Arsenal FC announces Cover-More as official travel insurance partner

Arsenal Football Club has today announced Cover-More as its official travel insurance partner.

The agreement is set to run for three seasons and will give the global specialist and integrated travel insurance and medical assistance provider a number of rights and areas of exclusive access.

The company, which operates in 14 countries, will create Arsenal travel insurance, car-hire insurance and match ticket cancellation insurance solutions for Gunners supporters attending and travelling to games.

Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Cover-More into our family of official partners. After our hugely successful pre-season tour in Sydney, we are delighted to be partnering with this leading Australian-headquartered brand on a global basis.

“I’m certain that we can support Cover-More’s global growth plans while providing our supporters with insurance packages that help and protect them at home and on the road.”

Mike Emmett, Cover-More Chief Executive Officer, said: “We aim to protect the individual Arsenal fan experience when they want to go to a game, whether they’re travelling from Islington or India, Sydney or San Francisco.

“We will employ technology to customise our proposition for each fan and use geo-location to offer them meaningful types of protection products. Examples are a ticket-protection product that also rewards fans if the team wins on the field or switch-on-switch-off travel insurance products for diehard Gunners fans whether they live within or outside the UK.

“Arsenal Football Club has thrived on a pioneering and innovative spirit throughout their 125 years in existence. They make their fans proud wherever they are in the world and it is that focus on innovation, the fan experience and their loyal worldwide following that makes this an exciting partnership for Cover-More.”

As part of the agreement, Cover-More will also become an official partner of the north London outfit’s Emirates Stadium Tour experience.

World Rugby and IMG Replay agree three-year partnership extension

World Rugby has extended its exclusive worldwide archive partnership with IMG to include all major events until the end of 2020.

The agreement, which will now also cover Women’s Rugby World Cup, World Rugby U20 Championship and the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, will see more than 2,500 hours of content made available on IMG’s digital platform, IMG Replay. This will include archive footage from both upcoming and historic seasons and events.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “IMG has proved itself over many years to be an excellent partner for World Rugby, helping us to grow the game in several key markets around the world. In particular, IMG’s influence in making the most of the Olympic effect since rugby sevens’ debut at the Games in Rio 2016 has been profound.

“With the help of the team at IMG, I look forward to more growth in 15s and sevens over the coming years as we introduce millions of new fans globally to our tournaments and other events.

Richard Wise, Senior Vice President of IMG Media, said: “After more than 25 years of successfully marketing Rugby World Cup’s archive footage, we are delighted to extend our relationship with World Rugby to cover all of its major tournaments.

“Rugby’s men’s, women’s, junior and sevens tournaments all continue to grow exponentially in size, coverage and scope, and we look forward to offering extensive footage to broadcast platforms around the world.”

In addition to this newly extended partnership, IMG also now represents World Rugby globally across licensing and marketing.

Telstra’s NetCam technology set to be used at WTA Finals in Singapore

Telstra’s innovative NetCam technology will be deployed at the 2017 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global, with the technology providing audiences with never before the broadcast vision of the tournament.

Commissioned in partnership with Perform Group for the WTA Finals, Telstra’s NetCam will be deployed on each side of the tennis net to deliver audiences with an unprecedented panorama of the court during competition.

In addition to improving the fan viewer-experience, the miniature camera technology will also provide players and officials with a unique and live net’s eye view of the on-court action.

Trevor Boal, head of Telstra Broadcast Services said: “Telstra’s NetCam will be a game-changer in delivering a more immersive broadcast experience for tennis fans around the world. Broadcasting vision from Telstra’s NetCam at the WTA Finals will be a world first, with the innovative technology never before used in a competition finals environment.”

Pioneering NetCam at the WTA Finals builds upon Telstra’s six-year multi-million dollar broadcast partnership with Perform Group for the delivery of live and file-based video content of WTA tournaments across Telstra’s Global Media Network.

John Learing, WTA media managing director, said: “Women’s tennis is an incredibly athletic and fast-paced game. Telstra’s NetCam allows us to provide WTA viewers with a unique perspective while helping us to tell that athletic storyline.

“Tennis fans are not just courtside they are now immersed in the game on the court and at the net. This is going to be exciting for fans watching the WTA Finals live in Singapore.”

The NetCam device is the result of several years of research in Telstra’s Globecam facility in Melbourne working closely with tennis authorities including Tennis Australia to ensure viability. Globecam has its own proprietary camera and software allowing the creation of a unique device in a custom-designed housing.

The technology captures live play during the broadcast production with high-quality HD, stabilisation and degree of control once only dreamed of, including:

  • full HD 1080i/50i
  • full remote camera control for colour, exposure, etc.
  • digital pan/tilt for image framing adjustment
  • light-weight unit discretely fitted to the net

Tennis is the latest sport to feature Globecam after participating in a number of sporting events around the world including cricket, all codes of football and even skydiving and motor racing.

NetCam features on the WTA Finals live from Singapore worldwide from 22-29 October.

EFC appoints Inverleigh as worldwide distribution partner

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organisation EFC has appointed Inverleigh as their exclusive worldwide distribution partner, commencing a four-year partnership in the distribution of EFC’s event telecast rights and non-live content.

EFC produces over 80 hours of new premium content per annum, involving 10 events each year, featuring over 150 exclusively contracted fighters from around the world, and currently telecast in over 120 countries.

“Given their expansive network of broadcast partners, Inverleigh provides a great opportunity to build the global audience for EFC and raise greater awareness for the EFC brand, athletes and partners”, said EFC President Cairo Howarth.

“We see great growth potential for EFC, and we see this partnership as an important step in the next phase of our growth.”

Inverleigh Director Matt Whytcross added: “EFC is a premium promotion with high-calibre athletes and excellent production values. We see an exciting growth opportunity, for both parties, by way of this partnership.”

The deal also features ‘The Fighter’ – a reality series where ten undefeated contenders from around the world live and train together, and are pitted against each other, fighting to avoid elimination. Season 1 of The Fighter is currently in production.

Broadcast rights for EFC events and programming are currently being offered for license via Inverleigh’s in-house sales team.

EFL and Twitter team up to live stream Carabao Cup draw

The English Football League (EFL) and Twitter have agreed a deal to stream the fifth round draw draw of the Carabao Cup live to a global audience via the social media platform.

The agreement marks the first time a draw of a major English footballing competition will be exclusively broadcast on the platform.

Fans will be able to watch the action unfold on Twitter from 4pm GMT on Thursday 26th October.

EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said: “The EFL prides itself on being innovative and not being afraid to try something new if we believe it has the potential to increase exposure and awareness of our competitions at home and abroad.

“We are therefore excited to team up with Twitter to give fans of EFL clubs across the world access to the Round Five draw via their new live streaming service. It’s the first time a major cup draw in the UK has been broadcast exclusively live on the social media network and presents us with a rare opportunity to engage with a global fan base alongside being able to continue the debate immediately after the ties are determined.

Bruna Zanin, Sports Partnerships Manager at Twitter UK, said: “We are thrilled that fans around the world will be able to watch and join the conversation around the Round Five Draw as it unfolds live on Twitter.

“EFL have always been incredibly innovative in their use of Twitter, so it felt like a natural fit to collaborate with them to exclusively broadcast a draw of this kind for the first time.”

David Butcher, Managing Director of Carabao Energy Drink UK&I, added: “In our first year as sponsor of the Carabao Cup, Carabao Energy Drink has been doing things differently and, this is a fantastic opportunity for everyone around the world to tune in and find out who their team will take on as we get to the final stages of the Carabao Cup.

“Alongside the EFL and Twitter, we’re excited to be hosting the draw in an entirely new format, and we look forward to joining the conversation in real time with millions of football fans.”

UEFA doubles TV rights revenues in two rights cycles

UEFA, Europe’s football governing body, has doubled television rights revenues for both its national and club team franchises over the last two contractual cycles, according to Guy-Laurent Epstein.

A proportion of the increase is a result of growing competition for rights between different platforms, plus UEFA’s decision to restructure key events, including the launch of the upcoming Nations League and expansion of the European Championships.

Epstein, UEFA’s marketing director, told Sportel’s Expert Panel 1 that a key reason behind the evolution “was the decision to centralise all rights because this allowed us to improve the scheduling of games and meant broadcasters could tell a better story.”

Epstein acknowledged that increasing levels of competition have made it difficult for traditional free-to-air broadcasters to secure UEFA rights but believes a shift towards pay-TV is yet to negatively affect his organisation’s sponsorship revenues.

He added: “For brands, being associated with UEFA competitions like the Champions League and Europa League is not just about generating media value.”

The Nations League is set to launch in September 2018 and will aim to rid international football of meaningless friendlies in favour of a new, competitive tier system.

READ MORE: UEFA launch Nations League with aim of ensuring ‘continued success of international football’

The Boat Race announces Mizuno as official performance apparel partner

Global sportswear company Mizuno has been announced as the official performance apparel partner for The Cancer Research UK Boat Race.

The partnership, which is set to cover the next three boat races, will see Mizuno exclusively produce and design performance apparel and gym wear for race athletes.

Edd Dibb, Mizuno’s European Team Apparel Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be on-board with such a prestigious event and a brand that is fundamental to the British sporting calendar.

“After working alongside British Rowing, The Boat Race is another huge step as we look to continue our expansion into the rowing market. We can’t wait to get started.”

David Searle, Executive Director of The Boat Race Company, added: “We’re delighted to have Mizuno as our Official Performance Apparel Partner for the next three years.

“Mizuno are a globally recognised brand and have produced kit that has seen victory at some of the world’s foremost sporting events. For us, they are the perfect partner to continue developing the Race’s domestic and international reputation.”

Winners announced for the TV Sports Awards 2017 and Golden Boy accolade

London 24th October, 2017 – Last night, TV Sports Awards 2017 (TVSA) honoured the best achievements from the sport media industry. Golden Boy was awarded to the best young footballer Kylian Mbappé.

The ceremony, held at the fascinating Salle des Etoiles, was hosted by two talented sport presenters, Marc Edwards and Rachel Stringer, who undoubtedly delivered a fantastic act.

In conjunction with SPORTEL Monaco, the event was a magnificent occasion to unite and celebrate the success and magical moments of the industry whilst raising money for the Play for Change Charitable Trust.

All proceeds from the night will help the charity to continue delivering impactful sport and education programmes for underprivileged children around the world.

With an audience of 300 professionals from the world of sports media, the ceremony began with the presentation of the Tuttosport Golden Boy awarding the Paris Saint-Germain football player: Kylian Mbappé.

It was a special night for people who are passionate about sport and in particular football. Juan Mata, midfielder for Manchester United won the Play for Change (PFC) award, recognising his inspirational and influential work with the Common Goal project.

Full list of the 2017 TV Sports Awards winners:

Best Live Event Coverage: Eurosport’s Coverage of Tour de France

Best Sports Thematic Channel: Olympic Channel

Best TV Rights Deal: Svensk Elitfotboll domestic deal with Discovery/Eurosport

Best Sports Broadcaster: BBC Sport

Agency of the Year: Infront Sport and Media

Media Executive for the Year: John Gleasure – Perform

Sports Media Company of the Year: Perform

Best Sports Project: ATP Media – Tennis TV & DAZN by Perform

Play for Change Award: Juan Mata for his work with Common Goal

Fantastic entertainment was shown throughout the evening and there was an exclusive auction, powered by Charity Stars, which offered unique items, exclusive memorabilia and ‘money can’t buy experiences’.

The 2017 edition of the TV Sports Awards was open to the whole industry to apply and had a very high calibre of nominees. There was a huge interest in the Best Sports Project award category, which is a new category and awarded two winners: Tennis TV by ATP Media and DAZN by Perform. Well done to Perform with three wins and was casted as Sports Media Company of the Year.

Play for Change Ambassadors Anne Wafula Strike MBE and Bonita Norris both represented the charity and spoke highly about how sport can positively impact lives.

iSportconnect adds Facebook and NBA to Dubai Summit speaker lineup

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

Jerry Newman, Sport Partnership Lead – EMEA at Facebook, and Ben Morel, Managing Director and Senior VP – EMEA at NBA, will offer delegates a unique insight into the sports industry.

Newman and Morel join a stellar lineup of speakers including Nuala Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer at Standard Life Aberdeen, Murray Barnett, Head of Global Sponsorship & Commercial Partnerships at F1,  Brett Gosper, CEO of World Rugby, and Adolfo Bara, General Manager Marketing & Sales at LaLiga.

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.

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

Dates will soon be announced for a Beijing and Singapore Summit as part of a ‘World Tour’ of iSportconnect Summits in 2018.

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.

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and 1080 Media TV production and distribution deal extended to 2020

Billed as the greatest ocean adventure around the planet, the biennial Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has extended its commitment to a fourth season of the award-winning ‘Race of Their Lives’ human adventure unscripted TV series, produced by UK based 1080 Media TV, to complete distribution deals through to 2020.

The unique event trains every-day people from all walks of life, many of them sailing novices, to take on the world’s toughest oceans in the biggest round-the-world race featuring hundreds of crew from over 40 nations, battling it out on twelve identical modern yachts, in a year-long 40,000 nautical mile series of races between six continents to circumnavigate the globe.

“We continue to have excellent feedback from broadcasters to the 7-part series we produce for the Clipper Race, which follows this unique challenge through the experiences of the Corinthian competitors of all ages and backgrounds, as they take on this extraordinary endurance challenge,” said Cliff Webb, CEO of the 1080 Media TV.

“We are currently in production with the third season of ‘The Race of Their Lives’ which is following the 2017-18 edition of the Clipper Race, which has just reached Cape Town. The extension of our role as Host Broadcaster for the Clipper Race to 2020 enables us to respond to the growing demand to include the 2019-20 edition in our distribution deals.”

The previous series of the Clipper 2015-16 Race reached over 900 million households in 171 territories. The current series is adding, even more, broadcasters, digital and OTT platforms. In addition to The Race of Their Lives series, released as the event unfolds, 1080 Media TV produces and distributes two live shows which capture the emotionally charged opening and closing stages and ceremonies of this ocean marathon; plus news feeds, B-rolls and edited packages, together with a diverse range of social media content.

The current edition of the Clipper Race started from Liverpool, the UK on 20 August 2017 and will return there on 28 July 2018. The next edition of the Clipper Race will run from August 2019 to July 2020.

“We have been very pleased with the quality and style of programming and extensive distribution achieved by 1080 Media TV,” comments Jonathan Levy, executive producer on behalf of race organisers Clipper Ventures. “We feel it is important to be able to maximise the development of the widest possible range of content which engages with audiences everywhere, who are captivated by people like them, and who take on this incredibly challenging human adventure.

“Extending our production partnership to 2020 enables us both to take advantage of new channels and technologies. Despite more than 20 years of running the Clipper Race, we are constantly evolving and continue to grow from strength-to-strength with a very robust and successful business model. We are already signing up crew and sponsors for 2019-20 and even 2021-22.”

The Race of Their Lives 2 was voted Best Sports Documentary Series (UK) in the TMT Media Awards