Youtube agrees deal with FIH to broadcast Hockey World League Finals

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has today announced a commercial partnership with YouTube, who will provide broadcast coverage of the 2018 Hockey World League Finals.

Fans in countries without broadcast agreements will be able to access matches via a Pay Per View YouTube system.

The agreement will give access to billions of sports fans looking to tune in to all the action from the Sentinel Homes Women’s Hockey World League Final in Auckland (17-26 November) and the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar (1-10 December) 2018.

FIH TV and Broadcast Director, Andy Oram, said: “We are delighted to engage with the biggest provider of online video content who are actively engaged and committed to growing the game.

“YouTube is a valuable addition to our existing partners and provides FIH with the opportunity to reach a global audience, attracting a new generation of fans to the sport through a wide range of devices that hockey can now be viewed on.”

YouTube’s Head of Sport for Europe, Middle-East and Asia, Tomos Grace, added: “YouTube provides a flexible platform for content owners to reach sports fans worldwide.

“We’re very happy to see innovative partners like the FIH make full use of this flexibility by combining YouTube’s free-to-air and PPV live functionality in their key target markets.”

European Tour to stream Dubai Hero Challenge on Twitter

The European Tour has announced that the Hero Challenge in Dubai will be exclusively streamed via Twitter.

The new agreement with the social media platform is another milestone in the European Tour’s drive to transform global golf through innovation.

Its broadcast distribution strategy aims to develop new, short-form golf entertainment events that make the game more accessible to fans, while also exploring new broadcast platforms to bring the stars of the European Tour to wider audiences.

Rufus Hack, Chief Content Officer at the European Tour said: “We have been working successfully with Twitter through its Amplify and Amplify Open products over the past 18 months and see the Hero Challenge Live Agreement as the next step to expand our relationship.

“This will be the fourth edition of the Hero Challenge and the third in 2017, so we are excited about the prospect of streaming one of our new, innovative formats to a global audience across the Twitter platform.”

The third and final Hero Challenge of the 2017 season will witness the introduction of another exciting new concept, with players competing in a target golf competition to a floating green off the Nasimi Beach in the iconic Atlantis, The Palm Resort.

To add to the entertainment, they will also be surrounded by atmospheric pyrotechnics and smoke, with their target illuminated by a spectacular runway of lights in the ocean.

ATP and Rolex extend partnership until 2020

The ATP and Rolex have today announced a multi-year extension of their partnership until 2020.

The new agreement sees Rolex continue as the ‘official timekeeper’ of the ATP World Tour, as well as the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 in London.

Rolex has a long-standing relationship with tennis, promoting precision, excellence and innovation in the sport for more than 40 years.

The Swiss watch brand is a sponsor of many of the leading tournaments, and counts Roger Federer – the longest-standing No.1 in the history of the sport – among its family of Testimonees.

Chris Kermode, ATP Executive Chairman & President, said: “Rolex is a brand that is steeped in the history of professional tennis.

“They have been a valued partner of our season-ending finale since 2005, and to the ATP World Tour since 2013, and their commitment to our sport speaks volumes. We’re delighted to extend our successful partnership.”

Ocean Holidays partners with NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars

Ocean Holidays has today agreed a two-year partnership to become the official travel supplier for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the UK.

Customers of Ocean Florida – Ocean Holidays’ Florida specialist – will be able to buy Jaguars ‘NFL holidays’, which include tickets and transfers to see the Jaguars play at their home stadium during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

The new agreement marks the first time such an offer has been made available by a UK holiday provider. The Jaguars are currently the only NFL franchise team to have made a multi-year commitment to play fixtures in the UK.

Hussain Naqi, senior vice president, international development for the Jacksonville Jaguars, added: “This partnership illustrates exactly what the Jacksonville Jaguars are about – collaborating with like-minded transatlantic businesses to create new experiences and opportunities that excite our fans.

“The unique service Ocean Holidays provide means that there’s no better way for Jaguars fans from the UK to sample the best that Jacksonville has to offer, and to experience the energy of a game day at EverBank Field.”

Harry Hastings, co-chief executive of Ocean Holidays, said: “We are thrilled to announce this exciting partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The popularity of the NFL is increasing exponentially in the UK, and this deal will give NFL fans unparalleled access to tickets and experiences both in the UK and USA.”

Alistair Kirkwood on NFL UK’s future, a London-based franchise and Tottenham’s new stadium

Alistair Kirkwood is part of the guest speaker lineup at iSportconnect’s Dubai Summit – click here to register your interest in the event.

Subaru agrees deal to become sponsor of Wales rugby ‘away’ kit

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced a shirt sponsorship deal with Subaru, whose logo will feature on the team’s ‘away’ kit for the next two years.

Meanwhile, Isuzu’s logo will still feature on the team’s home jersey until 2021, having agreed a four-year deal last summer.

The switch to Subaru is possible because the WRU’s partnership is with the automotive importer IM Group and incorporates both the Isuzu and Subaru brands.

WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips, said: “We took a new and innovative approach to our latest shirt sponsorship negotiations and looked at ways to maximise value for our partners and increase exposure for our teams on a global scale.

“Switching between Isuzu and Subaru for our home and change kit is an exciting twist on the traditional way of doing things and we expect both jerseys to be extremely popular with supporters around the world.

“To associate with two hugely significant Japanese brands in this way as we build towards the Rugby World Cup in 2019 in Japan is a major coup for Welsh rugby and will pay dividends as it further improves the global appeal of our national game.”

Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Isuzu and Subaru in the UK, added: “Through our Isuzu brand we have an excellent relationship with the WRU. The pick-up brand will always be the lead focus for this project, but when the WRU came to us with a proposal that allowed us to include Subaru, we immediately agreed.

“Subaru has a strong customer base in Wales, where its no-nonsense fitness for purpose and exceptional off road capabilities really chime with the rural communities, and we look forward to seeing our customers at Principality Stadium.”

Warwickshire CCC signs partnership with MensTweedSuits.com

Warwickshire County Cricket Club has named MensTweedSuits.com as its first official suit/formal wear partner until the end of 2019.

The deal has seen MensTweedSuits.com – a Birmingham-based online fashion retailer – release a made-to-measure, navy blue, single-breasted Warwickshire CCC suit, which the players recently unveiled at the club’s end of season dinner.

Gareth Roberts, Commercial Director of Warwickshire CCC, said: “Having recently signed a new partnership with PlayerLayer for the team’s playing kit, we’re delighted to secure this new partnership with MensTweedSuits.com and ensure that the team will look equally as impressive off the field.

“We’ve been very impressed with the MensTweedSuits.com team, not only for providing a suit that looks fantastic, but in its work with the players on measurements and fitting. It has been great to show these off for the first time at our recent End of Season Dinner.”

In return for providing players and club management with a new Warwickshire CCC suit, MensTweedSuits.com will receive pitch side perimeter branding at Edgbaston throughout the 2018 and 2019 cricket seasons.

It will also receive tickets for Edgbaston 17-day programme of major match cricket during the two-year term and player appearances for promotional events.

Ravi Bains, Chief Executive of MensTweedSuits.com, added: “We are very pleased to be entering into a new partnership with the Bears, Warwickshire CCC and Edgbaston Stadium – some of the most iconic and well-known brands across the UK and our shared focus on delivering moments of joy, make this a great fit.

“We are thrilled they have chosen to work with us in what is their first partnership in formal attire.”

International Sports Federations prepare to lead the way on ‘sustainability’ and give planet earth a sporting chance

Sir Ben Ainslie, four-time Olympic Gold Medallist & Team Principal, as well as Skipper of Britain’s America’s Cup Challenger, Land Rover BAR, led the way as an innovator of sustainability at this year’s 11th edition of the IF Forum which took place in Lausanne.

Given the significant and unstoppable changes being created by global warming as a result of environmental pollution and pollutants originating in human activity, speaker after speaker at this year’s IF Forum, many of whom represent international sports federations, shared case studies outlining the actions they are taking, and appealed to peers to take advantage of the unique opportunity in sport, to lead the way towards a sustainable agenda – the focus for this year’s conference programme.

The politics of climate change are shifting. Saving planet earth is more than just a fad and international sports federations can have impact. Delegates heard how new voices and new strategies are taking the lead – and how sport can shift attitudes towards achieving global sustainability. Speakers reinforced the view that sport is in a unique position to raise awareness on many levels, engage fans and global citizens everywhere, as well as empower young volunteers and change-makers, with sustainable initiatives and show how innovations can be impactful.

The urgency and poignancy of these messages were the subject of 24 presentations and case studies throughout the IF Forum, attended by 109 international sport federations and associate members, as well as 7 observer organisations.

Inger Andersen, Director General, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provided some thought-provoking and motivating insights during her session on sport and biodiversity and the role of the sporting community ending with a passionate plea, “Planet earth is the only place we know as home. If we don’t take action, there is no alternative home for us. Sport has a responsibility and an opportunity to do what it can for sustainability, to secure our future and make planet earth a better place for future generations.”

Lorenz Isler from Ikea Group gave a candid account during his session on the reactive to proactive ways of handling resources in industry:

“As a Sustainability Manager from the IKEA Group I found it very interesting to participate at the IF Forum 2017. Such gatherings are important to discuss challenges and exchange best practices so that we can learn from each other. Climate change and resource scarcity are real, and urgent actions are needed. I am thus positively surprised that this years’ IF Forum was fully dedicated to the topic of sustainability.”

Hosted by SportAccord Convention, delegates were welcomed by Thomas Bach, President, International Olympic Committee, and Philippe Leuba, State Councillor Department of Economy and Sport, Canton of Vaud.

Patrick Baumann, President of GAISF and SportAccord Convention gave the opening address. Summing up this year’s IF Forum President Baumann said:

“I would like to thank the many expert speakers for making this year’s IF Forum on Sustainability so illuminating, bringing clarity and insight to important issues and highlighting ways in which we can help make a difference.

“While we have a clear duty to preserve and promote sport for the next generation we have an even greater Duty of Care to our environment to ensure that the world we hold in trust is a great place to live and to play sport.

“This has been a fascinating, rewarding and useful Forum and I am sure delegates will go back to their Federations inspired and full of new ideas.”

In conclusion, Raffaele Chiulli, President of ARISF and UIM, and GAISF Vice President shared the following message in his Closing Remarks:

“IFs are uniquely placed to promote the conservation on biodiversity and sustainability in sport. It is imperative that we also take a leading role in spreading our message and encouraging all our stakeholders to do more as well.”

The IF Forum conference programme was a collaboration between the IOC and the stakeholders GAISF, ASOIF, AIOWF, ARISF, AIMS, and Associate Members.

Panel sessions were led by David Eades, Anchor and Journalist, BBC World who served as Master of Ceremonies for the IF Forum 2017.

Official Partners included: JLT Specialty, Nielsen Sports, Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition; Legacy Partner Sport Event Denmark; and Host City Partners Lausanne and the Canton de Vaud.

For media enquiries, contact jenny.edmondson@sportaccordconvention.com (Media Relations Officer).

The Ticket Factory agrees three major sports contracts

The Ticket Factory has strengthened its sporting credentials by securing a number of high profile contracts with international and national governing bodies.

The national ticketing agent, which currently sells tickets for over 300 sporting events at 150 venues annually, will be the national supplier for ticketing for the IAAF World Indoor Championships Birmingham 2018, taking place at Arena Birmingham next year (1-4 March).

The Ticket Factory has also secured partnerships with two national governing bodies in recent weeks.

The team will be providing ticketing services for England Netball’s Vitality International Tri Series in November following The Ticket Factory’s successful contract delivery of ticketing for the Vitality Netball Superleague: The Final Four earlier this year.

In addition, The Ticket Factory will also be the official ticketing partner for Table Tennis England’s 2018 ITTF Team World Cup taking place on 22nd-25th February 2018 in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Sports ticketing is now one of The Ticket Factory’s largest and strongest sectors with its ‘human powered tech’ approach – which looks to drive sales through the customer experience and data segmentation – proving popular with clients.

Phil Mead, Managing Director of The Ticket Factory, said: “As a flexible and agile ticketing agent we offer sporting bodies, rights holders and NGBs a credible alternative to the traditional operators.

“Having worked with England Netball on a number of previous events we knew what worked for them and offered a strong marketing package to drive ticket sales and wider awareness of the event while the IAAF World Indoor Championships and Table Tennis England required slick white label solutions optimised to enhance the customer journey.”

Ian Holloway, Competition and Events Manager, England Netball, said: “We at England Netball continue to improve our offering to our customers and fans year on year and the partnership approach with The Ticket Factory plays a big role in this.

“The Ticket Factory provide an exceptional box office solution, including data insight, marketing, and on-site management, allowing us to concentrate on other aspects of our events.”

Mark Taffler, Head of Commercial, Table Tennis England, said: “The Ticket Factory are a strategic partner of ours, having worked with them on smaller events over the last two years, it was a natural progression to work with them on the most prestigious Table Tennis event in the UK for 20 years.

“They understand our needs as a governing body, and most importantly how we differ as a rights holder, from other music events and sporting events. They are great people to work with and deliver a solid, flexible and cost-effective solution.”

ICC announces recruitment process for an independent director

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the process for the recruitment of an Independent Director for the ICC Board.

The introduction of an Independent Director, who must be female, was approved by the ICC Full Council in June 2017 as part of wide ranging constitutional change aimed at improving the global governance of the sport.

The successful candidate is expected to have a genuine passion for and interest in the sport of cricket combined with recent and relevant experience at a senior level in a commercial, voluntary or public environment.

She must be independent of the ICC and during the term of her appointment must not hold any office or perform any executive or operational duties for any ICC Member or state, association or member of any Member.

ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar said: “This is a key appointment to the ICC Board and adding another independent director – particularly a female – is an important step forward in improving our governance.

“We are open-minded about the expertise the successful candidate might bring the table but they must be a cricket enthusiast who complements the existing skills and experience already on our Board.”

The Independent Director will be appointed for a two-year term although she may be re-appointed for two further terms with a maximum six year consecutive period of service.

iSportconnect announce LaLiga’s Dubai Summit panel lineup and Kodak’s Jon Hall as guest speaker

iSportconnect is delighted to confirm the lineup for LaLiga’s Dubai Summit panel and that Jon Hall – Kodak‘s Chief Growth Officer – has been added to the event’s stellar guest speaker list.

Spain’s globally popular football league is delivering more value than ever before for its partners and a special opening panel will bring together key decision makers from inside LaLiga’s brand relationships to explore how the league and brands work together to engage fans, innovate and optimise ROI for partners.

Adolfo Bara, Managing Director Marketing & Sales at LaLiga, will deliver a keynote speech detailing how the organisation has built its impressive global strategy before being joined by Hussein Murad, CEO and co-founder of Inspiratus Group, Fernando Sanz, General Director, Middle East & North Africa and International Sports Projects at LaLiga, and Ahmed Zaki, Senior Director of Live Communications at Du, who helped to develop LaLiga’s first High Performance Centre in the UAE.

​The quartet will dissect their working relationship and current projects, plus challenges they have overcome, to ensure the high-ranking delegates in attendance at Address Boulevard – the newest lifestyle address located in the prestigious Downtown area of Dubai – encounter expert insight into the sports industry.Other panel topics include broadcasting and the digital audience, a debate on what brands want from sport sponsorship and a discussion on the globalised digital market.

Hall‘s addition to the speaker list will add significant value to the content programme, having played a key role in Kodak’s business development, alliances, partnerships, revenue growth and strategic investments since 2015.

He boasts extensive experience in a variety of sectors, courtesy of roles at Formula One, Travelport, WPP Plc, Dow Jones and the Financial Times.

Ample break-out sessions on the day will give an intimate capacity of 150 top-tier executives an opportunity to take part in captivating conversations, build new relationships and – crucially – discover the local market.

Confirmed speaker lineup:

Jerry Newman, Sport Partnership Lead – EMEA at Facebook

Ben Morel, Managing Director and Senior VP – EMEA at NBA

Brett Gosper, CEO of World Rugby

Adolfo Bara, Managing Director Marketing & Sales at LaLiga

Nuala Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer at Standard Life Aberdeen

Murray Barnett, Head of Global Sponsorship & Commercial Partnerships at F1

Sanjay Raina, General Manager & SVP, Middle East, North Africa & Pakistan – Fox Networks Group/National Geographic

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

Alistair Kirkwood, Managing Director at NFL UK

Hussein Murad, CEO and co-founder of Inspiratus Group

Fernando Sanz, General Director, Middle East & North Africa and International Sports Projects at LaLiga

Jon Hall, Chief Growth Officer at Kodak

Ahmed Zaki, Senior Director of Live Communications at Du

What makes the iSportconnect Summit so special?

  • The Summit is open exclusively to Director/C-Suite level executives at sports rights holders, sponsorship brands and broadcasters.
  • Event capacity is capped at 150 delegates allowing intimate access to key decision makers in the sports industry.
  • As we follow Chatham House Rules, all panel discussions will remain confidential.

There is limited space for this exclusive event so please email Chris Edbrook (chris@isportconnect.com) to confirm your interest in attending.