Glasgow Warriors sign strategic partnership with RHA

Glasgow Warriors Rugby Club has today announced a strategic partnership with RHA for the remainder on the 2017/2018 season.

As an official partner of Glasgow Warriors, the manufacturer will support the team and provide audio solutions for both players and staff.

RHA have already been in talks to identify projects where the partnership can benefit the club, with their expertise set to provide true-to-life audio to help the Glasgow Warriors on and off the field of play.

Glasgow Warriors Managing Director, Nathan Bombrys, said: “I’m delighted that RHA has chosen to partner with us. As an award-winning audio business, their expertise and technology will be hugely beneficial to the entire organisation.

“They’re a real Glasgow success story and we look forward to growing together for the remainder of the season.”

Lyndsey James-Williams, Head of Marketing and Business Development for RHA, added: “We are extremely proud to be partnering with Glasgow Warriors Rugby Team. Our global headquarters is less than three miles from the stadium and it’s a pleasure to be part of their official support network.

“The team shares many of RHA’s core values, including a focus on performance and providing an engaging experience for our customers and fans.”

Vodafone enters major partnership with Adelaide Strikers

Vodafone and the Adelaide Strikers have entered into a new major partnership embracing both the men’s and women’s teams.

The three-year deal starts from the beginning of the 2017-18 season and sees Vodafone become principal partner of the WBBL Strikers and major partner of the BBL Strikers.

As part of the agreement, Vodafone will receive prominent branding on team apparel, plus ample fan engagement opportunities.

Bronwyn Klei, Adelaide Strikers General Manager, said: “Vodafone is an ideal partner for us. It is a strong, well-known global brand and we are thrilled to have Vodafone supporting both our teams in the WBBL and BBL.

“The Adelaide Strikers have the most passionate supporters in the competition and our young demographic is digital-savvy and connected to the Strikers. We can’t wait for the season to start.”

Ben McIntosh, Vodafone’s Consumer Business Unit Director, added: “We’ve always had a passion for cricket and we’re thrilled to get back into such an iconic Australian sport, supporting the women’s and men’s competition with great enthusiasm.

“It’s an exciting time for Vodafone as we continue to disrupt the market with products and offers that give customers much needed freedom. We look forward to a cracking summer of cricket with the Adelaide Strikers and their fans.”

England Hockey announces Vitality as new official wellness partner

Vitality has today been announced as the official wellness partner of England Hockey as part of an innovative health partnership with both the men’s and women’s teams.

The agreement gives Vitality a wide range of assets, from stadium television advertising and perimeter board branding to elite player appearances.

Vitality has also agreed a deal to become title sponsor of the grassroots programme, Back to Hockey, and the 2018 Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup.

England Hockey Commercial Director, Jonathan Cockcroft, said: “With shared values and goals, we are delighted to partner with Vitality as our Official Wellness Partner, Back to Hockey sponsor and title sponsor of the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup.

“As hockey participation grows, we’re proud that our sport is making a positive contribution to the physical and mental wellbeing of people up and down the country. With a home World Cup on the horizon, we are excited to be working with Vitality to celebrate hockey, grow its fan base and inspire more people to pick up a stick.”

Neville Koopowitz, CEO of Vitality, added: “We believe in the power of sport to help inspire people to live a healthy life, which is why we partner with leading sports figures, teams and events to help us share the Vitality message.

“We are excited to be moving into hockey and these sponsorships are a brilliant way to support the continued progress of both the elite and grassroots game while at the same time telling a new audience about Vitality.”

The move into hockey further strengthens Vitality’s position in top level and grassroots sport. Vitality already partners with Arsenal FC, AFC Bournemouth, Liverpool FC, England Rugby, Scottish Rugby, Welsh Rugby, ECB and England Netball.

FIA Formula 2 expands 2018 calendar with all races set to support Formula 1

The FIA Formula 2 Championship has announced its 2018 race calendar, consisting of a total of 12 races.

All events will support the Formula 1 World Championship, with eight rounds set to be held in Europe while there will also be four flyaway events.

Two new venues – Le Castellet (France) and Sochi (Russia) – have been added to the calendar.

Bruno Michel, FIA Formula 2 CEO, said: “I am pleased to announce that next year’s calendar will hold twelve events alongside Formula One. One of our mission statements is to prepare young drivers to the next step: F1.

“Having all of our race weekends take place with F1 will help our drivers to learn as many F1 tracks as possible, but also to prove their race crafts directly in front of the F1 paddock.”

2018 FIA Formula 2 Championship Calendar*

April 6-8: Sakhir

April 27-29: Baku

May 11-13: Barcelona

May 24-26: Monaco

June 22-24: Paul Ricard

June 29-July 1: Red Bull Ring

July 6-8: Silverstone

July 27-29: Hungaroring

August 24-26: Spa

August 31-September 2: Monza

September 28-30: Sochi

November 23-25: Yas Marina

*Subject to final approval by the FIA WMSC

Eleven Sports adds darts and snooker rights to Belgium portfolio

Eleven Sports has added to its rights portfolio in Belgium with the acquisition of live and exclusive rights to the 2017/18 PDC World Darts Championship, the 2018 PDC World Cup of Darts and the Champion of Champions Snooker tournament.

All three events will be available to Eleven Sports subscribers on television, online, and on mobile via the Eleven Sports platform.

Danny Menken, Group Managing Director at Eleven Sports, said: “We are very pleased to extend our partnership with Matchroom Sport to bring more premium darts action – a sport that is popular locally in Belgium – to fans across the country.

“We are also thrilled to grow our portfolio by adding a leading Snooker tournament for the first time in this market.

“These additions signify more great progress for Eleven Sports, aligned to our strategy to meet un-met demand and make locally relevant, underserved content available for domestic fans in ways they want to consume it.”

Mark Lambert elected new chairman of The Rugby Players’ Association

Mark Lambert has today been elected as the new Chairman of The Rugby Players’ Association (RPA).

Having previously served as Vice-Chairman, the Harlequins prop received the unanimous backing of his fellow professionals on the RPA Players’ Board. A graduate of the Harlequins academy, Mark has made more than 215 appearances for the London club and this season marks his fifth on the board.

Mark will be supported in his new role by Northampton Saints’ second row Christian Day, who stepped down as Chairman but will assume the role of Vice-Chairman for the 2017/18 season. Christian originally joined the Players’ Board in 2011 and has spent the past three seasons as Chairman.

On his appointment Mark, said: “It’s an honour to have the opportunity to lead my fellow players as RPA Chairman for the 2017/18 season. Rugby is thriving in England but as the game continues to evolve, it’s vital that players have a strong, united voice on the issues that matter.

“While there will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, I am confident that the Board can build on its strong foundations to deliver for all RPA members on and off the field, and ensure that the players and their welfare remain the central issue in the game

“I’d also like to pay tribute to outgoing Chairman Christian Day. Christian has made a huge contribution to the game during his time on the Board and it’s great to be working with him as he assumes his new role as Vice-Chairman during his thoroughly deserved Testimonial Year.”

RPA Group CEO Damian Hopley, added: “During his time as a Player Representative, Mark has been a true champion for fellow professionals and an outstanding member of the RPA Players’ and Management Board.

“Mark has enjoyed a distinguished club career and brings a wealth of on and off-field experience to the role. We all believe that he will be an outstanding leader for professional rugby players in England over the months ahead.

“I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Christian for the instrumental role he has played as RPA Chairman since 2014. His tireless commitment to the cause has been an example to those around him and his continued involvement with the Board is a huge positive for the players and the game.

“This is going to be a critical year for the RPA and we are very fortunate to have such a capable and progressive Board led by Mark and Christian.”

USA Gymnastics names Kerry J. Perry as new President and CEO

The USA Gymnastics Board of Directors have today appointed Kerry J. Perry as the organisation’s new president and chief executive officer.

Perry will assume her new role on December 1, 2017, and will be based at the USA Gymnastics headquarters in Indianapolis.

Perry was formerly vice president of business development at Learfield Communications, Inc., and president and owner of KP Sports, which was acquired by Learfield.

In her various leadership roles, Perry has led many high-performing teams and organisations to great success, most recently in the collegiate sports field.

Paul Parilla, chairman of the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors, saod: “We are fortunate to have someone as capable and energetic as Kerry step into this leadership role.

“Her passion for the sport, commitment to athlete safety, and track record of motivating teams to succeed will help guide our vision for the future.”

Perry said of her appointment: “I am thrilled to join USA Gymnastics and I look forward to creating a culture of empowerment that encourages our athletes, our members, our families and our staff to have a strong voice as we move this incredible organization to heightened levels of achievement.

As a lifelong fan of the sport, I will be relentless in our pursuit of athlete safety, collaborative with our board, constituents and corporate partners, and supportive of our members, parents and staff on our journey to making USA Gymnastics the pinnacle of success.”

iSportconnect announces The Shard as London Directors’ Club venue

iSportconnect is delighted to announce that the next edition of our Directors’ Club will be staged at The Shard, London.

Opened in 2014, the 95-storey skyscraper has quickly established itself as one of London’s most luxurious venues and will ensure delegates can network with their high-ranking peers in style.

The spire-like sculpture boasts spectacular views of the capital’s skyline, stretching from its immediate surroundings of Tower Bridge to the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium.

Jellyfish, the award-winning digital marketing agency, are our venue partner for this end-of-year gathering and will be hosting the event at their offices and bar on floor 22.

Andrea Radrizzani, Founder & Group Chairman of Aser, and Owner & Chairman of Leeds United Football Club, has been confirmed as a guest speaker for the festive event, which will take place on December 6, 2017.

A selection of individual interviews and debates are set to offer an esteemed audience unique insight into key decision makers within the sports industry.

Chatham House rules will be strictly adhered to, as with all Directors’ Club events, encouraging a free exchange of ideas within a relaxed atmosphere.

Please contact Chris Edbrook (chris@isportconnect.com) to register your interest.

What makes an iSportconnect Directors’ Club so special?

  • Events are open exclusively to Director/C-Suite level executives at sports rights holders, sponsorship brands and broadcasters.
  • Capacity is capped at 150 delegates allowing intimate access to key decision makers in the sports industry.
  • No agencies or press can attend and, as we follow The Chatham House rule, all discussions will remain confidential.

The FA agrees three-year sponsorship deal with LG

Mark Bullingham, FA Group Commercial & Marketing Director, has backed the organisation’s new three-year sponsorship deal with LG to “transform” technology for English football’s players and fans.

LG stand to benefit from premium brand exposure across all rounds of the Emirates FA Cup, which boated a domestic audience of over 27 million last season.

The global consumer electronics manufacturer will also be the official digital screen partner of the England men’s teams, supplying digital screens at Wembley Stadium as well as at world-class training facility, St George’s Park.

Bullingham said of the agreement: “Our partnership with LG Electronics will help us to transform our technology at both St George’s Park and Wembley Stadium to benefit both fans and players.

“We spoke to all of the brands in the sector and were blown away by LG’s technology, which will help us to reinforce Wembley Stadium as the leading venue in the country for sports and entertainment events.”

LG Electronics UK Marketing Director, Carolyn Anderson, added: “We are really excited to have secured exclusive rights with The FA in a partnership that we believe will be a collaborative effort across the next three years.

“LG is a leading innovator in technology and we look forward to working with The FA to support its grassroots network, as well as equipping Wembley Stadium with the best products to cement its status as the leading sport and entertainment venue.”

Manchester City announces global partnership with Gatorade

Manchester City FC has today announced a multi-year global partnership with Gatorade, who are now the Premier League club’s official sports nutrition partner.

As part of the partnership, City’s sports scientists will work closely with the Gatorade Sport Science Institute (GSSI), whose mission is to help athletes optimise their health and performance through research and education in sports nutrition.

Gatorade’s portfolio of sports fuel products and equipment will be used by Pep Guardiola’s first team squad during training sessions at City Football Academy while on matchdays Gatorade will also have a presence on LED boards and branding at the Etihad Stadium.

Commenting on the new partnership, Damian Willoughby, Senior VP of Partnerships at City Football Group, said: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with a global leader in Gatorade.

“Gatorade’s knowledge and commitment to sports nutrition through innovative scientific research speaks for itself. Our team of sports scientists will work closely with the GSSI team to find new ways to support and fuel our players, both on and off the field.

“Gatorade is a globally recognised brand with a fantastic relationship with competitive athletes in the United States and all around the world. After a successful Manchester City US pre-season tour in Summer 2017, coupled with our growing presence and fanbase in the US and globally, Gatorade are the perfect partner for us.”

Anuj Bhasin, Head of Global Marketing for Gatorade, added: “Gatorade is excited to partner with Manchester City, to help fuel City athletes to perform at their best through the latest sports fuelling innovation.

“We look forward to a strong partnership with Manchester City by providing the team’s sports health and performance professionals with a variety of sports fuelling solutions to help maximise performance through customised sports science services.”