Sky Sports and At The Races secure 2017 Breeders’ Cup Classic broadcasting rights

At The Races and Sky Sports will broadcast the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Classic exclusively live on 4th November, giving viewers the chance to watch superstar racehorse Arrogate’s last ever run before retirement.

Arrogate, renamed the world’s best horse, with an official rating of 134 and the thoroughbred who has won more prize-money than any other, will be retired to stud after running in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic race to be held this year at Del Mar, California.

At The Races will be the only place to watch every Breeders’ Cup World Championships race live in the UK this year. The channel will mix its own live studio production with full NBC coverage on both Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th November.

Attheraces.com, one of the UK and Ireland’s largest racing website, will again host a dedicated Breeders’ Cup event website.

Sky Sports will pick up NBC coverage late on Saturday night with their own studio presentation including all the news, build-up and live race action from sixty minutes before Post time for the feature Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Matthew Imi, chief executive, At The Races said: “Arrogate should make this year’s Classic very special and the Breeders’ Cup continues to be a wonderful and unrivalled international showcase for our sport.

“We look forward to following all the stories and excitement again with coverage across our TV, website and social media channels.”

Craig Fravel, president and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited, added: “At The Races has always been a great partner for the Breeders’ Cup and we value the dedicated and committed coverage it provides.

“We are particularly delighted this year, working with ATR, to have secured additional coverage on Sky Sports for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.”

Lagardère Sports and Entertainment launches global partnership marketing agency

Lagardère Sports and Entertainment has launched Lagardère Plus, a global agency with a mission to transform traditional brand sponsorships into highly inventive and impactful marketing platforms.

The new agency incorporates Lagardère Sports and Entertainment’s existing global consulting businesses, including agencies akzio! and Zaechel Int. in Germany, and Sponsorship 360 in France.

“From sports, music and entertainment, to culinary and cause marketing, Lagardère Plus will help brands and properties get the attention they need in a distracted world,” said Andrew Georgiou, CEO of Lagardère Sports and Entertainment.

“As media fragmentation affects many of the marketing channels that CMOs have relied on for decades, partnership marketing becomes absolutely vital for brands to connect with their audiences. Lagardère Plus combines global expertise and experience with highly knowledgeable local teams to deliver exceptional results.”

As part of this new effort, Lagardère has acquired Brave, a London-based agency with an impressive track record in developing and delivering creative campaigns for global brands including Amazon Prime, Brown Forman, and Greenpeace.

Sina Sports to broadcast Volvo Ocean Race in China

The Volvo Ocean Race and Sina Sports in China have agreed to a content partnership that will see the video and digital coverage from the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 distributed across the Sina Sports platforms.

Along with an 11-part television series that begins in October and runs monthly through July 2018, Sina Sports will also feature weekly race updates, regular news highlights and streaming of race leg starts, in-port races and leg finishes and arrivals of the fleet into each port stopover.

Sina Sports will also distribute highlights on the popular Weibo platform in China, which will be showing the race’s weekly update.

“Since 2008-09 when the race first stopped in Qingdao, China has been a critical market for the global growth and visibility of the Volvo Ocean Race,” said Volvo Ocean Race Chief Digital Officer Jordi Neves.

“Over the past decade, that growth has seen a Chinese boat in the fleet, numerous Chinese sailors and several highly successful stopovers in China. Partnering with an outlet like Sina, which commands such a broad reach, will further our efforts to reach new sailing and sports fans in China and across Asia.”

This edition of the race also features stopovers in Hong Kong and Guangzhou in January and February 2018.

Morocco replaces Kenya as host of African Nations Championship

The Emergency Committee of the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) unanimously decided to grant the organization of the 5th edition of the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, replacing Kenya.

Morocco presented its candidature following the withdrawal of Kenya, decided on 23 September 2017 in Accra, Ghana.

Following the withdrawal, The CAF put together an Emergency Committee to conduct the bidding process to select a new host country.

The candidacy of Morocco was preferred to that of Equatorial Guinea.

Total CHAN,  taking place from 12 January to 4 February 2018, will bring together 16 national teams composed exclusively of players playing in the national championships of their respective countries.

Fulham FC and Adidas extend partnership until 2023

Adidas and Fulham FC announced a new partnership extension until 2023.

Adidas and Fulham have a long history together, having originally partnered in 1977/78 and then again in 1997/98.

The two came back together for the 2013/14 season and this extension will keep the club in the three stripes up to the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

The announcement of this long-term deal coincides with the re-opening of the newly refurbished and stylish Stadium Store at Craven Cottage which is situated within the Johnny Haynes Stand.

Casper Stylsvig, chief revenue officer of Fulham FC, said:  “We have established a successful partnership with Adidas over the past few years and are delighted this has now been extended.

“Adidas is a prestigious brand which continues to demonstrate best in class qualities. We share common goals to bring success and realise our ambitions during the coming seasons, demonstrated by a mutual commitment by both parties with this long-term extension.”

Gavin Thomson, managing director of Adidas UK, added: “The extension of our partnership with Fulham FC was a simple decision for us; the club is building on their unique history as London’s original football team and are looking to the future, which we look forward to creating with them.”

SportAccord convention is the only event guaranteed to have all international sports federations present

Making choices can be tricky when it comes to selecting which events to attend for organisations involved in the business of sport.

With so much to consider, as well as Asia-Pacific set to overtake Europe in sponsorship spend, organisations who want to ensure they make the most from their investments, should register and become involved in the SportAccord Convention 2018 to be held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Why? SportAccord Convention is the only global sports business event guaranteed to have all the international sports federations present.

Delegates can rest assured they will have access to 109 Members and Associate Member organisations, as well as 7 Observers, during the world sport and business summit.

SportAccord Convention offers a unique and exclusive networking environment, placing stakeholders in the perfect position to meet the key decision-makers in sport. Here are some compelling reasons for anyone who has a vested interest in sport, to invest and become an exhibitor at the 16th edition in Bangkok, Thailand.

  • APAC is becoming the hottest global market with sponsorship growth expected to reach record levels
  • Nearly 40% of confirmed exhibitors are international sports federations who are actively looking to engage
  • Over 30% of exhibitors are cities and regions – just under half of these organisations are partners too
  • Every sport needs equipment manufacturers to operate an event
  • 43% of the exhibition floor space has been reserved already – booths are being snapped-up quickly
  • Exhibition booths always sell-out well in advance of the Convention
  • For the first time, all delegates will pass through the exhibition area to access the conference auditorium and meeting rooms
  • The SAC Café is larger than ever and located within the exhibition zone with many great locations for delegates to network and take in the experience
  • Top speakers are signing-up for the #SAC2018 conference programme with the highly topical theme – Uniting a Global Audience: Marketing & Sponsorship for the Future

Commenting on the reasons why The World Games 2021 Birmingham (TWG 2021 BHM) and Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) have secured an exhibition booth (No. 113), Steve Mistrot, Sport Director, TWG 2021 BHM said:

“SportAccord Convention provides opportunities to develop relationships with the IWGA Member Federations. Partnering with GBCVB this year as Exhibitors provides valuable visibility for both organizations:

“For TWG 2021 BHM, a branded space to meet with IWGA Member Federations; for GBCVB, visibility to market Birmingham as a viable host for future events.”

Entry-level booths for SportAccord Convention will start at 6m² and include 4 delegate passes (increasing with booth size), graphics, TV, furniture, information counter, Wi-Fi, power, lights and carpet. Visit the website for further information including the Official Schedule or to register, and become an exhibitor, partner or delegate.

FC Bayern Munich and Coca-Cola extend partnership until 2020

FC Bayern Munich and Coca-Cola have extended their partnership for a further three years until 2020.

The soft drinks company will remain as an “official FC Bayern München partner”, with the deal incorporating premium advertising space at the Allianz Arena.

As part of the agreement, fans at the stadium will continue to be able to enjoy a range on non-alcoholic beverages.

FC Bayern marketing director Andreas Jung, said: “The continued cooperation with Coca-Cola is a great recognition of our joint work. We’re proud to have Coca-Cola, one of the strongest brands in the world, by our side and we’re looking forward to the 50-year anniversary of our partnership next season.”

Andreas Laub, head of sports and event marketing at Coca-Cola European Partners Deutschland GmbH (CCEP DE), added: “The extension of our cooperation for the next three years is very special this time.

“FC Bayern and Coca-Cola will celebrate the 50-year milestone of their partnership in the 2018/19 season. We wish the players and the coaching staff headed by Jupp Heynckes lots of success and a season packed with titles.”

Qantas extends Cricket Australia shirt sponsorship deal

Cricket Australia (CA) has renewed its shirt sponsorship deal with Qantas for the upcoming 2017-18 season.

The deal marks the first time a commercial partner will have branding rights across the shirts of all three formats of men’s international cricket in Australia.

Ben Amarfio, Cricket Australia General Manager, Broadcasting, Digital Media & Commercial, said: “To have an iconic Australian brand on our men’s playing shirts in an Ashes summer is a great fit, and we are looking forward to working with Qantas throughout the summer.

“The Australian cricket team playing shirt is highly visible throughout the summer and as such is a premium asset for brands looking to appeal to a broad consumer base.”

Olivia Wirth, Qantas Chief Customer Officer, added: “As the national carrier, we are thrilled to be extending our support of these great Australian sportspeople on the world stage. Putting that jersey on brings a sense of pride to players and fans and we’re proud to be part of that.

“The Ashes series is one of the fiercest sporting rivalries in the world – although – we’re hoping that rivalry is limited to the cricket field as we work to bring both nations closer together with the start of our direct 787 Dreamliner services between Australia and London next year.”

Cricket Australia has announced several deals this week, including agreements with Mastercard and Sony Pictures Network.

GB Taekwondo announces new partnership with 12BET

GB Taekwondo has announced a partnership with 12BET which will see the online betting brand become an official partner of the World Taekwondo Grand Prix and World Para Taekwondo Championships in London between 19-22 October 2017.

The event is being held at the Copper Box Arena and will incorporate the world’s best Taekwondo athletes. In the UK, BBC Sport will broadcast the event across all their platforms while it will also be televised around the world.

Julia Newton, Chair of GB Taekwondo said: “We are proud to be hosting the best Taekwondo athletes in the world for the Grand Prix and World Para Championships in London. 12BET have recognised the global reach and value of our sport and event and we are delighted to have them on board.”

Rory Anderson, 12BET spokesman, added: “I am really pleased to be involved with the 2017 World Taekwondo Grand Prix and World Para Championships.

“I am looking forward to 12BET receiving great brand exposure in key markets. Both events should be spectacular, and we wish all involved the best of luck.”

The partnership between GB Taekwondo and 12BET was arranged by Sport Collective, a UK based sports marketing agency.

Dafabet named new title sponsor of World Snooker’s English Open

World Snooker has today announced Dafabet as the new title sponsor of the English Open, the first of the 2017-18 season Home Nations series.

The Dafabet English Open will run from October 16 to 22 at the Barnsley Metrodome, with a stellar lineup of the world’s top 16 players set to take part.

World Snooker Chairman Barry, Hearn, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dafabet on board for this highly prestigious world ranking event. Dafabet have shown tremendous support for snooker having sponsored a range of events including the Masters.

“The tournament will be televised live to many millions of people on Eurosport and Quest, bringing outstanding exposure for Dafabet’s brand.

“I’m pleased to see such a strong field heading to Barnsley, the standard is higher than ever and I’m fascinated to see how the week unfolds. The last man standing will be a quarter of the way towards the £1 million bonus.

“I hope to see packed crowds enjoying the chance to see the world’s very best cueists showing their skills.”

John Cruces, Dafabet Head of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, added: “We’re very happy to be title sponsors for another tournament in the World Snooker calendar to complement our long standing Masters partnership.

“Year on year the following of the sport grows worldwide, which helps put our brand in front of millions of sports fans across the globe. We wish all the players the best of luck and wait to see if someone can do the clean sweep of the Home Nation events and win the million pound bonus.”