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.”

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.