Taisho Pharmaceutical named official sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2019

World Rugby has today announced the appointment of Taisho Pharmaceutical as an official sponsor of the Rugby World Cup 2019.

Taisho Pharmaceutical will showcase its market-leading energy drink Lipovitan D during the tournament, which will be played across 12 venues in Japan.

Lipovitan D has a long-standing association with rugby in the host nation as Japan men’s national team jersey sponsor and the Rugby World Cup deal will help to further promote the profile of the brand both domestically and internationally.

World Rugby Chairman, Bill Beaumont, said: “World Rugby is delighted to be welcoming Lipovitan D to the Rugby World Cup commercial programme family for the first time as an official sponsor.

“Lipovitan D is a significant brand in Japan and a supporter of rugby in the host nation since 2001.

“The appointment of another market-leader to the Rugby World Cup 2019 commercial programme portfolio reaffirms the attraction and prestige of one of the world’s biggest and best-loved major sports events.”

Taisho Pharmaceutical Chief Executive Officer, Shigeru Uehara, added: “2019 is the year when Japan will host Rugby World Cup, and it is also the 120th anniversary of Japanese Rugby and we are therefore honoured to be able to participate in this global celebration as an official sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2019.

“There is no doubt that this event will further the appeal and popularity of rugby in Japan and we look forward to playing our part.”

Olympique Lyonnais sign Chinese esports partnership deal

Olympique Lyonnais announced a partnership with Chinese esports organisation Edward Gaming (EDG) and the creation of its Chinese esports team.

The French club has now four FIFA Online 3 top-player professionals in China: Feng Rui, Song Di, Xu Qingmu and Sun Jiangfeng.

With the creation of this team, Olympique Lyonnais will become the first foreign football club to participate in esport in China.

Lyon enters the Chinese esport market with the intention of showing the true potential of the Chinese electronic sports market and of the FSL League.

The club will also participate in the investment fund IDG Capital who took a 20% stake in OL Groupe’s capital holding. This collaboration was accompanied with a joint venture called ‘Beijing Lyon Xingzhi Sports Culture Co., Ltd’ along with Xingzhi Sports, an affiliate of IDG Capital and OL Groupe.

The purpose of this joint venture is to develop the creation of football schools, consulting services, sponsoring and sports tourism.

“Creating this esports team fits into the club’s project to expand its activities throughout different areas and to get closer to the Olympique Lyonnais community by sharing online experiences around the world,” said Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas.

iSportconnect adds NFL to Dubai Summit speaker lineup as agenda is finalised

iSportconnect is delighted to confirm that Alistair Kirkwood, Managing Director at NFL UK, has been added to the lineup for the Dubai Summit on November 29.

Kirkwood has been with the NFL for over 15 years in various capacities and took up his current position in 2006, having also previously served as the Vice President of Strategic Planning & Business Development and the Director of Business at NFL International.

Kirkwood’s inclusion bolsters a stellar lineup of speakers and he will take part in a series of discussions as part of the Summit’s fourth and final panel, which is set to offer delegates a unique insight into the sports industry.

The American Football specialist will be joined by the likes of Brett Gosper, CEO of World Rugby, NBA’s Ben Morel – and others – to assess the importance for rights owners to be active on the ground with live events within the globalised digital market.

Other panel topics set to be dissected include broadcasting and the digital audience, a debate on what brands want from sport in regards to sponsorship and partnerships, plus detailed insight from Adolfo Bara into LaLiga’s Brand Partnerships.

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.

The event will be held in the lavish surroundings of Address Boulevard; the newest lifestyle address located in the prestigious Downtown Dubai area.

The hotel will also host a networking reception on November 28, allowing delegates and speakers to relax and engage with their high-ranking peers.

Confirmed speaker lineup:

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

Jerry Newman, Sport Partnership Lead – EMEA at Facebook

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

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

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

Brett Gosper, CEO of World Rugby

Adolfo Bara, Marketing Director at LaLiga

Nuala Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer at Standard Life Aberdeen

Alistair Kirkwood, Managing Director at NFL UK

Further speakers will be announced in due course.

Content Programme:

28th November

6pm onwards: Networking Reception

29th November

09:30 – Delegate Arrival

10:30 – Welcome

10:45 – Opening Keynote: Adolfo Bara, LaLiga – Building a Global Strategy

11:15 – Panel 1: Inside LaLiga’s Brand Partnerships

Spain’s globally popular football league is delivering more value than ever before for its partners. This special opening panel will bring together key decision-makers from the 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, LaLiga

Moderator: James Pearce, BBC

12:00 – Case study by Engage & Sport 360

12:20 – Panel 2: From Sponsorship to Partnership: What do brands want from sport?

With over 50% of marketing budget being invested in digital in many markets, are sports bodies offering a relevant and effective mix of engagement opportunities? Is there still too much reliance on classic sponsorship models? How much flexibility and trust is required between sports and brands to create authentic content? How can they collaborate most effectively in using data? How can they work together to protect the credibility and image of sports properties?

Felicien Dillard, PwC
Nuala Walsh, Standard Life

Moderator: Casey Harwood, Engage

13:00 – Lunch

13:45 – Case Study: Wildmoka

14:10 – Panel 3: Broadcasting & the Digital Audience  

How is the strategy of sports broadcasters in the Middle East and elsewhere changing with the growth of the digital market? How can sports and broadcasters use multiple platforms, digital tools and social media to extend reach and engagement? What are the commercial opportunities and challenges? What is the outlook for new digital sports channels?

Jerry Newman, Facebook
Cristian Livadiotti, Wildmoka
Sanjay Raina, FOX Sports
Aarti Dabas, ICC

Moderator: Ben Barker, Monterosa

14:50 – Networking Break

15:10 – PwC Survey Results by David Dellea

15:30 – Panel 4: Global Sports, Local Fans, Local Events

In the globalised digital market, fans around the world can follow the same international sports attractions no matter where they live. How important is it for the rights owners to be active on the ground with live events and other programmes? What are the challenges to becoming truly global? What are the prospects for the Middle East?

Brett Gosper, World Rugby
Ben Morel, NBA 
Alistair Kirkwood, NFL
Murray Barnett, F1

Moderator: David Dellea, PwC

16:15 – Wrap-up by James Pearce

16:30 – Close & After Event Drinks

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

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.
  • No agencies or press in attendance and as we follow Chatham House Rules, all panel discussions will remain confidential.

Beckers-Vieujant and Baumann to chair Paris 2024 and LA 2028 IOC coordination commissions

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has appointed Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant to chair the IOC coordination commission for Paris 2024 and Patrick Baumann as chair of the IOC coordination commission for Los Angeles 2028.

The collaboration between Paris and Los Angeles will build on the principles of Olympic Agenda 2020, and the Games Management 2020 initiative, recently established by the IOC to further reduce the cost and complexity of hosting the Olympic Games.

Beckers-Vieujant said: “The Commission members will mobilise all their energy and technical expertise to support Paris 2024 and help them achieve their vision.

“We will work with the Paris 2024 Organising Committee to ensure the successful delivery and the positive legacy of the Olympic Games, in line with the priorities of Olympic Agenda 2020.”

Baumann added: “Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 now share a strong bond, a common history and are embarking on an exciting journey together.

“This history and the success of both Games have become inextricably intertwined. Having the honour of playing a role on both Commissions, I am looking forward to contributing, with my colleagues, to the success of these two remarkable cities and of the Olympic Movement.”

The first visit of the IOC Coordination Commission Paris 2024 to the French capital has been scheduled for mid-2018.

Nic Coward appointed Chairman of ECB’s newly formed Regulatory Committee

iSportconnect member Nic Coward has been appointed Chairman of The England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) newly formed Regulatory Committee.

Coward is currently non-executive chair of England Golf, having previously served as CEO of the British Horseracing Authority and General Secretary of the Premier League, and has been a member of the ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commission since 2015.

In his new position, Coward will oversee an eight-strong committee which will include three independent members sitting alongside two senior ECB executives, a non-aligned ECB Board Member, and two appointees drawn from the wider first class and recreational game.

Speaking on Coward’s appointment, ECB Chairman Colin Graves said: “Nic is a highly respected figure with a strong background in legal and regulatory affairs and he will bring a wealth of wider experience across the sports industry to this role.

“He and the committee will have a major role to play in ensuring that we follow best practice in all areas of governance and sporting integrity – and continue to place a special emphasis on the vitally important issue of safeguarding.”

Set to come into effect from January, the committee will be appointed by the ECB Board but be wholly independent and have full oversight of all ECB’s rules, regulations and procedures.

Rugby World Cup Board recommends South Africa as RWC 2023 host

The Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) Board has unanimously recommended to the World Rugby Council the selection of South Africa as Rugby World Cup 2023 host. The World Rugby Council will now meet on 15 November in London to consider the recommendation and vote on the next host.

World Rugby and Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “This is the first Rugby World Cup host selection to take place following a complete redesign of the bidding process to promote greater transparency and maximise World Rugby’s hosting objectives.

“The comprehensive and independently scrutinised evaluation reaffirmed that we have three exceptional bids but it also identified South Africa as a clear leader based on performance against the key criteria, which is supported by the Board in the recommendation.

“I would like to congratulate South Africa on a superb bid and all the bid teams for their dedication and professionalism throughout the process to date. Our colleagues on the World Rugby Council will now meet on 15 November in London to consider the Board’s recommendation and vote to decide the host of Rugby World Cup 2023.”

Independent auditors will oversee the process and the vote on 15 November, which will comprise a total of 39 votes, with a simple majority required to select the Rugby World Cup 2023 host.

50-over cricket continues to offer ‘valuable brand exposure’, says ECB’s commercial director

The England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) commercial director, Sanjay Patel, says the 50-over format of the game continues to offer “valuable brand exposure” after Royal London extended its title sponsorship of men’s and women’s domestic and international one-day cricket for a further two years.

The new agreement will see Royal London continue to sponsor all of England’s home one-day internationals, plus the 50-Over Royal London One-Day Cup competition, until the end of the 2019 season.

Commenting on the deal, Patel said: “It’s exciting that Royal London want to extend their relationship with cricket still further – building on the successful partnership we’ve forged together over the past four years.

“With the England’s men’s one-day team victorious in all three one-day series last summer, the England women’s team winning the ICC Women’s World Cup and the Royal London One-Day Cup serving up a memorable Lord’s final, the 50-Over format continues to enjoy a significant media profile and offer valuable brand exposure.

“We will be aiming to make this partnership even stronger over the next two years and would like to thank everyone at Royal London for being such enthusiastic supporters of cricket at all levels.”

Emma Hill – Group Head of Brand and Sponsorship, Royal London added: “Our initial partnership with the ECB began at an important time in the company’s history as we re-launched the Royal London brand.

“Owing to a very successful 4 years of cricket sponsorship, we’re thrilled to be committing to the sport for another two years as we continue on our brand building journey. Like cricket, we’re a brand steeped in rich heritage and tradition and we’re excited about what we can achieve in partnership together over the next two years.”

Royal London has been an ECB sponsor since 2014 as part of an agreement which also includes support for England women’s one-day cricket and ECB’s age-group competitions at recreational level.

The sponsorship encompasses access to England players, in-ground advertising and corporate hospitality, as well ass competition naming rights.

Manchester City launches partnership with Khmer Beverages in Cambodia

Manchester City has announced a new multi-year partnership with Khmer Beverages’ Cambodia Beer, who will become the Premier League club’s official beer partner in South East Asia.

The agreement marks the first major sports partnership of its kind to take place in Cambodia and is set to further strengthens the Citizens’ presence in Asia.

Damian Willoughby, Senior Vice President of Partnerships at City Football Group, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with Khmer Beverages. Khmer Beverages shares Manchester City’s commitment to empowering the lives of others and driving social change within the communities that we operate.

“This announcement marks the Club’s first commercial partner based in Cambodia and we are excited to explore this market together, utilising Khmer Beverages’ great pedigree for creating dynamic campaigns to help us engage with Manchester City fans in the country.”

Leang Pov, President of Khmer Beverages, said: “Through this partnership, Khmer Beverages aims to bring international football experience to the fans in Cambodia and organise exciting and entertaining social events for fans.

“Khmer Beverages has been a strong supporter of the football sector since our establishment. We support local clubs and the national team and this time we raise the bar higher by bringing Manchester City’s experience and connections to Cambodia.”

This partnership also includes additional Manchester City rights for Khmer Beverages; official water partner in Cambodia, official soft drinks partner in Cambodia and official energy drink partner in Cambodia.

188BET announced as title sponsor of ‘2017 Champion of Champions snooker tournament’

188BET has been announced as the title sponsor of the 2017 Champion of Champions snooker tournament.

Taking place at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry from Monday to Sunday 6-12 November, the 188BET Champion of Champions will be broadcast live in the UK on ITV 4.

The 188BET Champion of Champions features World Snooker tournament winners from the previous 12 months, including World Champion Mark Selby and Masters Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Barry Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, said: “We are delighted once again to be working with 188BET on what is one of the biggest events on the snooker calendar.

“The 188BET Champion of Champions is a blue riband event and the millions of fans watching both in person at the Ricoh Arena across the world on live TV will be in for a treat of world class snooker from the first ball till the last.”

188BET’s Managing Director, Nigel Singer said: “I’m pleased to announce 188BET’s partnership with Matchroom Sport. The Champion of Champions snooker tournament is one of the biggest events on the snooker calendar.

In addition to live television coverage in the UK, the 188BET Champion of Champions will also be aired on CCTV in China, Sky New Zealand, OSN throughout the Middle East, StarHub in Singapore and Now TV in Hong Kong.

Discovery Communications and Eurosport unveil plans to transform Olympic Winter Games viewing experience

Discovery Communications and Eurosport have today unveiled their plans to transform the Olympic Winter Games viewing experience with the ‘Make it Yours’ editorial strategy across all screens set to deliver every minute for fans in Europe.

First fully digital Games for Europe

Eurosport will deliver the first fully digital Games for Europe, live and on-demand coverage across all screens in 48 markets*.

The interactive Eurosport Player will be the only place fans can watch every minute, every athlete and every sport – online, on mobile, tablet devices or connected TVs. More than 4,000 hours of coverage and 100 events will be available, including 900 hours of live action, more than ever before across the continent

Eurosport Player will give fans the chance to personalise and define their own Olympic experience. The new Make It Yours campaign, launching in November, will call on fans to take control of their Games experience and choose what they watch, when they watch and how they watch their favourite sports and local heroes.

Taking a new approach for a new generation, Discovery recently announced a first-of-its-kind Olympic Games partnership with Snap Inc in Europe**. At Games-time, the partnership will deliver user-generated and behind-the-scenes content from PyeongChang 2018 to Snapchat users in Europe.

Eurosport will have a dedicated mobile digital studio in PyeongChang and will work with some of the biggest digital influencers from across Europe, embedding them into editorial teams during the Games to co-create unique content for social media focused on engaging new and younger audiences. This represents another Olympic Games first for Europe.

Technology and innovation

Innovation will be at the forefront of Eurosport’s immersive coverage, utilizing the latest production technology, more data and 1,100 cameras to bring fans closer to the action.

A highlight will be the new “Eurosport Cube” studio, with action from PyeongChang brought to life through ground-breaking technology. An Olympic Games first, the Cube studio will use augmented reality and enhanced data to create an immersive and interactive environment, offering fans best-in-class analysis of the action.

As part of Eurosport’s series of up to 100 new and unique short form films, technology will be used to share a greater understanding of every winter sport. This first-of-its-kind content will give fans a new perspective on winter sports, allowing them to become the experts.

An example is Eurosport’s Sport Explainers: using augmented reality and data to create films that delve deeper into the technical explanations of winter sports, showing how the world’s best athletes win gold.


World class talent expertise and analysis

Eurosport’s global scale will bring more expertise, with in excess of 150 local experts and Olympians reporting on the action and bringing the fans closer to the athletes’ Olympic journey. The star-studded line-up includes numerous former athletes who have reached the pinnacle of their sport and whose names transcend their home markets.

Offering deeper analysis and the best insights, the unprecedented line-up currently features more than 150 winter sports expert talent and commentators, including 58 Olympians, with 151 Olympic Games, 75 Olympic Games medals and 28 Olympic Gold medals among them.

Jean-Briac Perrette, Discovery Networks International President and CEO, said: “PyeongChang 2018 marks the first Olympic Games of our ground-breaking long-term partnership with the International Olympic Committee.

“We want to redefine the Olympic Games experience for the viewer with immersive storytelling, unrivalled expert talent and an all-screen strategy reaching new and younger audiences. We know that viewers want more: more access to their local heroes, more expertise and more ways to watch the Olympic Games, and this is exactly what we are bringing to fans across Europe.”

Peter Hutton, CEO Eurosport, said: “Our leadership in sports broadcasting, combined with Discovery’s extensive presence and platforms, will bring local fans closer to the events and athletes that they love.

“Our world-first Eurosport Cube studio is a perfect example of this, using augmented reality and enhanced data to offer fans more informative analysis of the action. This will bring to life expert analysis in an interactive and immersive virtual world which has never been seen before at an Olympic Games.”

* Excludes France 2018-2020. Excludes Russia. Eurosport will be an Official Broadcaster in the UK 2018 and 2020.
** Excluding France and Russia
*** Working title