Media partners confirmed for Bangkok SportAccord Convention 2018

SportAccord Convention today confirmed six Media Partners as part of its tiered media partnership programme who will cover the business of sport for international sports federations, industry, cities and regions. Set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand from 15 – 20 April 2018, the SportAccord Convention Media Partners include: AFP Sports, Anadolu Agency (AA), Francs Jeux, iSportconnect, SportBusiness Group, as well as Sports Features Communications.

Selected as Media Partners for their global reach and expert analysis, they will provide media and marketing support in the lead-up to the Convention, as well as in-depth news coverage and interviews during the event.

Focused on ‘sports marketing and sponsorship’, the sixteenth edition of SportAccord Convention is supported by a full 3-day conference programme involving leading subject matter experts. The varied programme streams include the Plenary, CityAccord, MediaAccord and LawAccord, as well as the launch of HealthAccord.

With a packed Official Schedule, and the only sports business summit attended by all the international sports federations, SportAccord Convention hosts the General Assemblies for GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations), ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), ARISF (Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations), AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport) and Associate Members. A delegation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will also be in attendance.

As a result of the high-profile organisations and delegates in attendance, this year’s 6-day global gathering in Aarhus, Denmark, generated nearly 2,000 unique news stories as well as 50 broadcasted interviews – reaching 60 countries. Media coverage included breaking news and analysis, exclusives, features and in-depth interviews, as well as news-in-brief.

Welcoming this year’s Media Partners on-board, Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said, “We are delighted to be working with these media partner organisations once more, many of whom have been with us for years.

“Their continued loyalty, support and refreshingly down-to-earth approach towards media coverage, provides international sports federations, industry, cities, partners and exhibitors, with excellent opportunities to reveal breaking news, profile new products or services, and help drive awareness globally.”

MLS announces JLab Audio as official audio partner

Major League Soccer (MLS) has today announced a new sponsorship deal with JLab Audio, the fastest growing major headphone brand.

Under the terms of the new multi-year agreement – JLab Audio’s largest partnership to date – the California-based company becomes Major League Soccer’s first Official Audio Partner

JLab CEO, Win Cramer, said: “JLab is super excited to continue our growth by connecting with the fastest-growing sports league in the US. This partnership is a perfect match – blending JLab’s focus on value and authenticity with the most loyal and passionate fans in all of sports.

“Moreover, we’ll get to introduce our brand and products to the next generation of soccer players and fans alike. We’re thrilled!”

Carter Ladd, Vice President of Business Development, MLS, added: “We’d like to welcome JLab Audio to the MLS family. This is an example of two growing, increasingly relevant brands partnering to continue their upward trajectory. We look forward to working with our new partners at JLab for many years to come.”

The partnership focuses on connecting players and fans with JLab Audio’s wireless products and getting both excited about the game.

Under the partnership JLab Audio will have a strong presence during pre-game warmups and will work with players to access wireless products. The company will also receive field-level signage in nationally-televised matches and curated custom athlete playlists, powered by JLab Audio, that will be hosted on MLS channels.

Michelin extends partnership with FIA Formula E Championship until 2021

Michelin has renewed its partnership with FIA Formula E Championship as official tyre supplier in a multi-year agreement until 2021.

As part of the agreement, Michelin will continue to provide innovative high-performance all-weather tyres for the championship.

Jean Todt, FIA president, said: “Since the championship began, Michelin has shown a commitment to technical innovation, developing racing tyres with a clear focus on sustainability, efficiency and road relevance as well as performance.

“I look forward to continuing this collaboration over the coming years in the competitive environment of the FIA Formula E Championship.”

Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO of Formula E, said: “I’m so pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with Michelin as the first partner to commit to the series. Michelin believed in the concept of the championship since before day one, sharing our vision as an innovative platform to test and develop technology for future road vehicles.

“Formula E is about forward-thinking and Michelin has built a tyre specific to our needs, but also relevant to the everyday cars we drive at home. I’m looking forward to working closely with Michelin until the end of season seven and beyond.”

Pascal Couasnon, Michelin motorsport director, said: “Michelin believed in the FIA Formula E Championship from the beginning and joined this new discipline as a founding partner. Today, after only three seasons, Formula E has become a platform of innovation and communication chosen by the most important brands of the world.

“The contribution of Formula E to the evolution of the automobile is obvious and Michelin wants to move forward with the FIA, Alejandro Agag and his teams, as well as with all manufacturers, on the path of sustainable mobility.

“Michelin is delighted to continue its collaboration with Formula E beyond season five, until 2021. Thus, after having developed innovations such as the first highly energy efficient 18-inch competition tyres for single-seaters, Michelin will continue its research and technology transfer work during the coming seasons.”

‘There’s far more to the LaLiga brand than just football’ – Enrique Moreno, Global Brand Director of LaLiga

LaLiga is one of the most recognisable brands in world sport. Spanish football – and the nation’s passion for the beautiful game – is known across the globe while its clubs and supporters are the envy of many.

Having enjoyed a period of international growth in recent years, the organisation has launched a new campaign entitled ‘It’s not football. It’s LaLiga’ to show the true extent of its global reach and explain how they spread their brand values around the world.

The film captures the huge impact LaLiga has on the lives of its fans and Enrique Moreno, Brand Director of LaLiga, believes it will help to attract new audiences.

“‘It’s not football. It’s LaLiga’ is the slogan which sums up our new approach,” Moreno told iSportconnect.

“What LaLiga is suggesting with this statement is that when it comes to football, we remain the ultimate role model, our football is of the very highest calibre, people end up falling in love with it and it’s recognised right throughout the globe.

“However, this slogan also conveys the idea that we’re an entertainment brand that is global, responsible, modern and close to the people. It’s our way of letting the world know that there’s far more to the LaLiga brand than just football.

“We come into contact with people of all ages, cultures and nationalities. It also represents a new direction in our communication, which began with the launch of our advertising campaign. To tell our story in all its glory, we’ve created a global, multi-platform campaign that will reach and inspire a whole range of audiences right throughout the world.

“The new campaign was initially launched outside of Spain; all of our international broadcasters started to air the campaign two weeks prior to the launch in Spain.

“Although the campaign is currently live in 21 countries, our aim is to enhance our presence in the international markets. What’s more, the universal nature of the game means that we have a footprint in many countries thanks to social media.”

Football matches last just 90 minutes, but LaLiga is determined to show that it is not limited to what takes place between the white lines.

“LaLiga is a part of people’s lives and that was our starting point in the creation of this world that goes far beyond the confines of a football pitch,” added Moreno.

“This new approach sees us expand our field of action, whilst enabling LaLiga and its member clubs to follow this blueprint in all of their activities, be these on or off the pitch, so as to allow those who don’t know anything about the game to feel as if there’s more on offer than just football.

“The idea is that there’s much more to it than what happens over the course of the 90 minutes.”

Being a national brand is, of course, no longer enough for an organisation of LaLiga’s stature. But, as the organisation continues to grow overseas, Moreno is keen to ensure both domestic fans in Spain and those in emerging markets are catered for.

“We have a global product and the passion for LaLiga is one that transcends borders. However, we mustn’t neglect our history and forget where we come from. Spain is a country in which there’s a great love for football and that’s what has made LaLiga into the global product it is today.

“The key to all of this is to ensure a global focus, without undermining your local following. Our aim is to make the experience of watching a game unique, regardless of where you are, and for supporters to be able to enjoy a unique entertainment experience to the max.

“Our league is a competition which is full of action. The language of football is universal and is understood both within Spain and abroad.

“One of the focal points of LaLiga’s strategy is our internationalisation. LaLiga operates throughout the globe, and although in certain countries we’ve noticed that there is greater potential in terms of the interest in sport in general, and football in particular, for the very reason that we offer more than just football, we’re trying not to neglect any of the markets.”

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.”