SBC Awards caps ground-breaking 2017 for SBC Events

The disco-themed SBC Awards provided SBC Events with a fittingly stunning finish to 2017, a year in which both its headline conferences recorded growth of more than 100%.

The success of the ceremony at the Artillery Garden, which featured a silent auction that raised £1,700 for GambleAware and saw bet365 collect the Bookmaker of the Year prize for the fourth year in a row, consolidated a ground-breaking year for the news and events company. For the official photos of the SBC Awards 2017, click here.

The fourth edition of Betting on Football at Stamford Bridge in May attracted more than 1,100 delegates, a 150% increase from 2016. Networking space at the event was trebled to cater for 40 exhibitors, while the conference area played host to more than 140 speakers including Chris Kamara, one of many sporting stars to support SBC Events in 2017.


Betting on Sports 2017, held in September at Olympia Conference Centre, took this progression to another level by welcoming more than 1,300 delegates, a 120% climb from the previous year. There was space for over 60 exhibitors, while delegates were treated to parties at two of London’s most spectacular venues, Altitude 360 and Under the Bridge.

SBC Events presented the most comprehensive agenda the industry had ever seen, with more than 44 sessions and 180  speakers including 70-times capped Scottish rugby union player Kenny Logan, while the exhibition space featured the chance to ‘meet and greet’ Michael Vaughan, England’s most successful Test cricket captain and Mr Green ambassador.

Betting on Sports also introduced the ‘Betting on Esports’ track, which will be expanded on for the Esports Insider Super Forum, one of three exclusive new events to be launched at next year’s Betting on Football (20-23 March) alongside the Affiliate Insider Bootcamp and SBC Sponsorship Forum.

Planning is also well underway for the five other tracks at #bofcon2018 – World Cup and beyond, Global Market Profiles, Leadership, Customer Journey and Betting on Innovation, a series of presentations by companies attempting to grow their business by bringing an innovative product to market.

The list of confirmed speakers includes the likes of Mr Green CEO Jesper Kärrbrink and Snaitech CEO Fabio Schiavolin, alongside SBC Events debutants such as Paddy Power Betfair Fraud Director Jacqueline Hart.

SBC Managing Director Andrew McCarron said: “It has been a landmark year for SBC Events. With the support of our sponsors, we have overseen huge growth of the Betting on Football and Betting on Sports conferences.

“This has been mixed with the successful running of a series of well attended one-day events featuring sporting stars, including the H20 Data Semina with Ruud Gullit and John Barnes, the SBC Snooker Forum with Ronnie O’Sullivan and the SBC Gibraltar Forum with racing legend Richard Dunwoody.

“Plans are already well underway for the fifth edition of Betting on Football, which has been brought forward from May to March to address key industry issues ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. We look forward to welcoming the entire sports betting industry to Stamford Bridge in just a few months time.”

Major League Soccer awards expansion club to Nashville

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber has today announced that the city of Nashville, Tennessee has been awarded an MLS expansion club.

Nashville’s MLS team will be owned by the investment group, Nashville Soccer Holdings, LLC, led by John R. Ingram, the chairman of Ingram Industries Inc.

As a result of a private-public partnership between the club’s owners and the community, the team will play in a new, 27,500-seat soccer stadium at The Fairgrounds Nashville.

Commissioner Garber said: “Nashville is a rising city with a passionate soccer fan base, a dedicated ownership group and civic leaders that truly believe in this sport.

“Nashville continues its ascent as one of America’s most dynamic communities, with its incredible energy and creativity. For us, that makes it a perfect place for MLS expansion.

“John Ingram and his partners had a plan to bring MLS to Nashville during the last year and they executed it at every level. Thanks to their vision, the soccer fans of Tennessee will soon have their own MLS club and a state-of-the-art soccer stadium that undoubtedly will be a centerpiece of the community.”

Ingram added: “This is a landmark day for Nashville and for all of the loyal and ardent soccer advocates in our state and our region.

“During the last year, with the support of our partners, the fans, and civic and community leaders, we were able to make a strong case for why Major League Soccer belonged in the great sports town of Nashville.

“Thank you MLS owners and Commissioner Garber for your confidence in us. We will have a team that everyone can be proud of, and we will take a leadership role in enhancing the growth of the sport in a region that already has a passionate soccer culture. Nashville is going to be a very worthy addition to MLS.”

Brentford FC and Oui Chef announce partnership

Oui Chef has become the latest business to join Brentford Football Club’s partnership family, having signed up to be an official club supplier.

The firm has supplied the food consumed by the Brentford players every day at the club’s Jersey Road Training Ground for the past two years and has now extended their partnership further.

Oui Chef also support the Championship club by assisting with early morning deliveries to ensure the food consumed by the players is fresh.

Adam Ward, Brentford FC Partnership Development Manager, said: “Oui Chef provide some of the vital ingredients that fuel our team, so it’s fantastic that they have formalised their relationship with Brentford FC. We hope this can be a fruitful partnership that continues to grow.”

Keval Patel, Managing Director at Oui Chef, added: “Having worked with Brentford for the past couple of years, we’re thrilled to partner with them and be part of the exciting journey they are currently on as both of our brands continue to organically grow.”

Birmingham announced as host of 2022 Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) today announced that it has selected Birmingham as the host city partner of the XXII Commonwealth Games in 2022.

Birmingham 2022, which is expected to take place from 27 July – 7 August 2022, marks 20 years since Manchester 2002, the last time the Games were held in England.

CGF President Louise Martin CBE said: “We warmly congratulate Birmingham and England on today’s announcement – it is a defining moment for this truly Commonwealth city.

“With its rich history, cultural diversity, youthful dynamism and ambitious spirit, Birmingham embodies all that we cherish about the Commonwealth, and so the Commonwealth Sports Movement looks forward to collaborating with all the Games partners to showcase the city’s humanity and pride to a global audience over the coming months and years.

“The vast majority of the Games venues are in place, and with extensive experience in the UK of hosting successful major events – including Manchester 2002, London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 – the CGF looks forward to a truly spectacular Games that delivers not only for the 2.4 billion citizens across the Commonwealth but the wider world, too. Today is a fantastic day for Birmingham, global Britain and our resurgent Commonwealth Sports Movement.”

The foundations for the Games have now been laid, with the official handover to Birmingham set to take place at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony on April 15 next year.

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said: “The UK has a brilliant track record for putting on the biggest sport events in the world and it is great news that Birmingham has been selected to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“I am sure that we will put on an event that will make the country proud, leave a strong sporting legacy and strengthen relationships with our friends across the Commonwealth.”

Eleven continues to build on Bundesliga success in Poland

As the second half of the 2017/18 football season approaches, Eleven Sports is introducing even more content in Poland aimed at boosting ever-growing viewing figures driven by action from Bundesliga and LaLiga Santander.

Eleven Sports acquired live rights to the top two tiers of the German league earlier this year from Bundesliga International, a subsidiary of the German Football League. To date, Eleven has shown close to 100 Bundesliga games, 68 Bundesliga 2 games and the German Supercup.

Thanks to the popularity of Bundesliga, Eleven Sports continues to grow in Poland with the platform’s services regularly named among the best performing sports channels in the market with viewers aged 16 to 49 this season, according to figures from Nielsen.

Eleven is now set to build on that success in 2018 with the launch of new football programming, including a new daily sports show to supplement Bundesliga action which will include the latest news updates and highlights from every match.

“When we purchased Bundesliga rights, we were very confident that they would prove to be one of our greatest programming assets. The first half of this season has proved that our expectations were right.” said Danny Menken, Group Managing Director, Eleven Sports.

“We are thrilled that many fans in Poland are tuning in to Eleven Sports to watch the top-class action from Germany’s top football leagues.

“Thanks to our great relationship with Bundesliga, we are able to offer Polish fans an engaging match experience that goes beyond what has traditionally been offered in the market and we are looking forward to building on this success in 2018.”

The supplementary content will add to the in-depth, pre and post-match studio and pitch-side analysis that Eleven already offers.

During the first half of the season Eleven has delivered more content than ever before in the market around Bundesliga matches with magazine and highlights shows, live in-stadium studio analysis at 10 matches and LIVE pitch-side analysis during three games.

The self-produced studio shows are helping to gain traction with fans with audience figures showing that fans treat studio segments as an essential part of the viewing experience with 50% of viewers watching pre-match programming, 90% watching half-time studio analysis and 60% watching post-match studio analysis.

Ricoh launches ‘The Age of Digital Information video’ as part of The Business of Rugby campaign

Global technology company Ricoh has today released their second video ‘The Age of Digital Information’ as part of The Business of Rugby campaign, which investigates the latest business thinking and strategies the 12 Premiership Rugby clubs are utilising as well as the innovations and new technologies they are investing in.

Ricoh’s latest video explores how Premiership Rugby clubs are adapting and indeed thriving in this new era of mass data and how they are leveraging this data and the knowledge it provides to gain competitive advantage on and off the pitch.

To complement ‘The Age of Digital Information’ video Ricoh will also be launching a series of business blogs identifying how businesses can best harness their data and examining the invaluable insights that can be gleaned from it.

Premiership Rugby clubs are clearly embracing data and are recognising its importance in not just winning games but in the development of their players. Data is now defining training strategies and regimes, with the use of drones, GPS, Accelerometers and videos monitoring a player’s every move, coaches can now easily identify areas for improvement and create individual and specific targets for each player.

However, catering to all the players’ data needs, requirements and even requests requires investment and can be time consuming for the clubs. Therefore, this video shows that clubs employ statisticians and analysts to process and interpret the data, now so readily available to them, and illustrates that they must continue to evolve and expand their organisation structure to ensure they are managing their data efficiently.

That being said, it’s not just statistical management and interpretation that clubs investing in but also the platforms and tools used to share and present that data to the players. With rugby clubs consisting of players with variable digital skill sets, clubs are considering the best way to communicate their data to ensure each player understands, engages and remembers it.

Through continual technological advances spurred on by this new thirst for real time and accurate data, the sheer amount of information now available to the coaches and players is almost mind-blowing. But how much data is too much?

Ricoh’s latest video investigates how Premiership Rugby players really feel about the scrutiny they are now under. As Danny Care, Harlequins Captain and England International, put it “there are no hiding places anymore.”

Chas Moloney, Marketing Director for Ricoh UK & Ireland, commented: “Embracing data, and the processes that provide it, is vital for any organisation to stay competitive However, ensuring you have the right people to manage and interpret that data effectively is just as important.

“At Ricoh, we believe that investing in people and ensuring they have the right skill sets and capabilities is key to achieving success. And for me as a rugby fan, it’s been fascinating to see how Premiership Rugby clubs apply and embrace a very similar approach to running their businesses.

“In times of change, when businesses face increasingly complex challenges, data intelligence is one of the most reliable ways to establish a clear strategic direction. Having the right people to analyse, interpret and use this data will remain crucial for achieving success, both in rugby and business.”

Ben Kay, Ricoh ambassador, added “It’s extremely obvious that the game of rugby has moved on dramatically since my day, predominantly due to the influx of data now accessible to clubs, coaches and players. When I was playing, I just knew when I had a good or bad day on the pitch and it was up to me to recognize my mistakes and identity ways to improve.

“However, today it’s very different; as a player’s every move is now monitored and analysed. With this volume of data now available to players, clubs need to ensure they are not bombarding them with stats and figures but rather they need to strike a balance between allowing players to think for themselves and providing them with the relevant data they need in order to develop.”

For further information about the campaign please visit www.rugby.ricoh.co.uk or follow @imaginechangeuk

Paris 2024 confirm Etienne Thobois as CEO of Organising Committee

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Committee has confirmed the appointment of Etienne Thobois as CEO of the Organising Committee.

Thobois played a key role as CEO of the bid, helping Paris to its historic victory as Host City of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A former French badminton champion and Olympic athlete, his previous experience also includes Finance Director of the 2003 IAAF World Championships in Paris, CEO of Rugby World Cup 2007 in France, founder of Keneo sports consultancy, former IOC expert on venues and finance and technical expert for Tokyo 2020.

The appointment comes after a robust recruitment process, which began in November and was overseen by independent firm Odgers Berndtson, who also helped place the CEO for London 2012. A shortlist of four candidates was selected for interview from a pool of 61 applications.

Thobois was chosen by Tony Estanguet following a discussion with members of a Committee that included French IOC Member Guy Drut and representatives from the city, the government, the region Île-de-France, the National Olympic Committee (CNOSF) and National Paralympic Committee (CPSF).

Paris 2024 President, Tony Estanguet, said: “We are delighted with the appointment of Etienne Thobois to the role of CEO. Etienne stood out amongst a field of very high-calibre applicants.

“His leadership and experience was crucial to our victory in Lima and will prove invaluable over the next seven years as we work together to build our exciting project for the 2024 Games.”

The appointment comes as Paris 2024 is finalising its plans for the formation of the organising committee (OCOG), due to be launched in January.

With the OCOG statutes agreed domestically and sent to the IOC, the appointment of the CEO and establishment of the OCOG governance, the arrival of the Olympic and Paralympic Act in Parliament (20-21 December) and the early work of infrastructure delivery body Solideo, everything is on track to move the project forward to the next phase.

Bristol City announce JD as sleeve sponsor for Carabao Cup quarter-final

Bristol City Football Club has announced that JD have become the Championship side’s official sleeve sponsors for tonight’s Carabao Cup tie against Manchester United.

As part of the agreement, the sports fashion retail company will lend their support to City in the quarter-final tie at Ashton Gate. The game will be screened live on Sky Sports, as well as around the world to more than 80 different countries.

Bristol Sport chief commercial officer Caroline Herbert said: “We’re delighted to have the support of JD, a global sports fashion retailer with over 400 stores including in Bristol & at Cribbs Causeway, for the much-anticipated Carabao Cup quarter-final tie.

“There’s a real buzz around Bristol at the moment and everyone is looking forward to Wednesday’s cup tie as City look to reach the semi-finals.”

JD Group Marketing Director Stephen White said: “This is a fantastic draw for the club and a deserved tie after such a great run. We are delighted to partner with the club and look forward to seeing our brand on the kit for what will be a very exciting night.”

City’s social media accounts have proven to be very popular this season, with a selection of creative gifs igniting fan interest.

International Surfing Association and World Surf League reach landmark agreement on Olympic Qualification

The International Surfing Association (ISA) today announced an agreement with the World Surf League (WSL) on the qualification principles for surfing in the Olympics Games in Tokyo 2020, ensuring the participation of the world’s best surfers from the WSL Championship Tour (CT) as well as promoting universal opportunities for surfers around the world.

In principle, the agreement will see up to 18 of the 40 places at the Games reserved for WSL Championship Tour (CT) surfers (10 men and eight women), with the remaining 22 places determined at the 2019 and 2020 ISA World Surfing Games, the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, and a single slot (each for men and women) for the host nation (Japan).

With the support of the WSL, the ISA eligibility rules for Olympic participation will require surfers to make themselves available for their national teams to compete in the ISA World Surfing Games in 2019 and 2020 and, if selected by their National Federation, to participate.

The final decision on the complete process is subject to the approval of the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its meeting in February 2018.

The agreement between the ISA and the WSL reinforces both organizations’ commitment to the successful Olympic debut for surfing, showcasing a strong collaboration between an IOC-recognized International Olympic Federation and the professional home of the world’s best surfers.

Surfing was confirmed as an Olympic sport for Tokyo 2020 in August 2016 after decades of campaigning by the ISA for the global development of surfing. Surfing will also be included in the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima. This campaign has been buoyed by the continued improvement in high-performance surfing and mainstream attention of the WSL Championship Tour.

ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, said: “We are happy to reach this historic agreement with the WSL on the participation of their top stars in the Olympic Games and ISA World Surfing Games. The support, endorsement and collaboration of the WSL and its top professional surfers has always been an important part of our Olympic pathway to Tokyo 2020 and beyond.

“This agreement not only underlines our commitment to have the world’s best athletes competing for gold in Surfing’s debut in Tokyo, but also to ensure that the competitions reflect the open access and universality of our sport around the world, in all five continents.

“We are also very pleased to have the WSL’s full support of and commitment to the ISA World Surfing Games between now and 2020. The participation of the top professionals in their national teams will elevate the surfing to new heights, creating additional excitement and drama in the lead-up to the Olympic Games.“

WSL CEO, Sophie Goldschmidt, said: “The Olympics offers an incredible platform for any sport and surfing stands to benefit from this massive opportunity in 2020 and, hopefully, beyond. It is essential for surfing to showcase its best possible surfing through this opportunity and that requires the world’s best surfers from the Championship Tour to participate.

“It’s great that the ISA and WSL, in conversation with the athletes, could come to an agreement on the qualification process for 2020. We look forward to enhancing the partnership as we get closer to this fantastic opportunity.”

WSL CT surfer and Men’s Athlete Rep, Adrian Buchan, said: “I believe surfing will inject new electricity into the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. My fellow athletes and I are very excited to showcase our skills on the world’s biggest sporting platform, and for this incredible opportunity to expand surfing’s growing reputation as a world-class competitive sport.”

WSL CT surfer and Women’s Athlete Rep, Sage Erickson, said: “It’s great that the WSL and the ISA have agreed on a qualification path for the Olympics in 2020. It’s a major opportunity for the sport and we need to make the most of it. Showcasing the sport with the world’s best surfers, in the best waves possible, is something we’re all in agreement on.”

iSportconnect adds Formula One to Broadcast Masterclass lineup

iSportconnect is delighted to announce that Ian Holmes – Director of Media Rights at Formula 1 – has been added to the lineup for the Broadcast Masterclass on February 28, 2018.

Already confirmed to speak at the all-day event are Jonathan Licht, Director of Strategy at Sky Sports, Aarti Dabas, Head of Media Rights, Broadcast & Digital at the International Cricket Council, and Peter Hutton, CEO of Eurosport.

The quartet will add significant value to the content programme, courtesy of extensive expertise in the broadcast space, as iSportconnect brings 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 encompass a number of crunch topics, including the rise – and future – of OTT, plus current competition within the rights landscape, while a series of networking sessions will ensure those in attendance are able to share ideas and best practices.

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 exchange viewpoints 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.

Confirmed speaker list:

Jonathan Licht, Director of Strategy at Sky Sports

Aarti Dabas, Head of Media Rights, Broadcast & Digital at the ICC

Peter Hutton, CEO of Eurosport

Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights at Formula 1