GAISF launches new logo and brand identity

GAISF, the Global Association of International Sports Federations, has unveiled a vibrant new logo and fresh brand-style marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history.

The new logo was commissioned following the unanimous decision of members at the General Assembly in Aarhus to change the name of the organisation from SportAccord to GAISF.

After considering designs from a number of leading agencies, the brief was awarded to José Miguel Tortajada Aguilar, the highly regarded Barcelona-based designer whose work for many well-known brands has won leading international advertising industry awards.

His simple but highly effective design makes a powerful impact and instantly identifies the organisation – the prime purpose of any logo.

GAISF President Patrick Baumann said: “In a world of instant communication there’s more truth than ever in the saying that ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’ and I think this really hits the mark!

“The new brand identity represents the beginning of a new era for GAISF but it is important to remember that the changes in our organisation go beyond the visual to the very heart of our mission.

“I believe GAISF today has a clear sense of purpose and is structured, organised and resourced in a way that makes it even more effective as a service provider to members at a time of great change in the world of sport and beyond.”

Designer José Miguel Tort Jada Aguilar explained his aim was to create a logo which is striking, memorable and practical for use in all situations and in many types of media.

“GAISF is a truly global organisation which represents bodies with members on every continent. It is also an organisation which is entirely focused on its role and mission in international sport.

“The logo reflects that globality and sense of purpose. It is built around the simplicity of the GAISF acronym but rendered in colours which reflect the wide world of sport. These will be familiar to the Olympic Movement and recognise the inclusion and importance of the non-Olympic sports which are GAISF members.”

Sam Jones named CEO of OverTier

Sam Jones has today been named CEO of OverTier, the joint venture between Bruin Sports Capital and WPP that runs the NFL’s OTT business throughout Europe.

The venture was formed earlier this year as part of a strategic, long-term agreement with the NFL to lead the expansion of NFL Game Pass throughout Europe, a key driver for the league’s International growth strategy.

Jones said: “Bruin and WPP have built an organisation that will lead the change in how we watch live sports, informing the future of TV over the next five years.

“The NFL is an iconic and data driven sport which is perfectly placed to lead all others in the OTT experience for its fans. I’m proud to lead OverTier and the team into a hugely exiting and high growth future.”

George Pyne, CEO of Bruin Sports Capital, added: “Sam is a visionary with an outstanding track record of shaping businesses to capitalize on consumer demand across all digital channels to become long-term growth enterprises.

“His acute perspective on the nexus of the shifting tides of digital consumption and entertainment will be a driving force in taking the NFL Game Pass to completely new horizons. We are proud to have him on the team.”

NFL Game Pass debuts this week, having been completely reimagined by Jones, the leadership team, the NFL, Deltatre, Two Circles, MEC and Ogilvy.

iSportconnect adds Alfredo Bermejo, Steve Carter and Roberto Rosetti to Lausanne Summit lineup

iSportconnect is delighted to confirm that three additional guest speakers have been added to the lineup for the Lausanne Summit on September 27. The event will be held at the Olympic Museum.

Alfredo Bermejo, Head of Digital Strategy at LaLiga, Steve Carter, Managing Director at Hawk-Eye and Roberto Rosetti, Retired World Cup & Champions League referee, will take part in a series of presentations and panel discussions, offering delegates a unique insight into the sports industry.

Already confirmed to speak at the event are Etienne Thobois, CEO of the Paris 2024 Bid Committee, Balázs Fürjes, Government Commissioner for Major Budapest Developments, Marisol Casado, International Triathlon Union President & IOC Member, Ben Morel, MD & Sr Vice President EMEA at National Basketball Association, Patrick Baumann, President of the International Olympic Committee Evaluation Commission, Paul Barber, Chief Executive at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Peter Hutton, Chief Executive Officer at Eurosport, Guy-Laurent Epstein, Marketing Director at UEFA, Jeff Haas, Chief International Officer at DraftKings, Claude Ruibal, Executive Director at Infront Sports & Media AG, Timo Lumme, TV & Marketing Director at IOC, Lorenzo Stoll, Vice President at SWISS Executive Committee and Ralf Reichert, CEO at eSports company ESL.

David Dellea, Head of Sport Business Advisory at PwC, will also present attendees with the results of PwC’s Sports Survey 2017. Ornella Desirée Bellia, Head of Legal Affairs at the Association of European Professional Football Leagues, will act as a moderator.

The event’s content programme will bring together an elite group of leaders from premier rights owners and other sports industry stakeholders to discuss and debate issues impacting the future of the global sports business. Topics are set to include the struggling image of sport, the challenge of hosting major events and digital disruption.

The Summit represents a breakthrough opportunity for top-tier executives in the Olympic Capital to experience and enjoy the superb learning and networking benefits of iSportconnect’s exclusive invitation-only events.

Content programme:

Panel 1 The image of sport: irreparably damaged?

The connection between the image of sport and the brands associated with it is critically important. With the reputation of sport under pressure on various fronts, this relationship has become increasingly strained. Where do rights holders, brands and other stakeholders in the world of sport stand on this issue of huge strategic importance?

Panel 2 The challenge of hosting major events

In times of austerity, the competition between cities to host major events is not what it used to be. At the same time, the potential impact of hosting can be difficult to resist. Where does the balance lie? How can event organisers and cities find a better path to staging their events while serving the needs of cities?

Panel 3 Never-ending digital disruption: what’s next?

How do sports organisations plan and thrive in an environment where the old media models are fractured and it is close to impossible to predict the next big thing to engage consumers?

The format of the Summit will differ to our traditional Directors’ Club events. Proceedings will last for a full day and feature a combination of panels and interviews with 100 plus senior executives in attendance.

Confirmed guest speaker list:

Ben Morel, MD & Sr Vice President EMEA at National Basketball Association

Patrick Baumann, FIBA Secretary-General, President of the Global Association of International Sports Federations and Chairman of the IOC Evaluation Commission for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Paul Barber, Chief Executive Officer at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club

Peter Hutton, Chief Executive Officer at Eurosport

Guy-Laurent Epstein, Marketing Director at UEFA

Jeff Haas, Chief International Officer at DraftKings

Marisol Casado, International Triathlon Union President and IOC Member

Claude Ruibal, Executive Director at Infront Sports & Media AG

David Dellea, Head of Sport Business Advisory at PwC

Timo Lumme, TV & Marketing Director at IOC

Lorenzo Stoll, Vice President at SWISS Executive Committee

Ralf Reichert, CEO at ESL

Etienne Thobois, CEO of the Paris 2024 Bid Committee

Balázs Fürjes, Government Commissioner for Major Budapest Developments

Steve Carter, Managing Director at Hawk-Eye

Alfredo Bermejo, Head of Digital Strategy at LaLiga

Roberto Rosetti, Retired World Cup & Champions League referee

Further speaker announcements will be confirmed in due course.

There is limited space for this exclusive event so please email Chris Edbrook (chris@isportconnect.com) to register your interest in attending. Click here for more information.

In partnership with world leading professional service firm PwC’s Sports Business Advisory Practice and with the support of ThinkSport

Labour wants to scrap betting adverts on football kits

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson says the party would impose a ban on betting firms advertising on football kits if it came to power.

A total of nine Premier League clubs currently have kits sponsored by betting companies and Watson is adamant football needs to “play its part in tackling Britain’s hidden epidemic of gambling addiction”.

Gambling on football fixtures was reportedly worth £1.4 ($1.8) billion to bookmakers over a one-year period, figures revealed earlier this year.

Mr Watson, who also serves as Labour’s shadow culture secretary, said: “Shirt sponsorship sends out a message that football clubs don’t take problem gambling among their own fans seriously enough.

“It puts gambling brands in front of fans of all ages, not just at matches but on broadcasts and highlights packages on both commercial television and the BBC.”

Labour also said it would work with in conjunction with the FA before considering formal legislation.

READ MORE: The pros and cons of betting sponsorship in football

 

 

World Sailing begins drafting of Sustainability Agenda 2030

World Sailing’s Sustainability Commission has taken the first steps to creating a ‘Sustainability Agenda 2030’ following their first meeting in London from 29 to 30 August 2017.

The leading group of experts, chaired by Mike Golding OBE, was brought together for the first time to discuss key issues relating to sustainability within sailing.

Discussions and presentations were received on the circular economy, ocean plastics, boat and equipment construction, event logistics, embodied carbon, vessel strikes of marine fauna, accessibility, gender equality, and supply chains.

Following the identification of risks and opportunities, eight objectives to drive the strategy have been set. These include:

  • Protect and enhance sailing’s waters and the wider water environment
  • Promote research into the impact of sailing on the environment
  • Encourage a robust approach to sustainability across the sports and its supporting affiliated industries
  • Minimise World Sailing’s carbon footprint and promote resource efficiency across the Sport
  • Create a sound economic base for World Sailing and the Sport
  • Provide and promote safe and collaborative working environments
  • Develop diverse and inclusive operations, promoting sailing in an open and accessible way to increase participation
  • Communicate the benefits and importance of sustainability and facilitate stakeholder engagement in the delivery of this strategy

World Sailing will present its ‘Sustainability Agenda 2030’ to the World Sailing Council for adoption at the World Sailing Annual Conference in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in November 2017.

Furthermore, working with key stakeholders and members, World Sailing plans to create a central resource base which will showcase sustainability related tools, documents, and information that is accessible to a global audience.

After the meeting, Golding commented, “It is remarkable to think about how much is already going on [with sustainability within sailing].

“We’re looking across the board from the social side of the sport, the environmental and then, of course, the technology. In every area, there are opportunities to improve the sport’s sustainability.

“When you’re thinking as far ahead as 2030, you can really be quite ambitious with your objectives. I think we’ve tried to be realistic with what we can achieve, yet ambitious at the same time.”

Tilman Fertitta acquires Houston Rockets for NBA-record $2.2 billion

The Houston Rockets announced that a definitive agreement has been signed for the purchase of the NBA franchise by Houston businessman Tilman J. Fertitta for the record sum of $2.2 billion (£1.7 billion).

The transaction, which includes operations of the Toyota Center Arena, requires the approval of the NBA Board of Governors before becoming official.

The deal breaks the NBA record for a franchise acquisition, previously held by  Steve Ballmer, who paid $2 billion (£1.5 billion) for the Los Angeles Clippers back in 2014.

Fertitta, 60, is the owner of Golden Nugget Casinos and Hotels, as well as chairman and CEO of Landry’s restaurant empire. He succeeds Leslie Alexander as the sole owner of the Rockets franchise.

“I am truly honored to have been chosen as the next owner of the Houston Rockets.  This is a life-long dream come true,” said Fertitta, a native of Galveston and life-long resident of the Houston area.

“Leslie Alexander has been one of the best owners in all of the sports, and I thank him immensely for this opportunity. He has the heart of a champion.”

Alexander acquired the team in 1993 for $85 million (£65 million).

 

Alexander added: “I am excited to welcome and pass the torch to Tilman. He is a Houstonian, business leader and committed to the success and excellence of the Rockets both on and off the basketball court.

“I have personally known Tilman for over 24 years and don’t think I could have found anyone more capable of continuing the winning tradition of our Houston Rockets.”

Tagboard launches in-stadium Instagram Story displays

Tagboard, a leading social search and display platform company serving thousands of global brands, sports teams and media companies, today announced an industry first with the launch of Instagram Story Displays as a storytelling solution for live broadcasts and in-stadium.

Tagboard’s latest offering comes on the heels of its launch of Snapchat Stories content earlier this year.

Tagboard is partnering with teams in each of the five US major sports leagues to launch Instagram Story Displays live in-stadium for the first time ever: the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), San Francisco Giants (MLB), Seattle Sounders FC (MLS), Golden State Warriors (NBA) and Arizona Coyotes (NHL).

Tagboard is also joining forces with global powerhouse FC Bayern Munich (Bundesliga), who will become the first sports team to launch Instagram Stories content in Europe.

Josh Decker, CEO of Tagboard, said: “Together with our innovative clients across six professional sports leagues, we’re redefining the fan experience with Instagram Story Displays.

 

“We’re providing sports fans with a deeper connection to their favorite teams and players with the display of Instagram Stories content live in-stadium for the first time ever.

“Broadcast networks are also jumping on the trend. There’s a huge market opportunity for the integration of live social content across displays. The demand is there, and we’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg.”

Telemundo recently became the first network to launch Instagram Story Displays, a first for broadcast tv, leveraging Tagboard’s platform on-air. NBC’s Golf Channel is planning to use Instagram Story Displays in their broadcasts starting this month.

In addition to Instagram Story Displays, Tagboard is launching Advanced Search and Content Rights & Consent for user generated content (UGC) across social media platforms.

With Advanced Search, Tagboard now supports searching for content by keywords and phrases, as well as @accounts, allowing brands to more easily discover and feature impactful social content. With Content Rights & Consent, Tagboard offers brands a much simpler workflow to request use rights for UGC content, such as Instagram photos.

’22 reasons why Birmingham should host 2022 Commonwealth Games’

With the decision due soon as to whether an English Bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games will be submitted and, if so, whether it will be Birmingham which becomes the UK’s Candidate City, the bid team has today compiled a list of 22 reasons as to why Birmingham should be selected.

With a population of 1.1 million in the city alone, there are hundreds of thousands of reasons why Birmingham should host the 2022 Games. Using a little poetic licence, here are the top 22 reasons, in no particular order, why it is time to ‘BRING the GAMES TO BIRMINGHAM’.

1. Bid for the wider region, not just Birmingham
With events planned to take place in Coventry, Sandwell and Solihull, Birmingham’s bid has the full support of the wider Midlands region, including: Birmingham City Council; three regional local enterprise partnerships: Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP; Black Country LEP; Coventry and Warwickshire LEP; the West Midlands Combined Authority and the newly elected Mayor of West Midlands, Andy Street CBE; the West Midlands Growth Company; and the Midlands Engine, and Chair Sir John Peace. In addition, Birmingham’s bid is supported by broader stakeholders, including The Birmingham Commonwealth Association, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and other bid members across public and private sector.


2. Regeneration and rejuvenation plans will be accelerated
Hosting the Games would accelerate the implementation of key aspects of the Birmingham Development Plan 2031, including: job creation; enhancing prospects through innovative ideas for volunteering; driving long-lasting behaviour change through better sports facilities and activity programmes; and increasing housing.

3. International sporting events experience and venues
Track record of delivering large international sporting events, including: ICC Champions Trophy and The Ashes at Edgbaston; Rugby World Cup fixtures at Villa Park; Diamond League athletics at Alexander Stadium; Aegon Classic tennis at Edgbaston Priory; Yonex All England Open Badminton and the UCI BMX Championships.

4. No better welcome than from Birmingham’s warm and friendly residents
Birmingham is one of the UK’s most popular and rapidly-growing tourist destinations. Visitor numbers have risen by almost 20 per cent over the last five years and nine out of ten visitors rated their enjoyment of their trip as ‘high’ or ‘very high’. Eight-time Olympic Champion, Usain Bolt, agreed when he stayed in Birmingham: “The Birmingham people, when we were at camp, were extremely great to us. There was a lot of love, and thank you guys – you guys helped us come out here and do our best.”

5. Gatherings in Festival Squares will be the heartbeat of Birmingham 2022
Festival Squares will provide the beating heart of Birmingham 2022 in Victoria Square, Centenary Square, Chamberlain Square and Brindleyplace. These buzzing locations, surrounded by major cultural institutions such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Town Hall, Symphony Hall, Library of Birmingham and the world-famous REP Theatre, will all be engaged during the Games.

6. Games legacy for everyone
Birmingham 2022’s legacy will be better health and wellbeing; better prospects; better living.
It is an approach that harnesses the power of sport for the good of the whole society. The legacy from the Games will speak to the future of Birmingham and the wider regions, and specifically to those who are young, from diverse communities and currently disadvantaged.

7. Amazing athletes and cutting-edge sports science
University of Birmingham became the first UK university to offer a sports-based degree in 1946. Currently ranked number 5 globally for sports science research, the University attracts amazing athletes, coaches and researchers who will contribute to and be inspired by Birmingham 2022.

8. Midlands cities could dominate cultural landscape
With Coventry bidding to become UK City of Culture in 2021 and Nottingham bidding to become European City of Culture 2023, Birmingham 2022 could help the Midlands to shine and achieve the cultural recognition it deserves.

9. Energetic and youthful
Nearly 40% of Birmingham’s population is under 25 years of age, and Birmingham has the highest proportion of under 20 year olds of any major city in the UK. This youthful energy will contribute to a fantastic volunteering experience.

10. Sports personalities from all Commonwealth Games sports back Birmingham’s bid
Sports stars from across nineteen sports, including all Commonwealth Games sports announced as part of Birmingham’s bid, have thrown their weight behind the city’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bid, including Mo Farah (Athletics), James Rodwell (Rubgy 7s) and Lily Owsley (Hockey).

11. Time to shine (again)
Birmingham is proud of its history as the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, and is well-known as the City of a Thousand Trades, with the surrounding region being home to iconic UK businesses such as Jaguar Land Rover, JCB and Rolls-Royce.
The assets that led to such success – connectivity, innovation and people – are now heralding a new era for the West Midlands. With the city undergoing considerable regeneration and gaining expertise on the major sporting and cultural events stage, now is Birmingham’s time to shine once again and showcase the city, the region and the UK to the world.

12. Open support from all political parties
The bid has cross-party support from all three Birmingham City Council leaders as well as the seven local authorities within the West Midlands Combined Authority (five Labour, two Conservatives).

13. Birmingham 2022 will deliver business benefits post Brexit
The best of British business, from those founded and headquartered in Birmingham through to global institutions with a significant presence in the city, including HSBC (with its origins in Birmingham) and Mondelez (owner of much-loved Birmingham brand, Cadbury), recognise the benefits and opportunities that a Birmingham 2022 Games will deliver, especially through post-Brexit business opportunities delivered via Business Expo 2022.

14. Inclusion and diversity are drivers of Birmingham’s bid
Inclusivity is key to Birmingham’s bid and Birmingham 2022 would include Para Athletics, Para Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball, Para Lawn Bowls and Powerlifting, amongst other sports. It is no wonder that Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson, Ellie Simmonds, Kare Adenegan and Bob Love are backing Birmingham.

15. Restaurants galore and glorious restaurants
Birmingham is home to over 200 restaurants offering cuisine from 27 different countries, including five Michelin-starred restaurants, more than any city outside the capital.

16. Multidimensional and vibrant cultural programme delivered by internationally renowned resident artists and directors
Institutions including Culture Central, Birmingham Museums, Birmingham Hippodrome, Sampad South Asian Arts Organisation and DanceXchange deliver acclaimed performances and co-ordinate over 50 festivals annually, including the major Birmingham Weekender and International Dance Festivals and would be instrumental in delivering the cultural programme for Birmingham 2022.

17. International, national and local connectivity and accessibility
Situated in the geographic heart of the UK, 28 million people are within two hours’ drive of Birmingham and 90% of the UK is within four hours’ travel. International, national and local transport links provide access to 400 million people across Europe.

18. NEC, the leading live entertainment venue in Europe, will be a high energy hub of sport and culture
Central to Birmingham’s bid is the internationally recognised NEC, situated on a site which also includes the Genting Arena with a combined total of 200,000 sq m, it is the UK’s, and one of Europe’s, largest indoor facilities. During Games time it will host Boxing, Judo, Table Tennis and Wrestling alongside the indoors fan zone.

19. Great accommodation whatever your budget
From elegant 4-star rooms through to comfortable budget options and fully equipped serviced apartments, Birmingham and the region have something to suit every budget.

20. Hollywood and music stars sprinkle a little stardust on the bid
Multi-BAFTA Award winning actress, Dame Julie Walters and actor David Harewood joined with stars of the music world Simon Webbe, Toyah Willcox and Bradley Simpson, from the Vamps, to champion Birmingham’s bid.

21. Athletics legacy at Alexander Stadium
An enhanced and refurbished Alexander Stadium will be pivotal to the Birmingham 2022 Games. Post 2022, the stadium will feature improved competition and training facilities and increased permanent seating capacity to 20,000 with Games time capacity up to 45,000.
The regeneration of the stadium will enhance Birmingham’s reputation as City of Running, already hosting the Great Birmingham 10km, Great Birmingham Run (Half) and Birmingham International Marathon.

22. Microcosm of the Commonwealth in one city
Birmingham is the most ethnically and culturally diverse major regional city in the UK, with a population comprising 187 different nationalities and with 314,000 (6%) of residents in the West Midlands born in a Commonwealth country.

World Sailing invites bids for World Cup Series events

World Sailing is inviting Host Cities and Member National Authorities to bid for Sailing’s World Cup Series Final in 2018 and 2019 as well as the European Round in 2019 and 2020.

The World Cup Series is the definitive guide to the best-of-the-best in Olympic sailing with clear objectives to showcase and develop Olympic sailing, create sporting heroes and engage sports fans, and excite sponsors and broadcasters.

The Series is an annual circuit of Olympic sailing for elite and professional sailors, and a key touchpoint for fans and media to connect to the sport of sailing and develop support for athletes on their road to Tokyo 2020 and beyond. Over 2,000 of the world’s leading sailors, representing 75 nations, have competed in the World Cup Series since its inception in 2008.

Kiel, Germany was awarded the 2018 edition of the World Cup Series Final, to be held alongside the world famous Kieler Woche (Kiel Week) sailing festival, at World Sailing’s 2016 Annual Conference. However due to conflicts of Kieler Woche and World Sailing commercial partners, a contract was unable to be concluded.

World Sailing is now seeking a European Host City for the 2018 and 2019 World Cup Series Final with excellent sailing conditions, world class on-shore facilities for the world’s leading sailors and spectator areas.

The 2017/2018 World Cup Series will commence in Japan this October followed by the American Round in Miami and the French round in Hyeres in 2018. The Host City selected by World Sailing will be expected to host the World Cup Final in June / early July.

Japan will host the start of the 2018/2019 series in October 2018 with the American Round following in January 2018. The European venue selected for 2018/2019 will host sailors at the end of April with the Final to follow thereafter.

Click here to view the World Cup Series Final Bid Guide

Click here to view the World Cup Series Round Bid Guide

Betway announced as new title sponsor of 2017 Basketball All-Stars

Betway are the new title sponsors of the 2017 British Basketball All-Stars Championship, which takes place at the iconic O2 Arena on Sunday 24th September. Live on Sky Sports for five hours, the fast-paced tournament will also be broadcast live in over 70 countries around the world.

British Basketball All-Stars Championship is a new, entertaining take on the speedy game with a record-breaking £100,000 prize fund, including £20,000 for the eventual champions.
Five players per team will take to the court in shorter-timed quarters with unlimited roll-on/roll-off subs, time outs and an exciting double-point powerplay.

The tournament will showcase the best of British basketball talent on a grand stage at London’s biggest venue as eight of the UK’s top sides do battle over a total of 13 matches.

With double elimination in play to separate the teams from eight down to four, there are then semi-finals and then the championship match to determine the destination of the trophy.

Anthony Werkman, Director of Marketing and Operations at Betway, said: “It’s great to be involved with this innovative and exciting spin on a well-established sport.

“At Betway, we like to be at the forefront of new ideas and we strongly believe that the All-Stars Championship will deliver a thrilling experience to basketball fans and Betway customers at the O2 Arena.

“We’re also really pleased to be working with Matchroom Sport on another event. We have an excellent relationship with them and have worked on a number of successful sponsorships together.”

Barry Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, said, “We’re very excited to be once again working with our good friends at Betway. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed a close relationship centred on many of our sports including darts, snooker, boxing, pool, and now basketball.

“The All-Stars Championship is going to be a thrilling day out, showcasing one of the UK’s most up-and-coming sports. It’s the best of British, as well as some exciting All-Stars, and I believe this can be the start of something big both for basketball and Betway.”