic Games.

“The ITTF have today sent a clear message to their stakeholders and fans: comprehensive and credible protection is now in place to keep the game you love honest. There will be no compromise in this regard. We are humbled by their trust and commitment.”

The Ticket Factory appoints Richard Howle as Director of Ticketing

The Ticket Factory has strengthened its offer for event organisers by appointing Richard Howle as Director of Ticketing.

Under the new leadership of NEC Group Arenas Managing Director Phil Mead, Howle has been appointed to take The Ticket Factory forward by expanding its technological capabilities and further improve the user journey for both client and the ticket buyer.

Having joined the business at the start of December, Howle boasts 18 years’ experience working in the ticketing industry with past appointments including Commercial Director for the Really Useful Theatres Group, and International Sales Director prior to this at AKA Promotions Ltd.

Howle is also a Director of the governing council which oversees the work of STAR (Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers), the live entertainment ticketing industry’s self-regulatory body.

He said: “I am thrilled to join The Ticket Factory and to bring my experience of running in-house ticketing operations to the role. It is a company I have long admired with a well-deserved reputation for delivering excellence.

“I am looking forward to building The Ticket Factory brand at this pivotal point in the company’s history, having just celebrated its tenth anniversary. Over the past decade, The Ticket Factory has established itself as an industry challenger in a highly competitive, fast-moving industry and has an exciting future ahead.”

Mead added: “Richard’s appointment will serve to further strengthen the offering of The Ticket Factory in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“It has a unique partnership with the NEC Group Arenas, and with Richard’s direction, the businesses will be able to work even closer together to provide a seamless experience for clients and customers alike.”

Project11 expands LaLiga advertising opportunities

Project11 are excited to announce the addition of 22 home and away Atlético Madrid fixtures, enabling brands to benefit from more LaLiga advertising opportunities than ever before.

This addition to Project11’s LaLiga offerings, which currently includes perimeter advertising at 36 Real Madrid and Barcelona away fixtures, will deliver the opportunity to further increase brand exposure using Digital Billboard Replacement (DBR) technology.

Digitally overlaying advertising and transmitting to chosen feeds, DBR enables different adverts to be broadcast to chosen regions simultaneously.

Working with Spanish communications company, Media Pro, Project11 have extensively increased offerings in recent years, putting brands in highly prominent advertising positions and transforming revenue generation potential of clubs in Spain through the use of DBR technology.

MediaPro’s Commercial Director, Julian Fernandez, said: “DBR is an interesting income stream for the clubs and LaLiga in Spain. LED is an asset with direct coverage on TV which assures brands audiences in their millions each season.

“LED and virtual LED (DBR) forms part of MediaPro’s portfolio which includes managing three TV sport channels in Spain, as well as a number of sponsorship programs, 34 of the 42 club websites in the first and second division of LaLiga and eSports, amongst others.

“That’s the reason why we need partners in the international market and we prefer to work with companies like Project11, as our exclusive DBR rights holders, which have the tools to help us achieve our business objectives through their strong sales force and access to clients across the globe.”

Project11’s Partner, Scott Taylor, said: “We have a strong, long-standing relationship with Media Pro and LaLiga, enhancing the growth of both LaLiga and Project11 year on year. The addition of Atlético Madrid matches is a natural progression, further enforcing our market position.

“These are exciting times for Project11 as we continually strive forward, and our passionate and dedicated team continue to deliver. More announcements to follow.”

Adolfo Barra, Managing Director of Sales and Marketing at LaLiga, spoke of the league’s success: “LaLiga has seen a tremendous growth in recent years thanks to the success of its teams and players in the international landscape, seeing a 300% increase in global audience. LaLiga will reach 3 billion fans by the end of this season.

“We have become a truly international property, appealing to both global and regional brands in different regions of the world. That is the reason why it is really important for us to be able to deliver meaningful and relevant assets to our sponsors allowing customisation by territory and language.

“DBR technology has been key to be able to help the brands deliver their message to their consumers in a more efficient way and it’s great working with Project 11 on this.”

With extensive and expanding rights in football with matches that feature the greatest players on the planet, Project11 look forward to kicking off upcoming fixtures with more offerings available for both targeted and global exposure.

Be part of the 2017/18 season and secure your place ahead of the competition in the 2018/19 season now, by calling +44 (0) 20 3841 5350 or emailing info@project11group.com for more information.

World Snooker extends BBC broadcast deal up to 2023-24

World Snooker has agreed a five-year contract extension with the BBC to broadcast the World Championship, the UK Championship and the Masters.

The deal, which includes television and online coverage, will now run until the end of the 2023-24 season.

World Snooker chairman, Barry Hearn, said: “So many great moments in the history of our sport are synonymous with the coverage they have received on the BBC.

“The Triple Crown tournaments have a history which can’t be replicated and bring something extra special to snooker fans and those watching on the BBC alike.”

Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport, added: “The new deal means that these events will continue to be televised free-to-air for many years to come, which is fantastic news for the many millions of fans around the UK.”

Dugout adds Major League Soccer to roster of partners

Dugout and Major League Soccer (MLS) have launched a new partnership that adds MLS to Dugout’s roster of 70 of the world’s biggest clubs and more than 100 of the best-known football players.

As part of the agreement, MLS will have a dedicated League page on the Dugout platform, where football fans around the world can access content including highlight videos, skill vignettes, and player features.

Seth Bacon, Senior Vice President, Media, MLS, said: “We are excited to partner with Dugout. MLS has seen expansive growth across all media metrics and platforms for the last four years – this partnership is another extension of that growth. This new distribution platform will serve as an excellent way to deliver exclusive MLS content.”

Elliot Richardson, Executive Chairman, Dugout, added: “This is a hugely exciting signing for Dugout and another mark of our progress and global appeal.

“MLS is the fastest growing league in the world and by connecting them to Dugout’s 10 million monthly active users, we look forward to helping the league expand its global footprint and deliver the best content from its clubs to football fans across the globe. This partnership supports Dugout’s long term strategic plans in a key market.”

Earlier this year, Dugout announced the Scottish Professional Football League as the first national league to join the platform and the Football Federation of Portugal as the first national football federation to join its family of partners.

Eleven Sports secures extended five-year NBA agreement in Taiwan

Global sports provider Eleven Sports has extended its NBA coverage in Taiwan after agreeing an improved 5-year sublicensing partnership.

The new agreement means that leading action from the NBA will be available on Eleven Sports via cable TV and through Eleven’s OTT platform. Previously Eleven had only shown NBA on its OTT service.

Since the beginning of the current season, Eleven has been airing three live games per game week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

In addition to the regular season games, Eleven will also show LIVE action from the NBA Playoffs, the NBA All-Star game, the NBA Conference Finals and The NBA Finals, in addition to the NBA Draft, NBA Awards and the NBA Summer League across cable TV and OTT.

Fans will also have access to NBA Action, a magazine show which delivers highlights and news from around the league, including a recap of the past week’s on-court action and statistics.

“We are thrilled to build on our successful coverage of basketball in Taiwan by extending our NBA offer to cable TV,” said Danny Menken, Group Managing Director, Eleven Sports.

“The NBA is one of the world’s top sports leagues which attracts a huge following in Taiwan. This is a great boost for us given Eleven’s platform agnostic strategy to reach every fan with strong content that is popular in the domestic market.”

Eleven Sports’ NBA extension follows the announcement of a five-year deal with FIBA in June to show live and exclusive coverage of three of the biggest events on the international basketball calendar including 2017 and 2021 FIBA Asia Cups and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019. Eleven’s growing basketball portfolio makes the platform a go-to destination for fans of the sport in Taiwan.

As well as premium basketball action, subscribers in Taiwan have a front row seat to scintillating sport available on Eleven Sports including live and exclusive coverage of the Premier League, Serie A TIM, the Emirates FA Cup, Cage Warriors, ATP World Tour 250 Tennis, the World Baseball Classic, Taiwan based CPBL baseball team ‘the Lamigo Monkeys’, the Chinese Basketball Association, and Badminton Asia Championships.