Unibet agrees Australia Supercars Championship deal

The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship has announced Unibet as the official betting and wagering partner for the next two years.

The Australian betting agency will be featured at Supercars events through broadcast, on-track signage, consumer promotions and activations, with a strong focus on digital content integration to give fans a deeper understanding of the statistics behind the sport.

Supercars Managing Director Matt Braid said Unibet recognised the significant reach of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship and the national brand platform it presents.

“The high quality, intense competition of our sport delivers excitement to millions of passionate fans which make Supercars the ideal partner for Unibet,” Braid said.

“We are pleased to partner with one of Australia’s and the world’s leading sports betting agencies.”

Unibet’s Head of Marketing & Operations, Julian Timmins, said:  “Unibet Australia is looking forward to working with Supercars to ensure fans are as well informed as possible when watching and betting on their favourite teams and drivers. We see Supercars as a fantastic platform to engage with and inform punters.”

Unibet’s partnership with the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship starts at this weekend’s Watpac Townsville 400.

Crabbie’s extends Scottish Rugby sponsorship deal

Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer has today extended its agreement with Scottish Rugby for a further two years and also agreed to become the official sponsor of Scottish Rugby match officials.

The Crabbie’s logo will appear on the official jerseys of all Scottish Rugby match officials in BT Premiership games and across all BT leagues and cup matches as part of the deal.

The brand is set to capitalise on increased brand visibility at major matches as well as a number of sampling and hospitality events across the forthcoming season.

Toni Blackhurst, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Marketing and Sponsorship, said: “We are delighted to renew our relationship with Crabbie’s and continue this great partnership. BT Murrayfield is renowned for providing fans with a fantastic day out and working with brands like Crabbie’s, we are able to cater for our wide demographic of fans and enhance our matchday experience.”

Senior Marketing Controller for Crabbie’s, Michelle Chadwick, added: “Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer is showing its support to the man in the middle – referees have the hardest job officiating one of the world’s most physical, technical, and fast-paced sports.

“We are very proud of our Scottish heritage and after a hugely successful season in Scottish Rugby it was an obvious development to grow our partnership together. Crabbie’s is committed to grassroots rugby and is looking forward to another great season ahead.”

Euroleague Basketball names DraftKings its Official Fantasy Partner

Euroleague Basketball today announced a new partnership that makes DraftKings the Official Fantasy Partner for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

DraftKings will bring its expertise as the global leader in daily fantasy sports games to help EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge undergo a makeover and offer fans several new fantasy games and opportunities in both the EuroLeague and 7DAYS EuroCup.

DraftKings plans to develop a variety of fantasy products based on the EuroLeague, offering games with the most diverse and up-to-date features on the market for the upcoming 2017-18 season.

DraftKings has collaborated on daily fantasy sports products with an array of professional leagues, including Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, NASCAR and the Canadian Football League.

Formula One makes new push to raise profile in China with Lagardère Sports deal

Formula One today announced its ambitions to raise the profile of the motor racing series in China, using its global popularity as a premium entertainment property to open up further growth opportunities in the country.

With a new management team in the driving seat, Formula 1 is revolutionising the way the sport is marketed and experienced globally, and as part of its wider strategy to broaden the appeal of the championship in key growth markets, Formula 1 has appointed sports marketing agency Lagardère Sports to help secure strategic partnerships in China from 2018 onwards.

Lagardère Sports will use its vast network, expertise and market knowledge in the country to identify and secure strategic partners for Formula 1 in areas including event promotion, media rights, digital and brand partnerships, merchandising, talent development and racing team development.

Sean Bratches, Managing Director, Commercial Operations at Formula 1 said: “We have a proud and longstanding relationship with motorsport in Asia, working with some great motor race circuit owners and successful race promoters from Singapore to Suzuka in Japan through to Shanghai in China.

“Across the region, Formula 1 fans have proven themselves to be some of the sport’s most passionate supporters with over 8.8 million* people attending race weekends since 2004.

“We are keen to build on this, developing our brand through unique live entertainment experiences designed to get fans closer to the action.

We’re delighted to be working with Lagardère Sports, whose knowledge of the market in China will help establish long-term benefits for all our partners and brands that we work with.”

Andrew Georgiou, Chief Executive Officer, Lagardère Sports and Entertainment said: “Having advised clients in the region for over 20 years, we’ve seen first-hand the enormous growth to date in the live sports and entertainment market in China; and also the new opportunities presented by the emerging middle and upper classes.

“Sports fans in the country, as well as media platforms and sponsors alike, are craving premium, local and live sports and entertainment, supported by quality digital content and meaningful fan engagement.

“Through this new partnership together we will work with Formula 1 to develop premium local content for the Chinese market, in a way that the sport deeply engages with local fans and becomes part of the Chinese sporting culture and fabric.

“We’re delighted the Formula 1 management team has trusted us to use our global insights and network, combined with our local expertise and knowledge within China, to help develop their brand, fan base and appeal to media platforms and sponsors.

“It’s a very exciting time to be supporting Formula 1.”

Betfair and Juventus announce multi-year partnership

Betfair and Juventus Football Club have announced the signing of a multi-year agreement that will make Betfair the Official Gaming and Betting Partner of Juventus, starting from the 2017/2018 season.

The comprehensive partnership includes branding and visibility inside the Allianz Stadium and Juventus Training Center, access to the Juventus players for marketing and communication activities and use of the Official Juventus logo, with the term “Official Gaming and Betting Partner” in all Brand Communication activities.

Betfair was the first brand to bring a betting exchange to Italy.

“We are very proud to announce this partnership with Juventus, which has in its DNA values and characteristics we think are winning in sports as well as in the business, such as prestige, leadership and ambition,” said Claudio Di Zanni, Betfair Italy Country Director.

“We believe that this partnership can create great opportunities for our customers and for all football fans.”

“This Partnership is integral to the global strategy of Juventus by developing strong relationships and agreements with innovative Brands such as Betfair, that are worldwide leaders in their industry,” added Giorgio Ricci, Co-Chief Revenue Officer & Head of Global Partnerships and Corporate Revenue of Juventus by announcing the new partnership.

One week to go until iSportconnect London Directors’ Club with LaLiga and WTA Presidents

Today marks ‘one week to go’ until the next iSportconnect Directors’ Club in London and there is only limited availability remaining for delegates.

Special guests Javier Tebas, LaLiga President, and Micky Lawler, WTA President, will be interviewed individually before taking questions from an esteemed audience.

There will also be ample time for delegates to network with their fellow executives throughout the event, which will take place on July 12.

Chatham House rules will be strictly adhered to, as with all iSportconnect events, encouraging a free exchange of ideas within a relaxed atmosphere.

The evening-only event will be hosted at Coutts’ Strand office in central London.

Contact Daniel (daniel.wexler@isportconnect.com) to register your interest.

Scroll over the interactive image below to discover what makes iSportconnect events unique…

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IOC publishes Evaluation Commission 2024 report

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today released the report by the Evaluation Commission on Los Angeles and Paris, candidate cities for the Olympic Games 2024.

The candidate cities are the first to receive the full benefits of the significant changes that have resulted from Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC’s strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement.

“Members of the Evaluation Commission have used the terms ‘forward-looking’, ‘innovative’, ‘vibrant’, and ‘cool’ to describe the Los Angeles candidature, and ‘historical’, ‘cultural’, ‘iconic’ and ‘amazing backdrops’ for that of Paris,” says the Chair of the 2024 Evaluation Commission and IOC Member Patrick Baumann in the report.

“However, whatever the description, it truly is a tale of two great Olympic cities. The two projects are different in nature, but each city presents a proposal which is genuinely authentic and reflects the best of what each has to offer,” he adds.

In line with the reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020, both Los Angeles and Paris are planning to use a record number of existing and temporary venues, a first in Olympic history.

The report takes is presented in three parts:

  • A 15-minute video describes the value proposition of the two candidatures and highlights key features of each proposal.
  • An assessment of essential elements for planning and delivering successful Games, grouped into four broad categories: Games Concept, Games Experience, Sustainability and Legacy and Games Delivery.
  • A number of technical documents, including photographs of and key information on proposed competition and non-competition venues in each Candidate City, demonstrating the depth of analysis and due diligence carried out.

The report concludes the work of the 2024 Evaluation Commission, which visited the two Candidate Cities in May.

It will be the key reference document for IOC Members in the lead-up to the 2024 Candidate City Briefing on 11 and 12 July in Lausanne and the final vote that will take place during the 131st IOC Session on 13 September in Lima (Peru).

“Los Angeles is one of the most entertaining sports and leisure destinations on the planet; Paris has a history second to none. On any given day, people around the globe enjoy Hollywood offerings of great storytelling and showcasing technology, while at the same time they dream of visiting Paris, one of the world’s most dazzling tourist destinations,” Baumann added.

“With the support, enthusiasm and passion of their citizens and athletes, Los Angeles and Paris have presented the best of their cities. And their best is as good as it can possibly get for the Olympic Games.”

To access the full report click here.

TV Sports Awards 2017 to be hosted at Salle Des Etoiles, Sporting Club in Monaco

We are thrilled to announce that the TV Sports Awards (TVSA) will be returning for its third year. Applications to apply are open and tables and seats are now on sale.

Taking place during the Sportel Monaco Convention, the prestigious TVSA will be hosted on the 23rd October at the glamorous Salle Des Etoiles, part of the Sporting Club Monaco. Under the sparkling lights, awards will be presented in front of an audience of more than 300 high-profile guests and legends from the world of sport, media and entertainment.

TVSA, in aid of Play for Change Charitable Trust, will recognise and award exceptional sports media achievements across 7 unique categories, including: Best Sports Broadcaster, Best Live Event Coverage, Best Digital Project, Best TV Rights Deal, Media Executive of the Year, Agency of the Year, Best Football Rights Deal and Sports Commercial Partner of the Year.

Returning also is the Play for Change award, which highlights an athlete who has delivered extraordinary social responsibility work. Previous winners include former England and Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand and GB Paralympian Anne Wafula Strike MBE.

Applications for the awards are open until 14th August and will be shortlisted by the knowledgeable and dedicated independent panel who have been selected for their range of expertise, formed of representatives from influential and well-respected sports media partners. These include iSportconnect, Sportcal and SportsPro.

The official shortlist will be announced at the end of August and votes can be casted online.

The TVSA is the event for companies to showcase their work and raise their profile amongst the sport media industry, whilst supporting a valuable cause.

All profits raised at TVSA go towards the Play for Change Charitable Trust who are dedicated to improving the lives of children through sport and education.

The impact of the funds raised from previous events has enabled Play for Change to make a huge difference to children and their communities, and last year the event raised enough funds to help a further 1,200 children in Nepal.

Registration opens for SportAccord Convention 2018

SportAccord Convention confirms registration is open for the sixteenth edition of the Convention set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand from 15-20 April 2018. A city destination brimming with opportunities, #SAC2018 will be held at the five-star Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, a world-class conference complex in the heart of the capital.

The Official Signing Ceremony for #SAC2018 took place in the Host City Bangkok on 31 May 2017 and was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, and the Minister of Tourism and Sports for Thailand, with well over 100 people in attendance from government, media and other organisations. Nis Hatt, Managing Director of SportAccord Convention said:

“SportAccord Convention is the biggest annual global gathering of the sporting community and is the only Convention worldwide with every International Federation present. Without doubt, the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok is going to present a myriad of opportunities for every organisation and delegate who attends. Hatt went on to say:

“The business of sport has grown enormously since the last Convention took place in the region and I would strongly recommend anyone who has a stake in sport, to take advantage of the unique networking opportunities SportAccord Convention offers and register for Bangkok.”

The multiplex venue provides a complete experience for delegates attending the Convention. Both the hotel and the convention centre connect seamlessly with CentralWorld, one of the largest lifestyle and shopping complexes in Southeast Asia. Organisations are encouraged to book their place early and take advantage of the early-bird rate of CHF1,500 (a discount of CHF1, 000 from the list price), available for a short period only.

The conference rooms and state-of-the-art exhibition hall offer outstanding facilities with natural day-lit rooms in a pillar-less environment. Exhibitor visibility will be second-to-none, and dedicated networking zones will help to showcase what organisations have to offer and how delegates connect.

The world’s premier annual event at the service of sport, SportAccord Convention is the place where sport meets whether it’s for International Federations, organising committees, cities and regions, marketing and sponsorship enterprises, legal teams, insurance companies, healthcare organisations, and many more. The Convention creates the occasion to build relationships, seed ideas and gain visibility on a world-stage, and many of these, play out as new business opportunities, or projects to further develop and support the sports movement.

As Deborah Jevans (CBE), former Tennis Player and the first woman to be appointed Director of Sport for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games (London 2012) told SportsPro during a podcast (08:05) at this year’s Convention in Aarhus, Denmark:

“SportAccord Convention is the place to be seen and is a really important event in the sporting calendar. The growth of sport has advanced as a business and is not just about the field of play. You don’t necessarily do a deal here but there is a lot of networking, a lot of conversations take place and relationships are created. Jevans went on to say, “Talking to companies during the Convention in Aarhus confirms this. SportAccord Convention provides the opportunity to meet any number of people from throughout the whole world.”

The Convention will include a 3-day exhibition as well as a full conference programme focused on sponsorship and marketing. Programme streams will include the Plenary, City Forum, LawAccord, MediaAccord and HealthAccord. The Convention also offers numerous social events giving delegates the opportunity to network outside more formal settings, including the daily Exhibition Cocktails, Opening Ceremony and After Hours Bar, and its cultural programme will also take advantage of all that Bangkok has to offer.

For further information on the benefits of attending the SportAccord Convention, visit www.sportaccordconvention.com and follow #SAC2018 on Twitter for the latest news.

PMY Group announces European expansion and appointment of Richard Knight as Regional Chief Executive Officer

Leading technology strategy, investment and management company, PMY Group (PMY) is thrilled to announce the expansion of its operations into Europe through its appointment of a new regional Chief Executive Officer.

PMY opened offices in London in February and has secured several high-profile clients in the UK, Ireland, Spain and Portugal. The investment into the European market is the next phase in the global expansion of PMY.

Announcing the expansion of PMY into Europe, Group Managing Director Paul Yeomans says, “The business has experienced a significant period of growth across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Europe presents an enormous opportunity to expand the business. The timing to leverage the knowledge, expertise and experience we have developed into the northern hemisphere could not be better”.

To lead the expansion, PMY are pleased to announce Richard Knight as CEO of PMY Europe. Richard was formerly Stadium Director at Twickenham for the Rugby Football Union. Additionally, Adam Pitt, Head of Business and Technology Solutions for Europe has relocated from Australia and will lead a strong team of technical experts to drive PMY’s European operation.

Knight was excited to be announcing his appointment at PMY, “I’m very happy to be joining a company at the cutting edge of public space and stadia technology and look forward to leveraging my venue management expertise to drive PMY’s expansion into Europe.”

PMY Group were recently nominated as a finalist in the 2017 Supplier of the Year category at the Stadium Business Awards in Dublin, highlighting the momentum of the business, which will be continued in Europe under Richard’s care.

About PMY

PMY specialises in the development, implementation, management and commercialisation of digital and technology projects.

The group works closely with leading clients in the sport & entertainment, stadium & venues, government, retail, infrastructure and transport sectors and has developed unique intellectual property through the delivery of practical outcomes within the fast growing digital and technology sector.