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.”

David Simon, President of Los Angeles Sports Council, to co-chair CityAccord and City-to-City at SAC2018

Recognised as one of the most influential sports business leaders in Los Angeles having played a significant role in bids for almost every major sporting event that has been brought to the region in the last three decades, David Simon, President of the Lost Angeles Sports Council will co-chair CityAccord and City-to-City at the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok, Thailand from 15 – 20 April 2018.

In 1984 LA was the first Olympic Games ever to generate an operating surplus (US$235 million) and the region is eager to repeat this economic achievement in 2028. So how do cities go about selecting the right events and turning them into an outstanding success?

“Making relationships a priority – this year’s theme for CityAccord – is one of the pillars of success when it comes to bidding for and hosting major events. However, in order to achieve great success, selecting the right events is also key and requires clear thinking.

“As a city you need to look at your specific community and determine what is achievable based on your resources: human, financial and physical. Once you’ve identified these critical factors, forging strong relationships with event stakeholders will help you achieve your vision and deliver successful results. Cities and stakeholders will be able to examine these elements and more during CityAccord.” commented David Simon.

A popular day at SportAccord Convention, CityAccord will take place on Tuesday 17 April 2018 from 14:00 at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre. Aimed at cities, regions, sponsors, international sport federations, organising committees and industry, delegates are encouraged to register.

Giles Morgan, HSBC Global Head of Sponsorship & Events of HSBC – Global Financial Organisation, will take part in the CityAccord Interactive Q&A entitled: “How do sponsors determine which sports and events to partner with?” where delegates will have the opportunity to ask sponsors about their approach and choices.

“It is a most timely question and one that will no doubt elicit a wide variety of responses. One thing is for sure – the sponsorship landscape is changing and it’s an incredibly exciting time to be involved. In short, we want our customers and our four key sports – golf, rugby, tennis and cycling – to thrive. We believe the way to achieve this is to invest in our sports through innovation, grass roots, entertainment and much more; by doing this we add value to the sports we sponsor and at the same time deliver spectacular brand experiences for our customers.”

Fiji Rugby Union agrees naming rights partnership with Fiji Airlines

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has announced a major new sponsorship agreement with Fiji Airways.

As part of the five-year deal, Fiji Airways will have naming rights to the nation’s men’s and women’s 15s and sevens teams.

FRU President Mr Voreqe Bainimarama, said: “I want to congratulate the Boards and Management of both the FRU and Fiji Airways in striking this historic partnership. It is a great day, as our national rugby teams now stand hand-in-hand with our national airline carrier.

“Every official, coach, and player will now ‘Fly like a Fijian,’ both on the field and in the air.

“Best of all, the benefits of this partnership flow both ways. The Fiji Rugby Union will gain not only from flights and financial support under this deal – they will also be aided by the significant marketing clout that comes from pairing with a global brand like Fiji Airways.”

“And in return, the marketing message of Fiji Airways will get a big boost by a strengthened bond to our national rugby teams. And with our ruggers as the public face of the brand, Fiji Airways will truly be represented to the rest of the world by the very best of Fiji.”

Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Mr Andre Viljoen added: “As the National Airline of this great country, it is our honour to now fly Fiji Rugby to the world.

“The coming together of our two iconic Fijian brands means that Fijians will also have more opportunities to fly abroad to watch our rugby heroes in action. And we’ll take great pride in bringing the world to FIJI to watch them play at home.”