NFL and Facebook announce worldwide programming partnership

The National Football League (NFL) and Facebook today announced a multiyear deal to deliver official NFL video and other content to fans around the world.

The NFL will publish NFL Game Recaps and official highlights from all 256 regular season games as well as the playoffs and Super Bowl that will be available to people globally on Facebook.

In addition, NFL Media, the League’s owned and operated media division, will distribute packaged content from NFL Films, on Facebook’s Watch platform.

“We’re excited for Watch to become a destination for NFL fans to catch up on the latest on-field action and connect with one another,” said Dan Reed, Facebook’s Head of Global Sports Partnerships.

“These full game recaps and shows will deliver comprehensive coverage while enabling the active NFL fan communities on Facebook to watch and debate the top storylines from each week.”

NFL Turning Point, Sound FX and NFL Game Recaps will be posted each week during the NFL season and available to people in the U.S. on Watch.

People around the world will also be able to tune in by following the NFL Turning Point, Sound FX and NFL Game Recaps Show pages and can watch highlights from around the League on Facebook by following the NFL or any of its 32 clubs.

“We have millions of fans on Facebook, and they continue to demonstrate an incredible appetite for NFL content,” said Hans Schroeder, Chief Operating Officer of NFL Media.

“We’re excited to bring a compelling set of highlights and shows from the NFL and our clubs to our fans on Facebook.”

SBC Events breaks attendance records with second Betting on Sports

A record number of delegates, exhibitors and top-level industry speakers attended the second edition of the Betting on Sports conference, held 12-15 September at the Olympia Conference Centre in London.

There were more than 1,300 registrations, a 100% increase on the number for the inaugural edition of the event and a 30% increase on attendance from this year’s biggest ever Betting on Football conference at Stamford Bridge.

This total featured representatives from more than 140 operators, 100 suppliers and 75 top affiliates, alongside 75 sports club executives and a 5% share of both regulators/compliance staff and payment providers. All delegates were sent a post event feedback form, with 96.3% of respondents so far indicating they would recommend Betting on Sports to a colleague.

While last year’s event featured 75 speakers in two conference rooms, this time around there were more than 180 speakers across three conference rooms and eight main conference tracks, including Sky Bet CEO Richard Flint, Pinnacle CEO Paris Smith, Mybet CEO Markus Peuler and Betfred CCO Phil Siers.

Richard Gale, UK General Manager at Catena Media and a key speaker on the future landscape for sports betting affiliates, said: “The Betting on Sports conference was great, and it was a true pleasure to speak at the event. I thoroughly enjoyed it, with some great contacts/business coming out of it. Normally very sceptical of industry events to be honest, but this was the first time I’ve left wishing I’d spent more time at one!”

John Caldwell, Partner at Narus Advisors and moderator on the US Sports session at last week’s event, added: “This may have been the best gambling conference I’ve ever been to. Well thought out and with some scale – but not to the point where you get lost wandering through the aisles. The whole thing looked terrific, well done!”

Andreas Bardun, Head of Sports for LeoVegas and a panelist on the tennis session, said: “The best thing was this was a serious discussion and debate about the issues. No one in my panel had a hidden agenda with trying to sell something. I was proud to be part of panels because I had debate with really knowledgeable people.”

Running concurrently with the conference sessions, the lively product display and networking space was subjected to a 200% increase from 20 to 60 exhibitors, with 25 first-time exhibitors including Mr Green and SBTech, alongside returning sponsors such as OPTIMA, Golden Race and HiPay, who also provided headline sponsorship for the first official networking party at Altitude 360.

Located on the 29th floor of Westminster’s tallest building, Altitude 360 welcomed around 600 of the #boscon2017 delegates to enjoy its 360-degree views of the UK’s capital city, while Under the Bridge, a nightclub positioned underneath Stamford Bridge, picked up the baton to host the event’s successful closing party on Thursday 14 September

Pinnacle CEO Paris Smith commented: “The best week spent out of the office this year, and the most impactful networking opportunity in the industry.”

SBC Managing Director Andrew McCarron concluded: “The record level of attendance for Betting on Sports 2017 is testament to the growth of SBC Events and the support we receive from the entire sports betting industry. We were delighted to combine a lively exhibition area with the most comprehensive agenda the sector has ever seen. The hugely positive reception has given us great confidence in our planning for both next year’s event and the biggest ever Betting on Football from 20-23 March.”

Aston Martin agree deal to become Red Bull F1 team’s title sponsor in 2018

Red Bull is set to race as ‘Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’ from the start of the 2018 Formula One season after agreeing a new title and innovation partnership with the car manufacturer.

Aston Martin branding will feature prominently across the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team from the start of the 2018 season.

The new partnership will also see an Advanced Performance Centre opened at Red Bull Racing’s camus in Milton Keynes later this year.

The centre is expected to create 110 new jobs and will house Aston Martin’s design and engineering personnel responsible for future sports cars from the two companies.

Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, said: “Our Innovation Partnership with Aston Martin has been a pioneering project from day one. Having conceived and created the remarkably successful Aston Martin Valkyrie together in 2016, we extended our relationship this year and are now delighted to further strengthen the partnership and see the team competing as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing in 2018.

“In addition, more than100 Aston Martin staff will service the new Advanced Performance Centre on our campus here in Milton Keynes and it will allow us to collaborate further with Aston Martin on special, equally innovative, new projects.”

Aston Martin President and CEO, Andy Palmer, added: “Title partnership is the next logical step for our Innovation Partnership with Red Bull Racing. We are enjoying the global brand awareness that a revitalised Formula One provides.

“The power unit discussions (in Formula One) are of interest to us, but only if the circumstances are right. We are not about to enter an engine war with no restrictions in cost or dynamometer hours but we believe that if the FIA can create the right environment we would be interested in getting involved.”

Eleven Sports secure live rights to Serie A TIM in Italy

Global sports provider Eleven Sports has secured live rights to Serie A TIM in Italy.

The platform is set to show three games live every match week on mobile, tablet and online as part of a pay offer for fans across the country.

The partnership commences on October 1st with live on-pitch action set to be supplemented by in-depth, pre and post-match analysis from former players, football experts and journalists.

The matches will be priced aggressively with individual games set to be made available for as little as €1.99.

Danny Menken, Group Managing Director, Eleven Sports, said: “Our model of acquiring smaller rights with economically viable production costs and widespread appeal amongst domestic fans in Italy has proved very successful and we are thrilled to take our coverage of football to the next level by delivering top Serie A action for the fans.

“We are looking forward to working in partnership with Serie A to help them reach and grow their fan-base across Italy by providing access to the biggest and best teams and players at an affordable price.”

Italy became Eleven Sports’ seventh market when the company acquired national OTT platform Sportube in May 2017.

The acquisition of Serie A matches in Italy builds on Sportube’s success in the market, which has steadily grown through the production and delivery of all Serie C games through a dedicated online platform, ensuring supporters are able to follow every one of their favourite team’s matches.

USA Cricket launches new brand to take step towards creation of federation

Cricket in the United States has taken a step closer towards the creation of a new federation with the launch of the USA Cricket brand.

The brand and the new USA Cricket social media platforms represent a new chapter for the sport in the USA. It is the first step towards getting a new Governing Body up and running, until which time the sport will continue to be delivered by the ICC Americas USA Project team and the Local Advisory Groups.

The creation of a membership database that will facilitate a transparent election process will now follow with the focus on creating a federation that can represent and unify the whole cricket community in the USA. A new Board is expected to be in place by April 2018.

ICC Americas USA Project Manager Eric Parthen said: “It is a very exciting day for cricket in the United States as we celebrate the past and look to the future. It is a fresh start and we are hugely encouraged by what we have been hearing from the cricket community.

“The conversations and progress we have made are on track to unifying as one body for cricket in the USA. The launch of the USA Cricket brand and the social media platforms are the first step in achieving our goal and we have produced an exciting look and feel for the federation.”

Speaking on behalf of the creative development, Dan Price, President of Adrenalin, said: “The launch of USA Cricket is the first step to introducing the sport of cricket to millions of new fans as well as providing structure and guidance to participants, old and new, across the country. We are thrilled with the new mark and look forward to the impact USA Cricket will have on the sport worldwide.”

Dorna Sports introduces new MotoGP live 360 OnBoard technology

New four-camera system pioneers the future of motorsport viewing

The future of motorsport viewing is set to take another step forward as MotoGP has revealed live, OnBoard, 360 degree coverage.

The new 360 live feed can take fans on a spectacular pillion ride, on board with the world’s fastest motorcycle racing championship.

The technology is a pioneer in the field and takes OnBoard viewing to a new level. Dorna has named the project and four-camera system Zoetrope, the name of a pre-film animation device originating in the nineteenth century, which comes from the Greek for life – zoe – and turning – tropos.

The idea was born from the concept of allowing fans to ride as a passenger with the world’s fastest motorcycle riders, with live 360 a key focus of Dorna’s long-running and ongoing commitment to OnBoard technology.

Fans will have access to the new development via motogp.com and on the Official MotoGP app while footage will also be made available to broadcasters.

Arsenal extend Vitality partnership until 2020

Premier League club Arsenal have extended their partnership with Vitality until 2020.

Vitality will continue in its role as the Gunners’ official health and wellness partner and has also agreed a deal to become an official partner of the Arsenal Women team.

As part of the agreement, Vitality – and its parent company Discovery – will have access to both the men’s and women’s first-team players as well as club legends to develop promotional and marketing activities.

Vinai Venkatesham, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal Football Club, said: “We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Vitality for a further three years and excited about the additional rights they now have with our Women’s team.

“Their innovative approach of rewarding those who adopt a healthier lifestyle has been extremely popular with our fans. We look forward to developing even more creative campaigns to strengthen an already successful partnership.”

Nick Read, Commercial Director at 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 spread the Vitality message.

“We’re delighted to renew our partnership with Arsenal, and to extend it to include the Women’s team as part of our key focus to support and raise awareness of women in sport. Our collaboration with some of the top teams in the country, including Arsenal, helps in our goal to change the game when it comes to people’s health.”

Showtime secures US broadcast rights for Joshua-Pulev title fight

Showtime has secured the US broadcast rights for Anthony Joshua’s upcoming world heavyweight title bout against Kubrat Pulev.

Joshua is set to defend his WBA and IBF titles when he faces the Bulgarian at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on October 28th.

Undefeated WBC champion Deontay Wilder’s clash with Luis Ortiz on November 4th will also broadcast on Showtime as part of a ‘double header’ of heavyweight boxing.

Stephen Espinoza, executive vice president and general manager of Showtime Sports, said: “There’s so much to be excited about in the sport of boxing, and it all comes to a fever pitch on consecutive Saturdays this fall on Showtime.

“This has been a great year for boxing. More specifically, it has been a great year for Showtime boxing. There’s no better way to end it than with two major heavyweight world championship events.

“We are proud to be in business with the two biggest punchers in the sport, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, and the rest of the talented and hungry heavyweight challengers of today.”

Nottingham Forest Football Club signs Healthspan deal

Championship football club Nottingham Forest have today signed a deal with vitamins and supplements manufacturer Healthspan.

The agreement sees Healthspan become the club’s official vitamin and supplement supplier for the 2017/18 season, covering both first team and Academy players.

Healthspan’s roster of trusted athletes and partners includes Team Sky, Southampton FC, Scottish Rugby and the British Sailing Team.

Nathan Beardsley, Nottingham Forest’s first team Sport Scientist, said: “Healthspan’s products will be used for a number of reasons, including building player strength and aiding recovery.

“Another key role will be in the prevention of player illness. A player with cold or flu can potentially miss two or three games in a week and can spread illness through the squad. You can’t underestimate the importance of illness prevention strategies in football.”

Chris Fisher, Healthspan’s head of sports nutrition, added: “We are extremely proud to be working with Nottingham Forest and we hope we can contribute in a small way on the club’s journey back to the Premier League.

“We’ll also be working closely with the club to find innovative and exclusive ways to positively impact the health of Forest fans.”

South Africa, Ireland and France present Rugby World Cup 2023 bids to World Rugby Council

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont has hailed the Rugby World Cup 2023 bids as ‘exciting and impressive’ after the candidate unions presented their vision and plans to World Rugby Council in London today.

The bid teams from France, Ireland and South Africa were each given 30 minutes to present their hosting proposition to Council members before fielding questions from them.

Beaumont said: “Today represented an important and exciting milestone in the host selection process for Rugby World Cup 2023. It’s clear from the presentations that we have three exceptionally strong, impressive and exciting bids with full government support. Each, I believe, is capable of hosting a superb Rugby World Cup.

“I would like to thank our friends from the respective union bid teams for their hard work, commitment and for sharing their vision and detailed hosting plans.

“My Council colleagues and I have much to consider and we look forward to the outcome of the thorough and independent evaluation process next month before we consider and select the Rugby World Cup 2023 host union.”

A key phase in the three-stage host selection process, the presentations follow the submission of detailed bids for detailed evaluation and analysis by World Rugby and independent experts.

Within their submissions, the candidates were required to outline their vision and mission for hosting rugby’s global showcase event.

This included confirmation of guarantees from governments and other appropriately empowered entities, the hosting agreement and detailed responses to core hosting requirements in line with World Rugby’s seven hosting objectives:

  • Venues and infrastructure commensurate with a top-tier major event
  • Comprehensive and enforceable public and private sector guarantees
  • A commercially successful event with a fully funded, robust financial model
  • Operational excellence through an integrated and experienced delivery team
  • A vision that engages and inspires domestic and international audiences and contributes to the growth of rugby at all levels
  • An enabling environment of political and financial stability that respects the diversity of Rugby World Cup’s global stakeholders
  • An environment and climate suited to top-level sport in a geography that allows maximum fan mobility

All bids are currently being reviewed in detail by a specialist technical review group, evaluated against weighted criteria and will feature independent economic, financial and commercial assessment by expert advisors. The Sports Consultancy is independently assessing the group’s application of the evaluation criteria to ensure a fair and consistent approach to the decision-making process.

A recommendation will then be made by the Rugby World Cup Board on 31 October, before Council votes to select the host union for Rugby World Cup 2023 at its 15 November meeting.