Chicago Bulls launch new series ‘Run With Us’ on Facebook Watch

The Chicago Bulls have today launched a new season-long series entitled ‘Run With Us’ to give fans exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the team as they train, compete, and grow together throughout the 2017-18 season.

The programme will air in seven chapters over the next five days (September 18-22). The first episode will show the team’s journey from Draft Night to Summer League to off-season workouts on a local high school football field.

The first seven chapters will debut on the Bulls’ Facebook and Twitter channels, as well as on Bulls.com and on the Bulls mobile app, with all seven posted together as the first episode on the Bulls’ new Facebook Watch on September 23.

READ MORE: Facebook’s new ‘Watch’ platform set to feature live sports section

New episodes will appear on the Bulls’ Facebook Watch every two weeks starting with training camp and throughout the regular season. The Bulls will also post outtakes and bloopers on Facebook Watch.

Facebook Watch is a new platform for shows on Facebook that is available on mobile, desktop, and laptop. Unlike videos that appear on a Facebook Wall, shows available on Watch are made up of multiple episodes that follow a theme or storyline and can be viewed intentionally and sequentially.

Watch allows viewers to create a Watchlist to get notifications when new episodes are posted and to easily find keep up with the latest episodes.

Qatar Television scales up its social media engagement with Wildmoka’s cloud live video editing platform

Wildmoka and Qatar Television, the Qatar Government owned media organisation, today announced they have selected Wildmoka’s platform to create content and publish it instantly to social media.

As the public national television channel, Qatar Television is missioned with providing Qatar’s population with local media comprehensive coverage. Social Media has become a key activity over the years and the demand for more content, plus the instant enjoyment of that content, has been dramatically increasing.

Qatar Television was therefore looking for a solution that could allow them to fulfil this strong market’s expectation in a very easy and flexible way.

“Wildmoka’s platform was actually the perfect match to our requirements,” said Ali El Sakka, Engineering Controller at Qatar Television.

“We really had an issue with speed, and, with their technology combining various advanced processing immediately at ingest, Wildmoka was the only company capable to provide us with such fast and automated publishing. In addition, we are confident that we can scale up our digital offering with them moving forward.”

Thomas Menguy, co-founder at Wildmoka, said: “We are delighted to partner with Qatar Television, and to contribute to their social media development. We are very grateful for their confidence in our technology, and determined in supporting them in their evolution.”

Cristian Livadiotti, co-founder of Wildmoka, added: “We are definitively investing heavily in the Middle East region, Qatar Television is one of our first key customers there; it just confirms the strong advancements of the region in digital and social.”

LaLiga and Liga Portugal sign Memorandum of Understanding for brand development

LaLiga and Liga Portugal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will see the two organisations together to develop both brands in Spain and Portugal.

The agreement will enable the two institutions to share information on finances, institutional issues and training.

LaLiga representatives will assist their Portuguese counterparts in an effort to see the league establish a financial control programme, the aim of which is to guarantee financial transparency across the Portuguese game and in the running of its clubs.

This is an initiative that has been overseen by LaLiga since Javier Tebas’s inception as president in 2013.

In addition, Tebas and Pedro Proença, president of Liga Portugal, plan to join forces and promote both brands and their internationalisation, with a view to fostering their development and growth.

Another of the standout features of this partnership is the commitment of both institutions to promote fair play and lead the battle against match-fixing. The two bodies will work together to eradicate such practices by developing joint policies focused on integrity-related aspects of the game.

On an institutional level, LaLiga is set to advise the Portuguese league about the creation of a foundation and the development of social outreach projects by drawing up a corporate social responsibility policy.

Liga Portugal also expressed an interest in the efforts of Spanish football’s governing body to promote youth football, with the LaLiga Promises tournament attracting much attention.

For this reason, the agreement includes the possibility of opening LaLiga Excellence Academies in Portugal and the staging of children’s summer sports camps.

BritAsia TV secures Indian Super League UK broadcasting rights

BritAsia TV announced to have secured the exclusive rights to show the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), in a multi-year deal on free-to-air UK television.

India‘s premier football division will be shown on the channel from 17 November 2017.

BritAsia TV will feature a triple header of games each week, beginning with delayed ‘as live’ coverage from the ISL on Friday and Saturday evenings, followed by a live broadcast on Sunday afternoon.

Tony Shergill, managing director of BritAsia TV, said: “BritAsia TV is a strong household brand amongst the Asian community and we’re keen to support and promote the cultural identity and voice of British Asians.  The acquisition of the India Super League rights will open up a new audience to our station as we head towards our tenth anniversary.

“Free-to-air football is a rarity these days and we’re delighted to bring one of the world’s most up and coming leagues to the masses.”

The League this year will feature a number of familiar faces to football fans. Amongst those, former Ireland and Tottenham legend Robbie Keane, who will be playing for reigning champions Atletico de Kolkata, while former England and Manchester United Wes Brown is due to line up for Kerala Blasters.

BritAsia TV is available on Sky TV channel 824, Vision TV Freeview (channel 264), online at VisionTV.co.uk, and Virgin TV (channel 840).

Eleven Sports secure exclusive broadcast rights to Laver Cup in Belgium and Luxembourg

Global sports provider Eleven Sports has secured live and exclusive rights to the inaugural Laver Cup in Belgium and Luxembourg.

The new three-day tennis tournament will see team Europe take on a team from the rest of the world at the O2 arena, Prague, from 22-24 September 2017. Each team will be comprised of six of the world’s best players including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, John Isner and Nick Kyrgios.

They will be led by team captains; Björn Borg (Europe) and John McEnroe (USA).

“The Laver Cup is an innovative concept and we are looking forward to working with the organisers to help unlock the potential and develop the reach of this exciting event among sports fans in Belgium and Luxembourg,” said Danny Menken, Group Managing Director, Eleven Sports.

“This is a fantastic addition to our very strong offer and a wonderful opportunity to showcase more thrilling sport in countries where Tennis is very popular.”

The location of the Laver Cup will rotate between Europe and the rest of the world cities each year. In 2018 the event will be played in the USA.

Eleven Sports subscribers in Belgium and Luxembourg will have access to every match from the 2017 Laver Cup in addition to several ATP 250 tennis events, premium football action including La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1, world-class MMA from UFC and Cage Warriors and other sports that are popular in the local market including Euro Hockey League, Champions League Handball, Premier League Darts and the World Cup of Darts.

Singapore extends contract to host Formula One night race until 2021

Formula 1 has today announced together with Singapore GP Pte Ltd and Singapore Tourism Board that the Singapore Grand Prix will continue to be part of the motorsport’s calendar for four more years.

The new deal will run from 2018 to 2021 and is set to continue to be complemented by a strong line-up of entertainment and lifestyle offerings within the circuit and throughout the city.

Singapore’s night race has become one of the most attractive dates on Formula One’s calendar, having secured year-on-year 19% growth in ticket sales since its inception in 2008.

Chase Carey, Chairman and CEO, Formula 1, said: “The Singapore Grand Prix is a signature Formula 1 race and therefore we are very pleased that it will continue to feature on the calendar for a further four years.

“The first ever night race in this sport is one of the most thrilling events of the year, taking place against the stunning backdrop of Marina Bay.

“The Singapore Grand Prix, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Government have all done an excellent job of making this an event that involves the whole city. We are looking forward to offering our continued support to make the next four years even more spectacular and exciting.”

WATCH: Murray Barnett, Head of Global Sponsorship & Commercial Partnerships at F1, discusses the organisation’s plans for the future

S. Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), added: “The F1 Singapore Grand Prix has generated significant benefits for our economy as well as the Formula 1 franchise. With its global viewership and media coverage, the race has reinforced Singapore’s image as a vibrant and innovative city to a wide international audience.

“It has also created good opportunities for Singaporeans and the local business community. We look forward to the continued support of all Singaporeans as we work with Formula 1, Singapore GP, and all stakeholders, to ensure the F1 Singapore Grand Prix remains an event that we can all be proud of.”

Mr. Ong Beng Seng, Singapore GP, said: “Since 2008 we have enjoyed a close working relationship with Formula 1 and all of its key players. We believe this has been a beneficial partnership for all parties, for our city and for the sport, and we look forward to building on that foundation with F1’s new owners.”

Vice Media agrees NBA digital programming deal

Vice Sports has agreed a deal with the NBA to produce original digital programming about the professional sport.

Vice’s sports channel is set to produce a number of projects that will be targeted towards an international audience.

The first original series will be titled ‘The Way We Ball’, featuring home courts where current star players began their careers.

“The NBA has done a great job of positioning itself at the forefront of global sports, both on and off the court,” said Vice Sports publisher Will Kiersky.

“As we continue to expand our content offering in the sports space, it’s an incredibly exciting league to partner and grow with. Exploring global youth culture and sports through the lens of NBA players will make an amazing series.”

Jeff Marsilio, VP global media distribution at the NBA, added: “We’ve already begun shooting and feel that this is exactly the type of content that will engage existing fans while attracting a new wave of basketball lovers.”

New Balance becomes official kit supplier to FC Rubin Kazan

New Balance has today announced that it has agreed a deal to become the official kit supplier of FC Rubin Kazan.

The agreement includes match and training kits for both the team and coaches, with the new range set to be officially unveiled later this month.

New Balance also has partnerships with a number of prestigious European clubs including Liverpool, Celtic, Porto and Sevilla.

Richard Wright, New Balance Global Football General Manager, said: “New Balance, as a brand, is growing globally and plans to become one of the top three athletic brands in the world.

“New Balance performance products are utilised by top athletes in athletics, football, tennis, cricket, baseball, ice hockey and other sports.

“We believe that a technical sponsorship contract with FC Rubin Kazan will be the first step in the development of the New Balance football culture in Russia and will also contribute into further global brand expansion in Football.”

Rustam Sayakhov, General Manager of FC Rubin Kazan, added: “FC Rubin Kazan is happy to work with such a strong global sports brand such as New Balance. There have been several changes in the club recently, including in the technical sponsorship area.

“Every detail matters when ambitious targets are set, and the club needs to win. We are confident that, with the new structure and with the high quality of New Balance match and training kits, we will have every chance to meet our goals in the coming football season.”

Wildmoka announces new partnership with MBC GROUP

Wildmoka today announced a new partnership with MBC GROUP, the largest and leading private multimedia company in the Middle East & North Africa region.

MBC selected Wildmoka for its next- generation, live video editing and publishing platform. MBC will use Wildmoka’s ‘Moments Studio’ platform to instantly clip and edit highlights from live broadcasts, and publish them to social media.

MBC GROUP owns various leading online digital platforms like SHAHID #1 Premium Arabic VOD service in the World, mbc.net the #1 local entertainment portal in MENA among many others in addition to their 20 television channels, and a very significant social media footprint, it is already quite advanced on digital topics.

“We started investing time and resources in the middle-east region earlier this year,” said Cristian Livadiotti, co-founder at Wildmoka.

“We discovered a region with very advanced technologies and platforms, and a strong push towards digital. The partnership with MBC is one of our first in MENA, and the stepping stone for our growth in the region.”

Thomas Menguy, co-founder, added: “Interacting with MBC team has been a pleasure. They are very professional and their workflow and processes are very advanced. We’re very proud that one of our first customers in the region is the largest media company of this area.”

Fadel Zahreddine, Group Director of Brand Management & Digital Businesses, said: “At MBC, we are at the forefront of adopting new trends, with the steadfast aim at getting closer to our users on all available platforms.

“The choice is a clear one for us in that our digital strategy has always been about offering instant publishing and live clipping as an essential and scalable solution in today’s digital publishing environment.”

2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup will help attract global clubs to India, says Jaime Yarza, Head of FIFA Tournaments

The 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup kicks off in India later this year – and the eyes of the footballing world will be watching.

Kolkata, Kochi, New Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Guwahati and Margao are all set to host matches as India seeks to establish itself as a major event organiser.

iSportconnect spoke to Head of FIFA Tournaments, Jaime Yarza, to discuss how the tournament, plus improved infrastructure, could help to attract global super clubs.

How will the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India change the face of football?

“Football is closing the gap in the world and many changes are happening in Asia, including China. We can expect that the FIFA U-17 World Cup will have a positive impact on Indian football as a continent of almost 1.4 billion people will be cheering for the beautiful game.

“That’s exactly FIFA’s mission, making sure that football is played in every corner of the globe to inspire a healthier and more active way of life. Sport – and in our case, football – is a guarantee for better people and a better future.

“Additionally, through the Mission XI Million project we are also targeting girls in India – they are also the future of the game. We want India to set an example for future hosts, not only because of the exceptional organisation of the tournament, but also for the development of youth football.”

Do you think the improved infrastructure will attract more global clubs to come and play in India?

“We are convinced that the revamped infrastructure and the commercial opportunities will attract national and global football actors to India.

“The FIFA U-17 World Cup in India will be a great opportunity for club administrators, scouts, football association and confederation officials, plus other football stakeholders to visit India, feel and live the passion of the Indian football community and re-think their future strategies in terms of including India in their plans.”

What have been the biggest challenges faced by FIFA in organising a World Cup in India?

“We have faced different challenges, but nothing that cannot be managed thanks to the assistance of the Indian government, the AIFF and the Local Organising Committee.

“The different legislative systems, the infrastructure, the size of the country, and therefore the transport of the teams and delegates pose challenges. That’s why it’s so rewarding to see all the hard work falling into place to make this World Cup the best U-17 gathering in the history of our sport.

“The very positive outcome of ticket sales and the great response to the Trophy Experience confirm that Indian fans are looking forward to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.”

How good has the commercial response been in India?

“The activation of our partners and local companies – the national supporters – has been overwhelming. Not only their financial involvement, but also all the activities they are implementing to promote the competition.

“Obviously, this is just the start of a fruitful cooperation between private business and commercial partners with the world of football in India. In the years to come, we expect to see more and more commercial entities investing in sport, and especially in football.”

Interview by Shantanu Shrivastava