World Rugby announces record broadcast and social media coverage schedule for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 is set to be the most widely viewed to date as World Rugby has announced a record broadcast and social media coverage schedule for the tournament.

Fans across the world will be able to watch the pinnacle of the women’s game on TV and on World Rugby’s digital platforms when it kicks off later this month on 9 August.

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 will be broadcast live to more than 110 countries as England look to retain their title in Dublin and Belfast over the coming weeks, with games also streamed on rwcwomens.com and World Rugby’s social platforms.

WRWC 2017 pool stages will be played at UCD Bowl and Billings Park in Dublin on 9, 13 and 17 August, with Kingspan Stadium and Queen’s University in Belfast hosting the finals stages on 22 and 26 August.


World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper said: “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 is set to be the biggest and best to date and it’s very encouraging to see that more than 110 countries will broadcast the action from Dublin and Belfast this month.

“We also expect this tournament to be the most socially engaged yet and, with so many fans interacting with our platforms on mobile and digital, WRWC 2017 will also be the most accessible to date.”

Where to watch Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017

In the Republic of Ireland, Eir Sports will broadcast the tournament with RTÉ showing Ireland matches on free-to-air television. ITV will broadcast matches in the UK, including Northern Ireland.

France Télévisions and Eurosport will show games in France, where record audiences tuned in when Paris hosted the last event in 2014. NBC will show the action in the United States, while Fox Sports will broadcast the games in Australia and Sky NZ will screen the matches in New Zealand. In Spain, TVE will be showing the tournament in that region.

In areas where there is no rights-holder, all the action will be streamed live on rwcwomens.com.

WME-IMG secures $1.1bn cash injection from Singapore’s GIC and Canadian fund

The WME-IMG talent agency is set to receive a cash injection of roughly US $1billion as part of an investment led by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and the Government of Singapore Investment Fund (GIC).

The agency, which owns and operates hundreds of events including The Miss Universe Organisation and New York Fashion Week, spent over US$4billion to purchase the UFC last July.

“GIC is committed to supporting WME-IMG’s continuing innovation, industry leadership and international expansion,” said Eric Wilmes, managing director of private equity at GIC.

“WME-IMG has demonstrated a capacity to grow and diversify in an increasingly complex environment for sports, entertainment and fashion globally.

“As a long-term investor, GIC believes the company will benefit from the strong trend of consumers demanding quality content.”

CPPIB and GIC will joint current investors such as Silver Lake, SoftBank and Fidelity as WME-IMG strategic partners.

Michael Eisner completes takeover of Portsmouth Football Club

The purchase of Portsmouth Football Club (PFC) has been completed by The Tornante Company, it was today announced by Michael D. Eisner. Tornante had been engaged in due diligence since May when more than 80 percent of PFC’s equity holding approved the terms of the sale.

Michael Eisner and his three sons, Breck, Eric and Anders, will make up the board along with Andy Redman, president of Tornante, and Mark Catlin, PFC CEO. Michael’s family will join the management of the club at Fratton Park in attending their first match as owners on the opening day of the EFL League One season on August 5, when Pompey welcomes Rochdale.

“My family and I are thrilled to take on this incredible responsibility as stewards of a football club with such a rich heritage,” Eisner said. “We have come to know the Pompey community in recent months, and we are extremely impressed by their passion, dedication and love for their club.”

In addition to announcing the closing of the acquisition of PFC, Eisner announced that Catlin, who has served as the CEO for the past four years and was named CEO of the year by F.C. Business, has entered into a long-term contract to continue to serve as Pompey’s CEO. Eisner pointed out that “the arrangement continues Mark’s leadership and ensures the stability of the club for the long term.”

“We have been on a remarkable journey, and one that everyone associated with this amazing club should rightly be proud of,” said Catlin. “It has been an honour and privilege for me personally to represent PFC and our incredible fans during this time.

“Now we embark on an exciting new chapter in the club’s history, and one that, under the stewardship of Michael Eisner, his family, Andy Redman and the Tornante group, I am totally confident will continue to build on the strong foundations that have been built over the past four seasons.”

The Eisner family also thanked the Pompey Supporters’ Trust, the presidents and all Pompey fans for their unprecedented efforts to save and stabilise the club over the past four years.

“The football club wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the against-the-odds commitment of Pompey supporters who came together and saved this club. This is and will always be your team,” said Eric Eisner on behalf of himself and his brothers, Breck and Anders.

With Catlin at the helm and manager Kenny Jackett preparing for the season, the club is poised to build on the momentum of its recent League Two title success and promotion to League One. Redman added, “We have many challenges ahead of us, but we have a terrific leader in Mark, and we’re going to work with him and Kenny to position the team for success in the coming seasons.”

Iain McInnes, who served as PFC chairman, added, “Harnessing the indomitable Pompey passion with his Tornante team aided by a few current stalwarts, Michael has every opportunity to take your club back to previous and sustainable heights. Jane and I wish Michael, (his) Jane and their family every ounce of good fortune and chance of success in this great venture. PUP.”

Pompey Supporters’ Trust Chairman Ashley Brown said, “The supporters fought hard to save Pompey, they’ve given the club incredible support under fan ownership, ensuring its successful promotion from League Two as champions. Our passionate supporters now willingly pass the custodianship of Pompey to Michael Eisner, his family and Tornante.

“It is clear that Michael and his family have caught the Pompey bug and we hope to see them regularly at Fratton Park, sharing many more successes on the pitch as part of the Pompey family.”

Brown added, “The four PST board members who have represented the Trust on the PFC board feel incredibly honoured and proud to have held that position at a club they love. The many other fans who were involved in ensuring Pompey’s survival should feel equally proud of the part they played, and we join together to welcome Michael and his family to our city, our club and look forward to exciting times ahead.”

Eleven Sports agrees EFL live broadcast rights deal for Belgium, Luxembourg and Poland markets

With two days to go to the start of the 2017/18 season, ELEVEN SPORTS has agreed on a new live and exclusive rights agreement with the English Football League (EFL) for five years.

The new arrangement means that ELEVEN will continue to deliver scintillating action from the Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League One, Sky Bet League Two and the Carabao Cup for fans in Belgium, Luxembourg and Poland.

The five-year deal follows the original two-season partnership which was agreed before the start of the 2015/16 season.

ELEVEN will show games delayed and on repeat in addition to a minimum of 55 Sky Bet Championship matches and up to 30 Carabao Cup matches exclusively live across linear and OTT channels.

“We cooperate closely with rights holders to help them connect and engage with fans in innovative ways. Our partnership with the EFL for five more years is a testament to the work we have done together to deliver thrilling football action with a fresh tone of voice for the fans,” said Danny Menken, Group Managing Director, ELEVEN SPORTS.

“We are very pleased to extend our agreement with ELEVEN SPORTS to show matches from across the Sky Bet EFL and Carabao Cup,” said EFL CEO Shaun Harvey.

“The proliferation of the global game means having a regular and prominent presence internationally has never been as important and is very significant to our Clubs who are looking to further establish themselves in key overseas markets including those territories ELEVEN SPORTS have secured the rights in.”

LMU poll finds 83% support for Los Angeles 2028 Games

The Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University released the results of its July 2017 public opinion survey that found that 83% of Angelenos support Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In reaction to the LMU poll, LA 2028 Chairman Casey Wasserman said: “This new LMU poll shows Angelenos are excited to bring the Olympics back in 2028. LA already has a proven Olympic legacy from the ’84 Games.

“That’s why it’s easy to believe in and support our 2028 plan – low risk and ready to go. LA 2028’s support remains strong across all demographic groups and our Games will benefit all communities. The new 2028 IOC Host City Contract will provide even greater financial incentives to ensure that LA’s Olympic and Paralympic Games will leave a lasting legacy for our city.”

The July 2017 poll was conducted prior to the news that the LA bid committee has announced its intention to host the 2028 Games and that the International Olympic Committee would advance funds to support LA 2028’s $160 million investment in LA youth sports programs in the years leading up to the Games.

Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Gary Toebben said: “Yesterday, Mayor Eric Garcetti made a once in a generation announcement – the summer Olympic and Paralympic Games are coming back to Los Angeles for the third time.

“Thanks to the determination and creativity of the Mayor and local Olympic leadership Los Angeles has solidified an agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to stage the 2028 Games.”

“Since the beginning of this process, the Chamber has championed the positive economic impact these games will have on our region and the public agrees; the most frequently cited reason for support in the poll was the economic boost to Southern California.”

The survey was funded by LA 2024, the LA Area Chamber of Commerce and Loyola Marymount University, and follows LMU’s February 2016 survey that found that 88% of Angelenos supported Los Angeles hosting the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

ITU opens bidding for 2018 ITU World Paratriathlon Series and World Cups

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) announced that it has opened bidding for the 2018 ITU World Paratriathlon Series (WPS) and ITU Paratriathlon World Cup (PWC) events to all National Federations and cities interested in hosting the premier races.

After a very successful first year of the World Paratriathlon Series, with three cities hosting spectacular races across the world and more para-triathletes than ever competing for the overall rankings, ITU is opening the possibility for more cities to join the circuit.

Up to four cities can bid to organise a WPS, which can be combined with a World Triathlon Series event or ran independently.

As per the World Cups, in 2018 ITU will aim to organise 8-10 events Worldwide that can be combined with another ITU event or ran independently.

With the goal set for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, para-triathletes will compete to secure points on the rankings, as well as trying to qualify for a spot at the World Championships, which in 2018 will be held in conjunction with the ITU World Triathlon Series Grand Final in Gold Coast, Australia.

Cities interested in hosting a World Paratriathlon Series race or a Paratriathlon World Cup must submit bid documents in conjunction with their respective National Federations before September 4, 2017.

iSportconnect praised for ‘insightful and innovative’ Celebrating Summer of Athletics special event

iSportconnect, the largest global private network of sport business executives, has been praised for hosting an “insightful and innovative” networking session as part of the ‘Celebrating Summer of Athletics’ special event.

The event was well attended with over 70 delegates, including c-level executives from BOA, The Jockey Club, BBC and World Rugby, present at PwC’s offices in central London as the capital prepares to play host to the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships, the biggest international sports event of the year.

Michael Pirrie, International Olympic communications advisor, moderated proceedings while a quartet of esteemed guest speakers shared expert insight into a variety of intriguing topics.

Sir Craig Reedie, President of WADA, Nick Bitel, Chairman of Sport England, Ed Warner, Co-Chair of London 2017 and Adam Pengilly, IOC Member, exchanged informed viewpoints and opinions, sparking passionate responses from the high-ranking delegates in attendance.

The networking session was also well received, with delegates full of praise for the panellists, opulent venue and opportunity to increase their respective knowledge bases.

Sara Sutcliffe, CEO, Table Tennis England: “I thought it was great event. iSportconnect put together an excellent group of eminent speakers and we all gained some really good insight into the problems – or challenges – facing athletics globally. Plenty of insightful and innovative solutions were also discussed during the network session.”

Sir Craig Reedie, President, WADA: “I was on the panel of the first ever iSportconnect Directors’ Club all those years ago and I’ve enjoyed watching the company develop and watching the events develop.

“It was an interesting audience and they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves during the networking session. The panel was really interesting and I believe the topic of a summer of wonderful sport and in particular the World Athletics Championships worked really well. It was also great to have Ed Warner here, who’s running the event in London.”

iSportconnect boasts an exciting calendar of events and you can stay up-to-date with announcements on isportconnect.com.

Please contact Rags on rags@isportconnect.com to register your interest in future iSportconnet events.

Wildmoka and Relevent Sports announce partnership for 2017 International Champions Cup

Wildmoka, a leading digital content creation platform provider, and Relevent Sports, a division of RSE Ventures and host of the International Champions Cup, today announced a new, strategic partnership.

In the partnership, Relevent will use Wilmoka’s live video editing platform to clip and publish near-live video highlights from Europe’s top clubs playing in the 2017 International Champions Cup.

Fans worldwide will be able to visit Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and view video highlights of the biggest plays from matches featuring Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and AS Roma.

Wildmoka co-founder, Cristian Livadiotti said: “We are delighted to be partnered with Relevent Sports and help them give their fans what they want most – quick and easy access to the best highlights.”

“Soccer fans are the most diehard, loyal fans in the world and we wanted to give them a way to watch video highlights of the best plays, wherever they are, on whatever device they use,” said Bruce Bundrant, CCO of Relevent Sports.

“We chose to work with Wildmoka because their platform solution gives us the most efficient way to cut clips and share highlights to our fans across multiple, digital destinations.”

LGT Vestra US teams up with Jacksonville Jaguars as official UK Founding Partner

It was announced today that wealth management company LGT Vestra US has become an Official UK Founding Partner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the UK’s NFL home team.

The partnership stems from mutual transatlantic business interests and a shared entrepreneurial vision.

LGT Vestra US was established to meet the growing need from clients with a transatlantic footprint for suitable investment solutions. The Jaguars were the first and only team to make a multi-year commitment to play in the NFL London Games.

The partnership will see LGT Vestra US working in conjunction with the Jaguars through a variety of year round joint business-to-business activities, including the Jaguars annual home game at Wembley Stadium each year.

In addition to working together in a business capacity, the partnership will also see the Jaguars and LGT Vestra US collaborate on community outreach projects.

These projects aim to generate a positive impact on the community in London through a range of American football related activities, fostering the growth of American football and the popularity of the Jaguars team at a grassroots level.

Paul Nixon, CEO LGT Vestra US, said: “The Jaguars and LGT Vestra US embody an entrepreneurial ethos coupled with a desire to support the local community. Working together to deliver the outreach projects and develop American football at a grassroots level is an exciting prospect and we look forward to working with the community in London to foster change.”

Hussain Naqi, Senior Vice President, international development for the Jacksonville Jaguars, added: “This relationship represents a new chapter in growing our transatlantic capability and we are extremely excited to welcome a partner on board who shares our international ambition and capability.

“LGT Vestra US’s support for our community work here in London will be invaluable in allowing us to expand the offering and engage even more children across the capital through this great sport.”

IAAF reaches multi-year agreement with EBU and ESPN for Europe & Africa rights

On the eve of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships London 2017 (4 to 13 August), the IAAF has reached a new, multi-year agreement with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and ESPN Media Distribution for the sale and distribution of a broad collection of media rights.

The deal includes the next three IAAF World Championships and IAAF World Indoor Championships, and more than a dozen other competitions in the IAAF World Athletics Series.

Together, the EBU and ESPN Media Distribution will represent the media rights to IAAF events across Europe and Africa, hoping to increase access to the sport’s top global competitions to hundreds of millions of fans across the two continents via a combination of free-to-air television, pay television and digital media platforms.

The EBU will represent the free-to-air television rights for its members in numerous countries across Europe, ESPN will represent the IAAF media rights across Africa and the two will collaborate to represent the rights for pay television, digital media and additional free-to-air opportunities across Europe.

IAAF CEO Olivier Gers said: “We saw extraordinary crowds in both Kampala and Nairobi for our cross country and U18 Championships this year. This new broadcasting agreement with two of the principal players in the broadcasting world will be a step forward in the IAAF’s strategy to engage young people and bring the spectacle of the sport and the amazing athlete stories to the millions of fans across Africa and Europe in the mobile and flexible formats they want.

“The increased use of streaming, supplementing traditional broadcasts on a variety of platforms, will allow the IAAF’s top events to reach as wide an audience as possible.”

Charly Classen, Vice President and General Manager, ESPN EMEA, said: “IAAF Athletics is a fantastic, globally relevant sports property with an incredibly exciting opportunity in front of it. Working with the IAAF and EBU we’re very excited to help grow the sport and further broaden the appeal of its competitions, make the most of both traditional and emerging media platforms and help build the next generation of Athletics fans.”

Director of EBU Sport Stefan Kürten said: “Working with ESPN gives us a unique opportunity to increase the reach and engagement of this popular sport, maximizing traditional distribution while embracing the digital consumer.”