Telstra Signs Broadcast IP Network Deal with Fox Sports

Telstra has announced that its media-focused IP network, designed to transmit simultaneous channels of uncompressed linear contribution video, will be used to help broadcast live content for Fox Sports at “the lowest possible latency”.

Under the long-term deal with Fox Sports, Telstra’s Distributed Production Network (DPN) will be used to transmit equipment control signals, audio feeds, and raw camera footage across the network back to remote production hubs in Sydney and Melbourne, sometimes from up to 3,500km away.

The DPN is aimed at being “fully operational” by March 2018 Telstra said, and will support more than 500 top tier live sporting events per year by connecting 29 stadiums across the country with these production hubs.

“Telstra’s DPN is designed to help our broadcast customers meet the rapidly growing demand for live content by offering access to our high-capacity, low-latency and multi-tenant network of scale,” head of Telstra Broadcast Services Trevor Boal said.

Telstra earlier this year similarly launched a system for broadcasters to deliver both live and file-based media content worldwide with its Global Media Network, utilising a “geographically diverse dual path ring” to ensure that data traffic is automatically diverted when there are network disruptions.

Thomas Weikert Retains ITTF Presidency After Election Victory

Thomas Weikert was elected president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) at its Annual General Meeting in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Weikert won by 118 votes to 90 after campaigning on a Manifesto focused on delivering value and growth for the whole sport in every part of the world.

Weikert is the incumbent ITTF President and he inherited the position in 2014. Today’s Presidential election is the first he contested against a challenger.

Speaking after the result was announced, ITTF President Thomas Weikert, said:

“It has been a great privilege to serve Table Tennis as ITTF President since 2014 and my plan is to work in true partnership with the National and Continental Federations so together we can fuel the development of our sport.

“With the plans and proposals I have recommended, I believe Table Tennis will enter an exciting new phase of global growth that sees the creation of more players and fans.”

Würenbacher Announced Beer Partner of Borussia Dortmund in China

Würenbacher announced a two-year partnership with Borussia Dortmund as the club’s official beer partner in China.

The partnership was announced upon BVB winning the DFB-Pokal on Saturday, 27th June 2017.

The official partnership launch event will be held in Shanghai on 1st June with BVB legends Kalle Riedle and Lars Ricken in attendance.

Würenbacher beer originated in Germany and is still brewed there. It also launched six different types of beers according to Chinese consumers’ preference to match their need.

Zhao Yuning, Vice President of Würenbacher said: “It’s a hugely exciting time to partner with one of the most famous clubs in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund. We believe that our sponsorship will deliver a great result for the brand and I’m certain Borussia Dortmund provides Wurenbacher with the platform to move to new heights.”

Benedikt Scholz, Head of International and New Business of Borussia Dortmund said: “Our great fanbase in China is one of the reasons why Wurenbacher identified us as the ‘perfect fit’. Our IP and social media channels will give Würenbacher an ideal platform upon which to continue its growth in their desired regions.”

Former Liverpool Chief Executive Ian Ayre resigns from 1860 Munich after one month

Former Liverpool FC Chief Executive Ian Ayre has resigned from his post as general manager of 1860 Munich just four weeks after joining the German club.

1860 Munich were relegated to the third tier of German football after a match marred by crowd trouble.

Ayre told reporters: “I can confirm that with regret this morning, Tuesday 30th May 2017, ahead of the play-off fixture, I resigned from my position as managing director as a result of off-field issues at 1860 Munich.

“Unfortunately, during my short eight-week tenure I have found an organisation in which the shareholders are not aligned with a common interest, nor have a shared vision for the future of the club. Consequently, although an approved budget for next season was established, there remains significant disagreement between various shareholders, at a crucial time making it impossible for me to continue in the role.

“I have said in the past that Hasan Ismaik is hugely passionate about this club and has invested heavily in making it a success. However, this investment will not bear fruit unless all shareholders align behind shared objectives for the future with respect for each other. Currently this is not the case.

“I feel extremely disappointed to have to step away from this great opportunity and the staff I had the pleasure to work with and I truly hope that the shareholders of this club find a solution that allows its fans the opportunity to see this club back where it belongs at the top of German football.”

Juventus Signs Deal for Home Ground Naming Rights With Allianz

Allianz Stadium is the new name of Juventus’ home ground after the club signed a naming rights agreement with Allianz and Lagardère Sports, holders of the facility’s naming rights.

Starting on 1 July 2017, the stadium will be known as the Allianz Stadium of Turin for six seasons until 30 June 2023, joining the Allianz Family of Stadiums first created in 2005, which features Munich’s Allianz Arena, Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, Allianz Park in London, Nice’s Allianz Riviera, Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo and Allianz Stadion in Vienna.

“It’s with great pleasure that we welcome Allianz into our family of partners for a deal as special as this one – the naming of our home,” declared Giorgio Ricci, Co-Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Global Partnerships and Corporate Revenues at Juventus.

“The arrival of a global giant in the insurance sector such as Allianz is further testament to how Juventus has established itself as a first-class international institution, whilst enriching a stadium that has played a significant role, since its inauguration in 2011, to creating history with six legendary Scudetto titles celebrated within its walls.”

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.