Nissan agree UEFA Champions League three-year partnership extension

Nissan Motor Co. confirmed a three-year extension to its global partnership with the UEFA Champions League, including the UEFA Super Cup.

The agreement comes ahead of the first game of the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League season and will see the Japanese manufacturer stay as an official partner up to the 2020/21 season.

The UEFA Champions League continues to be Nissan’s largest investment in sports sponsorship, which began in 2014.

“Innovation that excites is at the core of everything Nissan does, and our partnership with the most exciting sports tournament on the planet over the last three years has been key to that,” said Roel de Vries, corporate vice president, global head of marketing for Nissan.

“We’ve seen huge success from the partnership and the additional engagement it has allowed us to have with consumers.”

As part of the new deal, Nissan will continue to have extensive rights at UEFA Champions League matches as well as access to other exclusive rights, such as the pre-match Center Circle Carriers and post-match UEFA Champions League Goal of the Week, presented by Nissan digital activation.

Commenting on the agreement, Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Events SA marketing director, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Nissan after a very successful first cycle.

“They have become an integral member of the sponsor family and have been invaluable for the promotion of the competition on a global level.

“The UEFA Champions League brand appeal is growing from strength to strength every single year and its platform continues to provide top brands like Nissan the opportunity to connect and engage with football fans around the globe.”

The UEFA Champions League is another example of Nissan’s dedication in sports. The Japanese car manufacturer holds partnerships with the International Cricket Council, the City Football Group, the Canadian Football League, the Heisman Trust and the Heisman Trophy.

In addition, Nissan has a number of sporting ambassadors, including footballers Gareth Bale, Sergio Agüero and Andrés Iniesta.

Arsenal launch ‘Innovation Lab’ to identify ground-breaking new fan experiences

Premier League club Arsenal have launched the Arsenal Innovation Lab to work with startup organisations to identify ground-breaking new fan experiences and move the club’s business forward.

The Arsenal Innovation Lab will enable the club to work with entrepreneurial businesses to explore the following areas:

  • Improving matchday experience
  • Engaging fans globally
  • Transforming commercial partners’ offering
  • Building a retail operation for the future
  • Wildcard – an opportunity to come forward with ideas, whatever their focus, to help take the club forward

Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We know there are many brilliant startup companies with creative and innovative ideas and we are looking forward to working with them.

“The club has always placed a big emphasis on being pioneering and innovative and we plan to continue this by working with smart-thinking businesses to help us identify ground-breaking ideas to take us forwards.”

L Marks Chairman Stuart Marks added: “Community and innovation are at the heart of Arsenal’s history and values, and so it’s incredibly exciting for L Marks to be supporting the club to accelerate their collaborations with startups and tech talent.

“Though based in London, Arsenal has global support which presents amazing opportunities for new businesses working on digital fan engagement and other relevant solutions to work with the club.”

iSportconnect among top contenders for The London Asian Business Awards 2017

Following the enormous success of The English Asian Business Awards and The Scottish Asian Business Awards, we are delighted to introduce the inaugural London Asian Business Awards presented by Greenleaf Events Management & Catering. Thousands of nominations flooded in over the past months and the full list with finalists has now been compiled.

Based on a vote by the public, the awards highlight the value of London Asian businesses and professionals to the society and the various industries they operate in. The awards seek to reward the entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen embodied by the London Asian community.

The black tie event will be held at the Hurlingham Club on Tuesday the 19th of September 2017.

iSportconnect, London is one of the finalists in the Online Business of the Year category. iSportconnect will find out if they will collect an accolade at the elegant ceremony held in September.

Sree Varma, CEO and Founder of iSportconnect, said: “I am delighted to be nominated for such a prestigious award.”

The London Asian Business Awards presented by Greenleaf Events Management & Catering recognise and commend the efforts, determination and hard work of London Asian businessmen and businesswomen at the forefront of their industries and their significant contributions to their respective business sectors.

The glamorous event promises to be the biggest and most unforgettable night in this year’s events calendar. Numerous prestigious accolades will be awarded to the most deserving professionals and businesses in the London Asian community, including Power Business of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and many more.

Irfan Younis, CEO of Oceanic Consulting said: “We are delighted to see so many people getting involved in The London Asian Business Awards.

“We have had a fantastic response from the public and we are looking forward to welcoming and acknowledging the most dedicated and successful London Asian professionals and businesses in a celebration of their tireless work and achievements. We would like to wish all the finalists the best of luck.”

NFL rolls out enhanced ‘Game Pass’ OTT service across Europe

Ahead of the 2017 season, a newly enhanced NFL Game Pass subscription streaming service is rolling out across Europe.

It will stream every NFL game live in HD with fully-integrated, real-time game data and statistics and new multi-stream capabilities that allow fans to watch on as many as five devices simultaneously.

The new multi-stream option is one of dozens of enhancements and features created using extensive fan research and feedback for NFL Game Pass.

“NFL Game Pass has become the destination for our avid NFL fans outside the United States who look to connect with the sport they love when, how and where they want,” said Michael Markovich, Vice President of International Media & Business Development for the NFL.

“Digital engagement – both streaming and on-demand – is a key connection point for the NFL and our fans and will become increasingly important as we look to grow the NFL fan base in Europe and beyond. We are excited to work with OverTier to take the Game Pass business to the next level.”

In addition to all the live action, fans will have access to the 24/7 home of the NFL, NFL Network, as well as NFL RedZone which brings fans live look-ins to every touchdown and all the big moments from every Sunday afternoon game across the NFL and hundreds of hours of on-demand shows, series and specials including the award-winning NFL Films productions A Football Life and Hard Knocks.

NFL Game Pass in Europe is licensed by OverTier; a joint venture between Bruin Sports Capital and WPP, in partnership with the NFL.

Andrew Parsons appointed as new International Paralympic Committee President

Andrew Parson was elected as the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) new President today, 8 September, following the voting at the 18th IPC General Assembly in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Parsons was chosen ahead of fellow presidential candidates Patrick Jarvis, John Petersson and Haidi Zhang. He succeeds Sir Philip Craven who stood down after 16 years in the role.

“I am absolutely delighted and I don’t know what to say. I would like to thank the IPC membership for their trust” said Parsons, who becomes the third President in IPC’s history.“

“Throughout my campaign, I think I have explained what I plan to do as IPC President and the membership understood and gave me their support. Now it is time to roll up the sleeves and work really hard with the membership and the new Governing Board.”

For the role of vice president, Duane Kale was elected in a close race which 160 members voted in. The New Zealand four-time Paralympic champion polled 81 votes while John Petersson polled 79.

“It is a little bit surreal but I am elated. It will take time to sink in,” said Kale. “This has to be one of the most wonderful things to happen to me life-wise. I am very emotional.

“I am really looking forward to working with the new President. I think we will make a fantastic team and I think that is important for the Movement.”

The President was elected by secret ballot by the IPC membership which is made up of National Paralympic Committees, International Federations, International Organisations for the Disabled and Regional Organisations.

In the first round, 162 members voted and Parsons secured 84 votes, having needed an absolute majority of 82 to win.

“Going forward the relationship with the IOC is going to be key. We have some very important decisions ahead; sport is at a difficult moment at this time and we have many things in common that we have to fight for,” Parsons added.

“It is fundamental that we work together, co-operate and I am sure we will do that.”

Brighton & Hove Albion announce JD as first ever shirt sleeve sponsor

Sports fashion retailer JD have become the first shirt sleeve sponsor of Brighton & Hove Albion as the south coast club take part in their first ever season in the Premier League.

JD’s logo will feature on the left sleeve of Albion’s home, alternate and third kits, with this season being the first where top flight clubs can create brand partnerships to advertise on player shirt sleeves.

The JD logo will feature on the sleeve for the first time when the Seagulls host West Bromwich Albion this weekend on the south coast.

Albion Chief Executive Paul Barber said: “This is another exciting partnership for the club and we are delighted to welcome JD as our first ever shirt sleeve sponsor in the Premier League.

“JD is an instantly recognisable brand amongst football fans and we are looking forward to seeing their logo on our shirts for the first time this Saturday. They join our list of high-profile partners at the club, and we are excited to be working with them over the coming season.”

JD Group Marketing Director Stephen White added: “JD are delighted to become their first shirt sleeve partner of Brighton & Hove Albion. Off the pitch JD lives on the shoulders of our customers across the UK through our iconic duffle bag and we hope to have the same effect with the Seagulls’ shirt sleeve.

“Through our partnership with Brighton & Hove Albion, we’ll be a major part of their debut season in the Premier League and connect with fans in the city and beyond.”

JD will receive a host of marketing rights around the American Express Community Stadium, online and social. The sports retailer have a heavy presence in Sussex with stores in Brighton, Worthing, Horsham, Eastbourne, Crawley and Bognor Regis and will look to closely integrate their brand on a local level throughout the season.

Eurosport expands Guinness PRO14 broadcast partnership

Eurosport today announced it has secured the rights to show this season’s Guinness PRO14 in 62 countries and territories across Europe and Discovery-owned Rugbypass and Setanta in Asia.

Now in its second season as a broadcast partner of the competition, the agreement will see Eurosport and Eurosport Player show all home and selected away games – if locally produced – featuring Italian teams in the Guinness PRO14, underlining its strategy to showcasing premium content exclusively live for millions of passionate sports fans.

Eurosport Italia will have exclusive rights to the competition.

The 2017-18 season kicked off last weekend (1 September) with Eurosport showing Munster’s defeat of Benetton Rugby in Cork and will continue this weekend when Benetton host Ulster. Eurosport will also broadcast Scarlets’ trip to the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi to take on Zebre on Sunday.

Eurosport CEO Peter Hutton said: “At Eurosport we are committed to giving our viewers the very best in premium sporting content and we are thrilled to once again be a part of the Guinness PRO14 after coming on board last season for the first time.

“We have had a taste of this competition already and were royally entertained and we cannot wait to build on what we delivered last season by adding the option to watch games on the Eurosport Player. The expansion of the Championship into South Africa brings a truly unique dynamic to the Guinness PRO14.”

Martin Anayi, CEO of PRO14 Rugby, said: “To have Discovery Eurosport on board once again is fantastic news for our fans in Italy as well as across Europe and Asia. As a broadcast partner we were delighted to see what Eurosport could bring to the table during the last campaign.

“This year, Eurosport will broadcast even more games to supporters across Europe and Asia and we’re particularly excited that Guinness PRO14 games will be made available on the Eurosport Player. From a digital perspective sports fans are incredibly savvy and they are pushing the market to deliver more and more products like the Eurosport Player and it’s great to know that fans in over 60 countries will be able to access that.”

Birmingham chosen over Liverpool to lead England’s bid for Commonwealth Games 2022

Birmingham has today been chosen over Liverpool for England’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has backed the West Midlands city, whose plan to create the UK’s largest permanent athletics stadium was central to its bid.

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said: “While both bids were of high quality, Birmingham’s bid was considered particularly strong on its management of risk, its high quality existing venue infrastructure and its plans for a long term sporting legacy.

“The government will look at the final bid proposal from Birmingham and decide if a formal bid will be submitted to the Commonwealth Games Federation.

“We need to be completely satisfied that the bid offers overall value for money from hosting the Games and that a strong economic and sporting legacy can be delivered from it.”

Ian Ward, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bid Committee, has welcomed the decision: “This is a great endorsement by the UK Government of Birmingham’s credentials to host the Games and recognition of the city’s resolve to deliver a memorable event.

“We appreciate that it was a very close decision and that Liverpool pushed us all the way with a very compelling proposal. This is not the end of the journey and we look forward to working with the Government as it makes its final decision to support a UK Candidate City.”

Victoria Square in Birmingham City Centre showing the Council House and the River artwork by Dhruva Mistry.

Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, added: “The regional support of the Midlands was a key determining factor and I want to thank all those regional agencies and organisations that have worked hard over the last six months to get us to this position. We will make the Commonwealth proud.”

Malaysian city Kuala Lumpur is expected to be Birmingham’s main rival. Durban was initially awarded the event in 2015 but the Commonwealth Games Federation stripped the South African city of the right to host in March.

Five top class London venues for networking focused Betting on Sports

Betting on Sports 2017 (12-15 September) will deliver an unrivalled source of networking and business opportunities across five top class London venues.

Starting with a pre-registration event at Hilton Olympia Hotel on Tuesday 12 September, which includes networking drinks and Champions League football, #boscon2017 delegates can take advantage of the full industry gathering with numerous opportunities to learn from the brightest minds, generate new business leads and reignite existing relationships.

Following the first full day at Olympia Conference Centre on Wednesday 13 September, a venue chosen in part for its lively 1,768 sqm networking and exhibition area, there will be networking drinks from 16:30 to 19:00 before the 1,200 senior executives in attendance move on to one of two spectacular capital city venues.

The world-class Altitude 360, located on the 29th floor of Westminster’s tallest building, has been selected as the host venue for the official networking party on Wednesday 13 September, while Skyloft, another of the amazing Altitude London venues in Millbank Tower, has also been booked by SBC Events for its renowned dinners on the same night.

It’s back to Olympia for the second full day on Thursday 14 September, where delegates can continue to execute an organised networking and conference schedule via the official Betting on Sports app, available for download via iOS and Android (Please note: Download links only work on your phone). There is no need to chase people up if you’ve set aside meeting times and places with the right people for your business, all from your mobile phone.

The fifth and final venue for this year’s event will be Under the Bridge, a nightclub positioned underneath Stamford Bridge, the home of reigning Premier League champions Chelsea FC. Roman Abramovich’s favourite London venue, recently refurbished at a cost of £30 million, will host the official closing party on Thursday 14 September.

Mark McGuinness, Chief Marketing Officer at BetOlimp, said: “Betting on Sports is the only go-to marquee event for sports betting globally. Full stop. It’s a must attend event.”

Riccardo Mittiga, CEO at ASAP Italia, added: “It’s the best opportunity in the UK to meet the leaders in the betting and sports industry for networking and business opportunities.”

Right now, tickets for the event are available at a fantastic 25% Group Discount when buying 3 or more – get them HERE.

Tottenham reveal plans for ‘world-first’ dividing retractable pitch at new stadium

Tottenham Hotspur have revealed the dividing retractable pitch they plan to install at their new stadium.

Sheffield engineering specialist SCX has been selected to supply the pitch at the “ground-breaking” arena.

The fully retractable grass surface will be used for football fixtures while the artificial pitch underneath will be capable of staging NFL matches, music concerts and a wide range of other events.

Matthew Collecott, Director of Operations & Finance, Tottenham Hotspur, said: “We are pleased to confirm SCX as our official Retractable Pitch Supplier.

“SCX has a proven track record in delivering innovative solutions and this bespoke pitch mechanism will allow our new stadium to host a range of major events in addition to Tottenham Hotspur matches, as we strive to create a venue that is a hive of activity all year round.”

SCX’s has implemented similar engineering technology to win contracts for the retractable roofs at both Centre Court and Number One Court at the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon.

SCX managing director Simon Eastwood said: “We have a solid reputation for problemsolving in bespoke circumstances that involve moving and lifting huge structures at sporting venues. All of the mechanical and control system engineering skills are in-house and genuinely world class.”

Danny Pickard, SCX’s lead engineer, added: “Our expertise and heritage enables us to push the boundaries of moving structures and precision engineering.

“This latest pitch technology embodies everything we strive for and care about – delivering precisely what the client needs, with the engineering flair that has become a hallmark of SCX. We are so very proud to deliver this engineering world first.”