Intel Partners with MLB to Deliver VR Experience to Fans

Intel Corporation announced a three-year partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) to bring virtual reality experiences to baseball fans with Intel True VR, starting 6th June 2017.

Intel will live stream one weekly out-of-market game every Tuesday via the Intel True VR app, in addition to featuring post-game highlights and on-demand replays of each game.

The live “Intel True VR Game of the Week” experience uses an array of 4K-resolution cameras to bring fans closer to the action with the ability for users to control their vantage point by selecting from up to four camera angles per game.

Fans will also have access to up-to-the-moment player and team statistics throughout the game.

“As a VR partner of MLB, Intel is delivering a truly immersive virtual reality live stream where fans can experience the excitement of being at the ballpark every week,” said James Carwana, general manager, Intel Sports Group.

“We are excited to bring the Intel True VR experience to fans around the country every week,” said Kenny Gersh, EVP, Business, MLBAM. “Our partnership with Intel will keep MLB at the forefront of technological innovation for our fans, bringing them closer to the action.”

The “Intel True VR Game of the Week” experience will be available free of charge through the Intel True VR app using a Samsung Gear VR headset.

Fans will able to access the Intel True VR experience for the following games in June:

Cleveland Indians vs. Colorado Rockies on June 6 at 8:40 p.m. ET / 5:40 p.m. PT
Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants on June 13 at 10:15 p.m. ET / 7:15 p.m. PT
Detroit Tigers vs. Seattle Mariners on June 20 at 10:10 p.m. ET / 7:10 p.m. PT
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks on June 27 at 9:40 p.m. ET / 6:40 p.m. PT

UCI President Brian Cookson Launches Manifesto For Re-Election

Brian Cookson, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has launched his manifesto for the coming four years and re-election at the UCI Congress in Bergen in September.

“I am seeking the continued trust and support of the cycling community, so we can build on the progress that we have made together over the last four years”, Mr Cookson said.

Brian Cookson has been widely credited as a highly effective UCI President, with the UCI emerging cleaner, stronger and more transparent during his first four-year term.

The UCI’s work under Brian Cookson’s Presidency on anti-doping, on ethics, on the constitution, on governance structures, and on further globalising the sport has placed the UCI in a strong position, ready to make further great progress.

Launching his six point plan, Brian Cookson said:

“I stood for the Presidency of the UCI in 2013 as I felt strongly that the UCI needed to embrace a new way of doing things and address, head on, the critical challenges facing our sport. I believe the record shows I have kept my promises and made real progress during my first term.

“I have been honoured by the trust that has been placed in me to lead the UCI, and I am proud of the work we have done together. One of my most important commitments was to review and improve, where needed, our governance and transparency. That’s why we revised our Constitution, introducing a number of improvements in line with best practice, including term limits for the UCI President.

“We are now proud to be a well-respected international federation, seen by WADA and other anti-doping organisations as being the reference point in our work for clean sport.

“We have made a great start but there is much more that needs to be done.  That’s why I’m standing for a second and final term as UCI President.

“This strategic plan will drive growth across all cycling’s disciplines, accelerate our international development, champion cycling for transport and leisure, ensure equal opportunity for men and women to participate and compete, build on our restored credibility and ensure the UCI continues to  drive excellence in our operations.

“Over the next four years I want to build on the strong foundation we now have in place, but of course I cannot deliver this alone. I need your help and support to implement this plan, so that, together, we can continue the job and achieve a strong and truly global cycling community.”

ITTF Establish Ethics Commission and Confirm Future Events

The ITTF Board of Directors met 2nd June 2017 in Dusseldorf, Germany for the first time since the ITTF Elections, which was held on 31 May 2017.

The Board of Directors is made up of continental representatives, who are tasked to manage the ITTF, together with the Executive Committee between the AGMs.

The main decisions made and discussions had by the Board of Directors were:

The Future Events Working Group discussing the future of the World Championships and overall events structure presented their findings so far to the Board of Directors.

The Working Group will continue at full speed to prepare some proposals for 2018 for the Board of Directors to decide.

The ITTF Ethics Commission was fully established and approved, and the ITTF Code of Ethics will come into effect on 1 July 2017.

Future editions of the ITTF World Junior Championships were awarded: 2018 – Bendigo, Australia, 2019 – Nakorn Ratchasima, Thailand, after both countries put forward very impressive bids. The successful Bendigo bid was driven by ITTF-Oceania, empowered by the new Strategic Investment Agreement with the ITTF.

The next three editions of the ITTF World Cadet Challenge were allocated to 2018 – Tottori, Japan, 2019 – Cetniewo, Poland and 2020 – Bangkok, Thailand.

Commenting on the first Board of Directors meeting after being elected the ITTF President, Thomas Weikert stated: “After a hard-fought election campaign, I was very happy to see the ITTF Board of Directors very united and motivated to work with me and the newly elected Executive Committee to achieve ITTF’s goals and drive the sport forward.”

Allstate Becomes Official Insurance Sponsor of CONCACAF

Allstate Insurance Company today announced a multi-year partnership agreement to become the Official Insurance Sponsor of CONCACAF.

The agreement, negotiated by Soccer United Marketing (SUM), also includes a four-year renewal as the Official Home, Auto, Life and Retirement Insurance Partner of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF), via the annual Mexican National Team U.S. Tour.

“After more than a decade of supporting the soccer community, our passion for it has only grown and we’re excited to partner with these incredible organisations and their fans to engage with the Allstate brand,” said Pam Hollander, vice president of marketing for Allstate.

“There are many reasons soccer aligns with the Allstate brand – it’s diverse, it’s communal, and we respect and share the passion that soccer fans have for the sport, and for their team.”

The partnership will implement a multi-channel approach with Allstate brand integration across TV, digital, social media, public relations, in-stadium exposure and on-site activations at key events.

“For years, Allstate has proved itself to be a committed partner in the development and growth of football across the U.S. and throughout the region,” said CONCACAF General Secretary Philippe Moggio.

“As Allstate continues to raise the bar on engaging fans and communities by harnessing the growing influence and passion inherent in the game, we are pleased to expand our connection with them across our championships.”

To support these sponsorships, Allstate will launch a new national advertising campaign (TV, digital, social and more) and develop a community-based initiative that will span across these organisations in select cities.

FIBA Americas Executive Director Retiring After 19 Years of Service

Alberto Garcia, FIBA Americas Executive Director, has announced his retirement after 19 years of service to world basketball’s governing body.

Garcia’s career in basketball began in 1962 when he became a referee in his hometown of Mendoza, Argentina.

He served as a member of the Technical Committees for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

In 2002, he was promoted to Deputy Secretary General under then Secretary General Jenaro “Tuto” Marchand.

In 2006, Garcia became FIBA Americas Secretary General – now known as FIBA Americas Executive Director – and has held that position for the last decade.

Under his direction, FIBA Americas’ office has assumed the responsibility of developing basketball throughout the region with special attention given to mini basketball, women’s basketball, coaching and referees’ education as well as international club competitions, including the creation of the DIRECTV Liga de las Americas in 2007.

Patrick Baumann, FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member, added: “On behalf of FIBA, I would like to thank Alberto Garcia for all that he has done since joining the organisation 19 years ago. His hard work, complete dedication and unwavering commitment – especially in the last decade as Americas’ Executive Director – are to be commended. I would like to wish him all the best for the future.”

FIBA has already begun the search for Garcia’s successor.

Meanwhile, Usie Richards will take over the function of FIBA Americas Executive Director ad interim until the position is filled.

Champion Chase to Remain in Betway’s Stable for Next Three Years

Betway has agreed on a contract extension to sponsor the Grade One Queen Mother Champion Chase for the next three Cheltenham Festivals.

The champion two-mile chase was Betway’s first major sponsorship deal in horse racing back in 2015, when Dodging Bullets shot to victory under Sam Twiston-Davies, and the leading online bookmaker will now sponsor the top-level contest up to and including 2020.

The Betway Champion Chase has been a career-defining race for some great horses, with Sprinter Sacre bringing down the house in 2016 to well and truly cement his place in National Hunt racing’s hall of fame.

Special Tiara landed the Betway-sponsored prize this year for Henry de Bromhead and Noel Fehily at the fourth time of asking.

Anthony Werkman, Marketing and Operations Director at Betway, said: “After a fantastic three years of sponsoring the Queen Mother Champion Chase, we are delighted to extend our support and see the great race run under the Betway name for at least the next three Festivals.

“The Cheltenham Festival is where everyone wants to be and we’re excited to remain in the thick of it, not least sponsoring one of the feature races of the four-day meeting.

“Winning the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase is the pinnacle for any two-mile chaser and with our continued sponsorship we hope to cement our place at National Hunt racing’s top table.”

European Parliament Backs Paris 2024 Olympic Bid

With less than 100 days until the International Olympic Committee casts its vote in Lima to decide the host city for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris 2024 has received a boost with the European Parliament coming out in support of the bid.

President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, backed by Marc Tarabella and Santiago Fisas, co-Presidents of the body’s Sport Intergroup, announced the parliament’s support of the project during today’s session in Brussels at the very heart of the European institution.

A Paris 2024 delegation led by Paris 2024 Co-Chair Bernard Lapasset and accompanied by France’s newly-named Minister of Sports, Olympian Laura Flessel, shared the project with the European Parliament’s Sport Intergroup today, which brings together 92 members from 21 different countries to address themes relevant to sports in the region.

This latest support comes less than a week after the warm welcome given by the European Sports Ministers to the Paris 2024 project, presented by Laura Flessel to her counterparts in Brussels on 23 May. This strong demonstration of Europe-wide engagement in Paris’s bid for the 2024 Games further emphasises the unifying nature of the French candidature.

Through its commitment to sustainability, its desire to put sport at the heart of society and the strong social purpose, Paris 2024 embodies the values of the European Union and is fully in line with the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy. It once again establishes the bid’s ability to bring together European states and citizens around its project and its values of sharing.

Bernard Lapasset, Co-Chair of Paris 2024, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to present our project to the Ministers of the European Parliament and warmly welcome the support of the parliament, through its President Antonio Tajani.

“Paris 2024 is a project to be shared in France, Europe and the world and the support of the European Parliament further demonstrates strong unity around our candidature.”

Laura Flessel, Double Olympic Champion and French Minister of Sport, added: “The impact of Paris 2024 extends far beyond France. I am proud of the enthusiasm that it promotes in our European neighbours, as was seen at the meeting of the EU Council of Sports Ministers on 23 May and at the European Parliament today.

“This mobilisation shows Paris 2024 is a unifying project with values that unite us as Europeans.”

Wimbledon 2017: Exclusive Hospitality Offer for iSportconnect Members

The Championships, Wimbledon, is the oldest, most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. It’s an event renowned for its sporting drama, love of tradition and the quintessentially British atmosphere.

There is no better place to entertain clients, treat family and friends or stage your own corporate event.

iSportconnect have partnered with Sportsworld for a special members offer including a full day of tennis and hospitality at The Fairway Village.

The Fairway Village is just a short walk from Centre Court and boasts a VIP lounge, private dining area and a relaxing garden cocktail bar.

It’s the perfect base for all-day entertainment and to soak up the atmosphere between matches. In other words, the ideal spot to enjoy the Championships in true Wimbledon style.

Hospitality package includes:

–       All-day access to the Fairway Village and Village Suite

–       Official reserved ticket for Centre Court or No.1 Court

–       Tea and coffee

–       Cocktails, Champagne and Pimm’s reception

–       All-day complimentary open bar

–       Live kitchen experience

–       Three course á la carte lunch with beverages

–       Large private garden area & garden cocktail bar

–       Traditional afternoon tea

–       Commemorative VIP pass and official documentation

–       Extra touches: Live musical entertainment, sunscreen, bottled water, and Wi-Fi access

iSportconnect Members Dates and Prices:

Tuesday 11th July – £695 per person + VAT – No. 1 Court

Thursday 13th July – £995 per person + VAT – Centre Court

Subject to availability at time of booking

If you would like to hear more about this exclusive offer, please call the Sportsworld team on 0208 971 2966 and quote “iSportconnect.”

Manchester United overtake Real Madrid at top of Forbes football rich list

Premier League club Manchester United have overtaken Real Madrid as the most valuable football team in the world, according to business magazine Forbes.

United have been valued at $3.69bn (£2.86bn) and returned to the top of the annual list for the first time in five years, despite not competing in the Champions League during the 2016/17 season.

Spanish side Barcelona were second with a total worth of $3.64bn (£2.82bn) while Madrid $3.58bn (£2.77bn) slipped to third after being crowned European champions for the 12th time in their history last week.

Madrid had occupied top spot for the past four years but saw their value drop by 2% while United’s rose by a huge 11%.

English teams dominated the top 10 with Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all included, which highlights the financial power of the Premier League elite.

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich were fourth, while Serie A title winners Juventus were ninth.

“Manchester United’s return to the top spot is a testament to their powerful brand and marketing acumen,” Forbes Media assistant managing editor Mike Ozanian said.

Forbes’ top 20 most valuable football teams:

1. Manchester United $3.69bn (£2.86bn)
2. Barcelona $3.64bn (£2.82bn)
3. Real Madrid $3.58bn (£2.77bn)
4. Bayern Munich $2.71bn (£2.1bn)
5. Manchester City $2.08bn (£1.61bn)
6. Arsenal $1.93bn (£1.5bn)
7. Chelsea $1.85bn (£1.43bn)
8. Liverpool $1.49bn (£1.15bn)
9. Juventus $1.26bn (£976m)
10. Tottenham $1.06bn (£821m)
11. Paris St-Germain $841m (£652m)
12. Borussia Dortmund $808m (£626m)
13. AC Milan $802m (£621m)
14. Atletico Madrid $732m (£567m)
15. West Ham $634m (£491m)
16. Schalke 04 $629m (£487m)
17. Roma $569m (£441m)
18. Inter Milan $537m (£416m)
19. Leicester City $413m (£320m)
20. Napoli $379m (£294m)

UEFA to choose between Baku and Madrid for 2019 Champions League final

The 2019 UEFA Champions League Final will be played in either Baku or Madrid after European football’s governing body received 14 bid dossiers from ten member associations to host club competition finals in 2019.

The bidding procedure for the selection of the venues to host the finals of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Women’s Champions League and UEFA Super Cup was launched in December 2016.

Ten associations have sent their bid dossiers to UEFA by the 6 June 2017 deadline.

UEFA Champions League
Azerbaijan: Baku, Olympic Stadium
Spain: Madrid, Estadio Metropolitano

UEFA Europa League
Azerbaijan: Baku, Olympic Stadium
Spain: Sevilla, Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán
Turkey: Istanbul, Beşiktaş Arena

UEFA Women’s Champions League
Hungary: Budapest, Ferencváros Aréna
Kazakhstan – Astana – Astana Arena

UEFA Super Cup
Albania: Tirana, Qemal Stafa Stadium
France: Toulouse, Stadium de Toulouse
Israel: Haifa, Sammy Ofer Stadium
Kazakhstan: Astana, Astana Arena
Northern Ireland: Belfast, National Football Stadium of Windsor Park
Poland: Gdańsk. Arena Gdańsk
Turkey: Istanbul, Beşiktaş Arena

The UEFA Executive Committee will select the successful host associations on 21 September 2017.