Formula E names Aurora Media and North One as host broadcasters

Aurora Media Worldwide and North One Television have joined forces in a new partnership as host broadcasters of the FIA Formula E Championship.

The contract was awarded to a co-venture between both North One and Aurora – who have continued to produce coverage of Formula E since the inaugural race around the Olympic Park in Beijing in 2014.

The new collaboration will see both companies work together to produce the world feed coverage and on-screen content – showcasing electrifying wheel-to-wheel racing, captivating storylines of the championship contenders and the distinctive city-centre locations featured on the Formula E calendar.

North One and Aurora have teamed up to bring fans closer to Formula E, with 50% more trackside and pitlane cameras, 40% more crew on-site at each race, new-look on-screen graphics and double the onboard cameras.

Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E, said: “I’m delighted to welcome North One Television to the Formula E family as host broadcaster for next season alongside Aurora Media Worldwide. Since the inception of Formula E, we’ve worked closely with Aurora to showcase exciting and electrifying racing in the tight confines of some of the world’s leading cities.

Over the first three years, Aurora has assisted with the smooth production of high-quality content – telling the unique story of Formula E. The next chapter of our partnership will be very exciting and together with North One we aim to further improve the viewing experience for fans – bringing the very best of Formula E to homes all around the world.”

Neil Duncanson, CEO of North One Television, added: “Formula E is simply the most exciting development in motor racing in a generation. Just last weekend we watched racing in the middle of New York – the first time in more than 120 years that’s been possible – and the crowds, fan engagement and enthusiasm for the spectacle were amazing.

It really has captured the imagination of a new generation of sports fans – across multiple platforms – and we look forward to helping this young series grow into something bigger and better from next season onwards.”

Lawrence Duffy, Managing Director of Aurora Media Worldwide, said: “We are delighted to have won this prestigious contract. Formula E is genuinely one of the world’s most innovative rights-holders and Aurora’s journey has matched their ambition and invention. It’s great to have North One join us, as the companies have similar views on entertaining audiences in the ever-changing landscape of modern sports media.”

Sainsbury’s commits to supporting ParalympicsGB through to Tokyo 2020

Sainsbury’s has renewed its successful partnership with the British Paralympic Association (BPA) for the next four years, including both the PyeongChang 2018 and Tokyo 2020 Games.

As the first Paralympic-only sponsor of the London 2012 Games, Sainsbury’s subsequently partnered with the BPA to support the historic performances of the British team at Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016, generating national support for ParalympicsGB from both customers and colleagues.

In Sochi, ParalympicsGB won its first ever gold medal at a winter games and in Rio the team secured 147 medals, eclipsing the London 2012 medal haul to finish second in the medal table. The continued partnership with Sainsbury’s will help ensure the BPA can send the best-prepared team of athletes to compete at Paralympic Games, as ParalympicsGB look to consolidate their position as one of the world’s strongest Paralympic nations.

Tim Hollingsworth OBE, Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, said:

“Sainsbury’s is very much at the heart of the Paralympic family here in the UK, their engagement has shown a true understanding of the power of Paralympic sport and they have encouraged their customers and colleagues to really get behind ParalympicsGB.

“We know that the inspirational performances of our athletes on the field of play can help to change perceptions and help to create a better world for disabled people. Sainsbury’s has a very clear understanding of our vision and have engaged superbly around programmes to impact on the lives of young people in particular. I am delighted to see that this successful partnership will continue through to Tokyo 2020.”

Mike Coupe, Chief Executive, Sainsbury’s Group, said:

“Sainsbury’s is proud of its continued sponsorship of ParalympicsGB as it’s something our customers and our colleagues really get behind. Seeing the team go from strength to strength, and knowing that we’re playing a small part in this success, is hugely inspiring for us all.

“Inclusivity, for both our colleagues and our customers, is at the heart of Sainsbury’s values, which is why we are so keen to continue to support ParalympicsGB and help change perceptions of what it means to have a disability. We look forward to seeing what the team can achieve at Tokyo 2020.”

Aston Villa announce Hisense as new official technology partner

Aston Villa Football Club is delighted to announce Hisense as its new official Technology Partner.

Hisense UK, the Leeds-based UK subsidiary of the global electronics supplier, will spearhead activities like fan engagement, sponsorship maximisation and brand presence at home games over the course of the 2017/18 season.

Luke Organ, the club’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “This is a very important strategic partnership for Aston Villa. We are proud to have partnered with such a strong consumer brand who share a mutual love for football.

“Throughout the course of the partnership we shall work hard to drive strong ROI for Hisense across the spectrum but particularly utilising our understanding of data to drive affinity, propensity and ultimately product sales.

“We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Rongtian He, Executive Assistant to the Chairman and Overseas Business Officer, continued: “We are delighted to work with Hisense, a globally known Chinese brand.

“Despite Hisense being known to football globally, we are very proud to become their first football partner in England and in assisting them in achieving key strategic goals for their UK business.

“Securing Hisense is testament to the new approach we have toward our partnerships, focusing on delivering tangible returns for our partners through the new commercial team being assembled here.

“We look forward to working with Hisense and developing the relationship to potentially incorporate some of the wider, international projects led by Recon Group.”

Howard Grindrod, Hisense UK’s deputy managing director, added: “Aston Villa are a massive club with an iconic stadium and an incredible fanbase so we’re delighted to announce this partnership with one of the biggest clubs in England.

“As excitement continues to build ahead of the new season, we’re looking forward to kicking off our sponsorship.”

Carl Frampton signs sponsorship deal with JD Sports ahead of homecoming fight in Belfast

Northern Irish boxer Carl Frampton has signed a multi-fight sponsorship deal with leading sports retailer JD. ‘The Jackal’ joins an illustrious list of fighters within the JD boxing stable, and will be looking to kick things off with a win on Saturday as he returns to his home city Belfast for a WBC eliminator showdown.

JD’s logo will appear on the fight week kit of Frampton and his corner team, as well as Frampton’s fight night shorts. Through the partnership, JD receive exclusive access to Frampton’s training camp, and all the footage can be seen on JD’s social media channels, as well as in upcoming #JDUndisputed episodes.

Saturday’s fight will see Frampton pitted against Mexican fighter Andres Gutierrez who, like Frampton, has only one professional defeat to his name.

This will be The Jackal’s first fight back in Belfast after four fights on the road and his first fight since losing the WBA (Super) Featherweight title to Léo Santa Cruz in Las Vegas last January. Fans are expecting an electric atmosphere at the SSE Arena, as tickets for the homecoming sold out within seconds of going on general release.

Carl Frampton said: “I am delighted to partner with JD at such an exciting time in my career. They have showed continued support for British boxing, and I look forward to working with them as I make my comeback fight in Belfast.

“It was a tough loss to take in Las Vegas, but I am ready to get back on track on Saturday and kick off the partnership with a win in front of my hometown fans.”

JD Group Marketing Director Stephen White said: “We are delighted to add Carl Frampton to our growing stable of JD fighters. He is a gifted fighter with great character and has demonstrated his ability to perform in world title fights on multiple occasions.

“We are looking forward to Saturday’s fight, and are proud to associate with Carl as he makes his way back to the top of world boxing.”

Georg Seiler confident German GP will be a ‘highlight’ of 2018 Formula 1 calendar

Georg Seiler, Managing Director of the Hockenheim-Ring GmbH, believes the German Grand Prix will be one of the highlights of the 2018 Formula One calendar.

Germany was dropped from the 2017 championships due to the Nurburgring circuit’s financial troubles, meaning it was unable to fulfill the country’s biennial swap deal and host a F1 race.

But Hockenheim is set to host next year’s event and will place greater emphasis on attracting a younger audience, courtesy of reduced ticket prices for junior fans.

Seiler is delighted to welcome back the motorsport and is keen to embrace the changes ushered in by new owners Liberty Media: “I have been following this season’s developments with great interest.

“The technical advances and changes to the regulations have helped to make the contest more exciting than ever with fans being treated to some amazing battles on-track between the drivers. F1 is clearly alive and well.

“In addition, the new approaches to fan engagement have helped to create an even more immersive live experience for all Grands Prix visitors.

“I am confident that our race weekend will be a real highlight of the 2018 calendar and, alongside Formula 1’s new owners, Liberty Media, I am excited to welcome back the biggest motorsport event in Germany in 2018.”

Fulham Football Club announces Grosvenor Casinos as main team partner

Fulham Football Club announced Grosvenor Casinos as main team partner, in a two-year deal that will see the grosvenorcasinos.com logo displayed on the playing shirts worn by the club’s first team and PL2 side.

Grosvenor Casinos is a UK licensed online casino and sports betting provider, offering over 300 casino games, live casino tables and a substantial range of in-play betting markets. The brand has been operating for over 40 years and is the UK’s biggest casino operator, entertaining and exciting players across the nation.

The brand has been operating for over 40 years.

As well as the presence on the playing shirts, the grosvenorcasinos.com branding will appear around Craven Cottage on the club’s LED system, as well as exclusive branding at the Putney End stand.

Fulham FC’s media and social media platforms will help enhance awareness of the Grosvenor Casinos brand, to both domestic and international football audiences – as well as assist Grosvenor Casinos, raising the profile of its sports betting, online casino and online poker products.

Casper Stylsvig, Chief Revenue Officer of Fulham FC said:

“I am delighted to welcome grosvenorcasinos.com as Main Team Partner. We are thrilled to have a partner on board which matches our ambition of delivering a first class service and experience and we look forward to working together.”

Henry Birch, Chief Executive of The Rank Group plc, owners of grosvenorcasinos.com, said:

“Grosvenorcasinos.com is delighted to be part of Fulham FC’s charge back to the Premier League as Main Team Partner. Both the Club and Grosvenor Casinos have strong brands and proud histories and we look forward to working together and supporting the Club and fans.”

Tokyo to host 2019 Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final

Tokyo will host the 2019 UIPM World Cup Final and the competition will double as an official Test Event for the 2020 Olympic Games, the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) announced today.

The event will take place in June 2019, 13 months before t pentathletes return to the capital of Japan for the Olympic Games.

It will allow the Tokyo 2020 organising team to create a “dress rehearsal” for the Olympic Games, where the Modern Pentathlon will take place for the first time in a venue – Tokyo Stadium – that can host all five disciplines in one day.

UIPM President Klaus Schormann said: “This a reality UIPM achieved together with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games organising committee in 2013. Now our Modern Pentathlon community can look forward to a great opportunity to visit Tokyo in 2019 for the UIPM World Cup Final.

“Not only am I confident this will be a very well-prepared World Cup Final that lives up to the standard that has been set in recent years, I believe we will also be presented with a clear vision for the wonderful Modern Pentathlon that will take place in the Tokyo Stadium – with all five disciplines in one venue – during the Summer Olympic Games 2020.”

Noriyuki Nakamura, Modern Pentathlon Competition Manager for Tokyo 2020, said: “The Modern Pentathlon Test Event in Tokyo in 2019 will be an important part of preparations for the Olympic Games and we are pleased that the event will double as the World Cup Final, which is such an important fixture in the sporting calendar.

“We are working very closely with UIPM to deliver a wonderful Olympic Modern Pentathlon and this test event will give sports fans in Japan and around the world a glimpse of what is in store in 2020.”

iSportconnect adds Tim Hunt and Ali Russell to Brand Marketing Masterclass guest speaker list

iSportconnect is delighted to confirm two additional guest speakers for our Brand Marketing Masterclass on September 11.

Tim Hunt, Head of Marketing at PGA European Tour, and Ali Russell, Media and New Business Director at Formula E, have been added to our distinguished list of industry thought leaders.

James Young, Head of Partnerships at Lucozade Ribena Suntory, Adolfo Bara, General Manager Marketing & Sales at LaLiga, and Fiona Taag, Head of Global Sponsorship & Europe Marketing Communications at DHL, will also speak at the event, which will be staged at the offices of Pinsent Mason in central London.

Brands are at the heart of the business of sport and the all-day event will offer an exclusive opportunity to discuss a challenging and fast-changing global business with industry experts.

Debates will be stimulating and the networking opportunities second to none, with current topics and challenges of tomorrow set to be on the agenda throughout a series of panels and keynote speeches.

Chatham House rules will be strictly adhered to, encouraging a free exchange of ideas.

Further details on discussion panel topics will be announced in due course.

This event is open exclusively to senior executives at brands, governing bodies and sport teams. Please contact Dimitrios (dimitrios.syrmis@isportconnect.com) to register your interest.

Confirmed speaker list:

Tim Hunt – Head of Marketing at PGA European Tour

Ali Russell – Media and New Business Director at Formula E

James Young – Head of Partnerships at Lucozade Ribena Suntory

Adolfo Bara – General Manager Marketing & Sales at LaLiga

Fiona Taag – Head of Global Sponsorship & Europe Marketing Communications at DHL

HOST PARTNER

Cricket has ‘no chance’ for Olympic inclusion in 2024 and 2028

Two International Olympic Committee (IOC) members have claimed that cricket is unlikely to be included in the Games before 2032.

IOC members Sir Craig Reedie and Adam Pengilly believe cricket’s road to an Olympic return will be long and filled with obstacles.

“I don’t think cricket has any chance in 2024 or 2028 because neither of the hosts, Paris and Los Angeles, will be very interested and the sport isn’t top of the list of those waiting for a chance,” Reedie told Sky Sports.

“That said, India is the biggest reason for bringing cricket in and the Games are driven by television, so it is not beyond the realms of possibility but I would suggest 2032 is a more realistic timescale.”

The last time that the sport was included in the Games was in Paris in 1900, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) are reportedly close to announcing a formal application to join the programme for 2024.

Earlier this year, ICC chief executive David Richardson said the “time was right” for cricket to make a push for Olympic inclusion.

However, Pengilly believes the sport will struggle to make a valid case for inclusion: “I think there are still too many factors working against cricket: it’s not global, it’s not particularly ‘youth’ and it doesn’t meet many of the key Olympic themes.

“If the next host was Australia, it might have a chance. But France and the US don’t play much cricket, and I can’t see there being much support in countries that don’t play cricket.”

Tour de France television audience ratings on Eurosport jump 10%

Eurosport continues to be the go-to destination for cycling fans across the continent after reporting a series of stunning audience numbers for this year’s Tour de France, cementing its status as the true ‘Home of Cycling’.

Just days after announcing it will show every minute of every Tour de France until 2023, Eurosport recorded an average viewing number of 785,000* over the 21 stages, a 10% increase versus 2016 – a figure all the more impressive by the fact 25 more hours of live coverage was available to fans in 2017.

Significant year-on-year growth was recorded in Germany (+37%), Spain (+32%), Italy (+17%), Denmark (+8%) and Romania (+6%) while Norway enjoyed an astonishing 411% average audience increase compared to 2016, a figure that contributed to its best-ever Tour de France.

This year’s Tour de France was also the most-watched edition in Romania as well as Spain since 2009 – when local hero Alberto Contador claimed the honours.

Moreover, stage 13 between Saint-Girons and Foix represented the most-watched stage on Eurosport since 2013, with an average of 1.203m viewers tuning in to see Warren Barguil become the first French rider to win a stage on Bastille Day since 2005.

Across Europe, viewers watched a total of 3.8 billion minutes* (+45% versus 2016) of a thrilling Tour de France that, as well as the live action on the road, featured unique analysis and insights from the likes of cycling icons Greg LeMond, Juan Antonio Flecha and Sean Kelly.

Eurosport CEO Peter Hutton said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number of messages from fans across the continent praising our coverage of this year’s Tour de France and these figures are testament to those sentiments.

“At Eurosport we firmly believe we are now the undisputed Home of Cycling and aim to not only show what is happening, but why is it happening. Whether it be via insights from our expert analysts or short-form content such as the excellent sport explainers, we aim to have every angle covered.

“With every minute of every Tour de France now confirmed on Eurosport screens for the next six years, we are all excited by the challenge to further improve our coverage of one of the most compelling events on the worldwide sporting calendar.”

As well as the Tour de France, Eurosport’s enhanced agreement with Europe Broadcasting Union and Amaury Sport Organisation covers all three of the Grand Tours, plus 25 UCI World Championship events, including all five monuments.