NRL’s Dragons appoint XBlades as official apparel partner

St George Illawarra has announced XBlades as the Dragons’ official apparel partners on a multi-year deal.

XBlades will supply the club’s official playing jerseys, shorts and socks, as well as training and off-field apparel.

“We’re proud to be teaming up with the Dragons who align strongly with our brand values of innovating and developing technically enhanced products which can be seen through their willingness to embrace our Merino jersey trial,” said XBlades Australia CEO, Leighton Richards.

“XBlades’ ethos is athlete-led and product driven therefore our products and technology will continue to evolve with the game as we strategically leverage our new networks to push the boundaries of innovation.

“We’ll continue to work together with the Dragons over the next few months to bring major developments across fabrics and design for apparel ready for 2018 and beyond.”

St George Illawarra Chief Executive Officer Peter Doust added: “The Dragons are extremely excited by the possibilities of our five-year agreement with an internationally renowned brand such as XBlades.

“The thorough process that XBlades underwent with key members of the Dragons, to help adhere to the players’ high-performance apparel needs, is another step in the right direction for the club.

“As far as innovation and forward-thinking goes, the Dragons are pleased to be aligning with XBlades and the values they hold dear, ahead of the 2018 NRL season.”

Boston City FC signs multi-year agreement with New Balance

Boston City FC has today announced New Balance as its official outfitter and apparel supplier.

New Balance, which has its global headquarters in Boston, will supply kit and apparel to Boston City FC.

The National Premier Soccer League team will kick off its third season wearing jerseys designed specifically for the club, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Craig Tornberg, Boston City FC Managing Director, said: “The level of commitment from New Balance is a clear indication that they believe in the longevity of the project we started two years ago.

“They have recognised what we have achieved to date and see the tremendous potential Boston City has to influence and appeal to soccer fans in our region. We are incredibly honored to wear one of Boston’s premier brands, who have made such a global commitment to our sport.

“We look forward not only to wearing the New Balance uniforms, but also carrying out brand activation in the Greater Boston market, at matches, and through our youth soccer partnerships as we continue to integrate with our local community.”

Chris Gallo, General Manager – Team Sports at New Balance, added: “New Balance is incredibly excited and proud to announce a new sponsorship with our local NPSL team, Boston City FC.

“Our agreement together is a strong statement for New Balance in the region and we look forward to providing the best experience for both the players and fans on and off the field.”

New Balances also has agreements with several European-based clubs such as Liverpool, Celtic and Porto.

International Paralympic Committee and Visa extend partnership until 2020

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Visa have extended their long-running partnership until 2020.

Visa is the IPC’s longest serving commercial partner, having first got involved in 2003, and the two organisations will continue to work together over the coming years to create engaging digital media campaigns that support the Games and athletes, and highlight innovative payment technologies.

As part of the agreement, Visa has retained exclusive marketing and promotional rights within the Payment Services category and activation opportunities for financial institution clients and merchants throughout the world.

Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, said: “It is fantastic news for the IPC and the whole of the Paralympic Movement that Visa has extended its partnership until at least 2020.

“Visa was the first global sponsor of the IPC and Paralympic Games and over the years they have continually increased their support of the Paralympic Movement and leading Para athletes.

“We greatly value our partnership with Visa and are very excited about the joint digital media campaigns that we will be running between now and 2020.”

Chris Curtin, chief marketing innovation and brand officer at Visa Inc, added: “The Paralympic athletes embody our shared value of acceptance, and the Paralympic Games provide them a stage to share their achievements in a true celebration of life that will inspire fans everywhere to reach their own potential.

“We’re proud to provide this support and wish for a successful hosting of PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games and success of Paralympic athletes.”

Worcestershire CCC seal five-year ground naming rights deal with Blackfinch Investments

Worcestershire CCC has today announced a five-year ground naming rights deal with Blackfinch Investments.

The agreement – which will see the county ground renamed ‘Blackfinch New Road’ – is set to net the club an annual figure in excess of six figures.

Worcestershire’s Chief Executive, Tom Scott, said: “This is a historic moment for the club, it is the first time in New Road’s history that it will share its name with a commercial partner.

“A huge amount of thanks and credit must go to Richard Cook and his team at Blackfinch, without their commitment and vision this would not have been possible.

“This deal is another step towards securing the Club’s long term financial security and reflects the amount of hard work during the past couple of years by everyone at the club, but in particular the Commercial Team who continue to attract large organisations who commit for long periods of time because of a shared vision both on and off the pitch.”

Blackfinch’s Chief Executive, Richard Cook, added: “I am immensely proud of this new deal and it is a significant moment for Blackfinch to become the main commercial partner of Worcestershire County Cricket Club; an institution with so much history and tradition, as well as so much optimism for the future.

“The current direction of cricket means that the club must be innovative to ensure that they can compete at the highest level on the pitch, and to create more success and historic moments for future generations to remember.

“This aligns with Blackfinch who are a company that relies on a wealth of experience and history, yet remains agile and dynamic in order to remain competitive. For this reason, I think there is a strong synergy inherent within this partnership.”

UFC announces global licensing partnership with Opro

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced a new multi-year global licensing agreement with OPRO, the world’s largest manufacturer of mouthguards.

The agreement, which begins in 2018, grants the oral protection company the rights to produce UFC branded mouthguards and provide bespoke guards to UFC athletes.

UFC Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products, Tracey Bleczinski, said: “OPRO has been a world-renowned manufacturer of mouthguards for more than 20 years and we are thrilled to launch this new global partnership.

“As an industry pioneer, OPRO has designed some of the most innovative guards in sports and we look forward to delivering these premium products to UFC athletes and the combat sports community.”

OPRO Chief Executive Officer, David Allen, said: “OPRO has ambitious international expansion plans for the coming years, and partnering with another hugely progressive and pioneering brand who are growing exponentially all over the world, particularly in key markets for us such as Asia and the Americas, is truly exciting.

“This partnership with UFC reflects our continued growth in the combat sports market and we look forward to working with them as we kit out more and more UFC athletes with OPRO guards.”

UFC athletes will have the option of wearing mouthguards by OPRO while training or competing in the UFC. OPRO will also offer UFC branded guards to combat participants and fight fans for purchase at opromouthguards.com and through a network of key global retail partners.

Nissan becomes first Japanese manufacturer to join Formula E

Nissan is set to become the first Japanese automotive brand to compete in the FIA Formula E Championship – joining the electric street racing series in season five.

Nissan will have the chance to promote its Intelligent Mobility – the company’s three-pillar strategy to re-define how its vehicles are driven, powered and integrated into society.

Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO of Formula E, said: “To have a name like Nissan coming on board is a momentous day for the series. Not only is it great to welcome a new manufacturer to the Formula E family – it’s great to see our first Japanese manufacturer entering the frame, showing truly how global the electric revolution is.

“Japan is a country at the forefront of new technologies with one of the biggest followings of Formula E. The shift towards sustainable mobility is in motion and it’s unstoppable. I look forward to seeing the Nissan logo adorned on the new-look cars for season five.”

Daniele Schillaci, executive vice president of global marketing and sales, zero-emission vehicles and battery business, and chairman of Nissan’s management committee for Japan, Asia and Oceania, added: “As the ultimate expression of the thrill of instant acceleration and agile handling that’s at the heart of Nissan zero-emission driving, Nissan is going to electrify the Formula E championship.

“Nissan will be the first Japanese brand to enter this growing championship, bringing our long history of motorsports success to the Formula E grid. It will give us a global platform for bringing our pioneering Nissan Intelligent Mobility strategy to a new generation of racing fans.

“Nissan’s DNA is rich in innovation in electric mobility, not to mention a long history of success in motorsports. It makes sense that we bring these two core elements together by competing in Formula E.”

Nissan is set to replace one of the existing validated manufacturer registrations for the 2018/19 season – maintaining the current list of nine manufacturers in total for season five.

iSportconnect adds Fox Networks Group and ICC to Dubai Summit speaker lineup

iSportconnect is delighted to confirm that two additional guest speakers have been added to the lineup for the Dubai Summit on November 29.

Sanjay Raina, General Manager & SVP, Fox Networks Group/National Geographic – Middle East, North Africa & Pakistan, and Aarti Dabas, Head of Media Rights, Broadcast & Digital at International Cricket Council, will take part in a series of interviews and discussions, offering delegates a unique insight into the sports industry.

Already confirmed to speak at the event are Brett Gosper, CEO of World Rugby, Adolfo Bara, General Manager Marketing & Sales at LaLiga, Nuala Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer at Standard Life Aberdeen, Murray Barnett, Head of Global Sponsorship & Commercial Partnerships at F1, Jerry Newman, Sport Partnership Lead – EMEA at Facebook, and Ben Morel, Managing Director and Senior VP – EMEA at NBA.

The Summit represents a breakthrough opportunity for up to 150 top-tier executives in sport and entertainment to experience and enjoy the unique learning and networking benefits of iSportconnect’s exclusive invitation-only event concept.

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.

Further speakers will be announced in due course.

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.

World Rugby announces Gilbert as official ball supplier for major 15s tournaments

World Rugby has announced the appointment of Gilbert as official ball supplier for its premier 15s tournaments, including the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups.

World Rugby and Gilbert’s deal includes:

  • Rugby World Cup 2019 and 2023
  • Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021
  • World Rugby U20 Championship and Trophy
  • World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup

Gilbert will be unveiling the official Rugby World Cup 2019 match ball design on the same day with replica sales beginning from the end of this year.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “We are proud of our long-standing relationship with Gilbert that has game innovation and development at its core.

“Through a succession of MATCH-XV balls, technical advances have supported the world’s top men’s and women’s players at Rugby World Cups, while also recognising and addressing the needs of more durable balls for development programmes around the world.

“We look forward to working in partnership with Gilbert through our showcase 15s competitions to further global rugby growth in profile and participation.”

Gilbert, who are also official suppliers to a number of national member unions, have been suppliers for Rugby World Cup since 1995.

Richard Gray, sales and marketing director at Gilbert Rugby, said: “It is a tremendous honour for everyone at Gilbert to have been selected by World Rugby as their official ball supplier, not only for the next two Rugby World Cup tournaments but also the full range of World Rugby 15s events.

“We are particularly excited by the opportunity to support World Rugby by investing in the development of the sport in new rugby markets, as an integral part of the agreement. Coupled with our existing support of the World Rugby sevens programme, this new agreement cements the Gilbert ball at the heart of the game.

“We are looking forward to launching our new Rugby World Cup collection over the coming months in the runup to Japan 2019, culminating in the unveiling of our new match ball.”

The deal is in addition to that to supply the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

PGA Tour and China Golf Association set to launch PGA Tour-China in 2018

The PGA Tour is partnering with the China Golf Association to launch PGA Tour-China in 2018.

The PGA Tour-China schedule will feature a series of tournaments beginning in spring 2018, with each event offering a prize purse of at least 1.5 million RMB ($2.2 million).

PGA TOUR-China will provide players with a path to the PGA TOUR through the Web.com Tour, with the top-five money-winners at season’s end earning 2019 Web.com Tour membership.

In addition, there will be at least 15 additional players who will have access to the latter stages of the Web.com Tour Qualifying Tournament.

Ty Votaw, executive vice president of PGA TOUR Global Business Affairs, said: “The essence of PGA Tour-China is what the PGA Tour offers, namely a world-class brand, global credibility and Web.com Tour access that gives players a path to the PGA Tour.

“We are excited to partner with the CGA in this endeavour going forward and appreciate the CGA and its cooperation, assistance and collaboration. We are playing a strong tournament schedule, with significant purse sizes.”

As golf continues to grow, PGA Tour-China expects to attract a truly international membership, with the majority of the players coming from Asia.

“We believe PGA Tour-China will weekly present outstanding competition played at strong golf courses throughout the country. Our 2018 season ensures that we’ll continue providing exceptional playing opportunities for our players,” said Greg Gilligan, managing director of PGA TOUR Greater China.

“Sport is undergoing reform in China, and we think it is an important and positive reform. We are very pleased to be working in concert with the China Golf Association and are happy we are in a position to offer playing opportunities on a high-level Tour played to PGA TOUR standards, the same quality players and fans have come to expect.

“We are delighted to cooperate with the PGA Tour again on this new tour. It not only provides a broader platform for Chinese players but also enriches the existing men’s professional golf tournaments in China,” said Xiaoning Zhang, President of the CGA.

The PGA TOUR China Series began in 2014, five months after then-PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem and the CGA’s Zhang announced its formation at a press conference at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions.

Miami Dolphins become first NFL team to partner with Deezer

Deezer, a global music streaming company, today has announced a new strategic partnership as the official music partner of the Miami Dolphins.

The partnership will give Miami Dolphins fans access to a channel dedicated entirely to their favourite team, containing the official playlists of the Miami Dolphins team, the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and mascot T.D.

The channel also will feature Game Day and Warm-Up playlists.

“The Miami Dolphins are a truly iconic brand that has international appeal,” Deezer North America VP Jorge Rincon said.

“We selected the Dolphins as our first foray into the North American sports scene as they are steeped in tradition. This partnership allows Deezer to celebrate the players, cheerleaders, mascot and fans that are the fabric of this hugely popular NFL team.”

Todd Kline, Miami Dolphins senior vice president and chief commercial officer, said: “We’re honoured to be the first North American professional sports team to partner with such an innovative global brand, giving our fans deeper access and a personalized experience through Deezer Flow.

“This Dolphins channel gives our fans direct access to the players’ favourite music — be it what they listen to off the field or in getting pumped for a game.”