USA Rugby Renew Licensing Agreement with Grand Prix Entertainment

Grand Prix Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based sports and entertainment company, and USA Rugby, a member of the United States Olympic Committee, announced an extension of their U.S. Exclusive Sanction and License Agreement for a 2nd six year term through 2018.

This ground breaking partnership between a national governing body and private enterprise exclusively grants Grand Prix the rights to own and operate USA Rugby sanctioned Professional Rugby Sevens, including the equally exclusive worldwide broadcast distribution rights across all media. The exclusive and extensive sanction rights cover both indoor and outdoor professional rugby sevens leagues and/or tournaments.

USA Rugby is a member of the United States Olympic Committee, governing the new Olympic sport of Rugby Sevens, as well as the U.S. member of the Rugby World Cup’s International Rugby Board.

“To say the least, much as happened since we joined USA Rugby in this crusade to bring the World’s Contact Sport to the World’s Largest Market” said William Tatham, Founder and Chairman of Grand Prix Entertainment. “When USAR initially awarded Grand Prix these unparalleled exclusive, extensive and long term rights in 2005, we decided to honor USA Rugby’s trust and instead of staging “on the field” events prematurely, we wisely committed to a multi year – multi million dollar “off the field” investment focusing on the three critical pre launch start-up phases of planning, protecting and projecting. We’ve been blessed by exclusive rights that are invaluable, a sport that has gone Olympic, and USA Rugby partners that are priceless.”

Newly appointed Grand Prix Chairman Alan Rothenberg said, “The exclusive long term rights granted to Grand Prix Rugby, including global distribution rights, coupled with the mutually beneficial partnership with USA Rugby, provide Grand Prix Rugby with a unique opportunity to develop and grow the sport to its fullest potential.”

USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville concurred, saying “USA Rugby is pleased to see Grand Prix’s progress and is equally excited to continue this exclusive partnership with Bill and his Grand Prix team. Grand Prix has exciting plans; the next six years will be equally exciting times for American Rugby.”

GPE broadcast representative and former President of CBS Sports Neal Pilson echoed the unique opportunity these exclusive and global media rights represent stating, “These live telecast rights to Grand Prix’s exciting rugby sevens tournaments have great value here in the US and abroad. We fully expect to finalize a carriage agreement with a U.S. network partner very soon.”

“On a global basis, these exclusive multi year rights make my job much easier as the ability to deliver consistent major league sports content over a period of years vs. a single season is what international carriers strive to acquire,” said former President of MGM Worldwide Television Gary Marenzi, who now oversees Grand Prix’s international distribution rights.

MLB & Players Union Agree New Labour Deal Until 2016

While the NFL forced fans to endure a 132-day lockout this spring and summer and the 2011-2012 NBA season looks doomed because of owners and players being immovable on their negotiations, medicine on Tuesday, cialis order Major League Baseball and its players’ union announced that they have agreed to a new five-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) until 2016.

MLB commissioner Bud Selig, sale said: “Nobody back in the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, 1994, would ever believe that we would have 21 years of labor peace.”

The most significant addition is blood testing for HGH. For years, the baseball union has resisted this. Blood tests require invasive needles. The unspoken worry: blood testing is the only reliable way to catch HGH users.

All players will be subjected to HGH tests in spring training, and for “reasonable cause” throughout the year. Players will be subject to random, unannounced blood testing beginning next off-season. According to this agreement, “the parties have also agreed on a process to jointly study the possibility of expanding blood testing to include in-season collections.” Union chief Michael Weiner said he still has concerns that in-season will drain the players’ energy and negatively effect performance.

Also starting in 2013 at the latest, a second wild card team will be added to the post-season (the league said a decision on whether to add a second wild card to the upcoming season will be made by March 1). The two wild card teams will play a one-game playoff, with the winner moving on to play in the Division Series. Also, the Houston Astros will move to the American League West, starting in 2013, giving each league 15 teams. Inter-league play will take place over the entire season, not just within a few designated weeks.

In order to reign in excessive signing bonuses for draft picks, each team will be assigned a signing bonus pool for their first 10 picks on the draft. The value of the pool depends on a team’s draft position (underperforming teams with high draft positions will have bigger pools). Teams that spend above the pool will be taxed, harshly: teams that spend over 15% of their assigned value, for example, will be taxed 100% on the overage, and forfeit first round picks for the next two drafts.

The current luxury tax system will stay in place: teams that spend above $178 million on payroll  pay a penalty.

Overall, the new agreement keeps baseball on the right economic path and has no doubt embrassed the NBA and NFL organisations.

ESPN to Air All 32 Asia Cup Matches Across Network

ESPN Star Sports (ESS), the broadcast rights holder for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 soccer tournament, will telecast all 32 matches from the event across its network and in high definition on ESPN HD.

The games will also be available on ESS’ broadband network ESPN Player as well as mobile coverage on mobileESPN showing daily news and goals from the event.

ESS is hoping the AFC Asian Cup 2011 will be a major draw for football fans featuring teams such as World Cup representatives – Korea Republic, Japan, Australia, and DPR Korea.

India also qualified for the Asian Cup for only the third time in its history after 27 years and will play Australia in its opening fixture on Monday, January 10. 

The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 features the best 16 teams in the region, including defending champions Iraq and starts this Saturday 8 January 2011. With the likes of China and India both competing in the competition, viewership for the event is expected to draw encouraging numbers.

German clubs get a share of World Cup profits

The 36 clubs and capital companies of the League Association will all receive a share of the profits earned by the German Football Association (DFB) at the World Cup finals in South Africa.

The board of the League Association, which is entitled to half of any DFB World Cup surplus, announced its decision on the share-out in the wake of its Tuesday conference.

The clubs will receive 1.927 million euro in total. 50 percent of that will be distributed evenly between them, with the rest being allocated proportionally according to the number of German international players each had on duty.

“The clubs of the League Association made a major contribution to the success of the German national team in South Africa. It’s thus only fair that they also benefit from the financial surplus,” said League Association president Dr. Reinhard Rauball.

Infront Sports & Media Launches New Running Series In China

Infront Sports & Media, link the leading international sports marketing company, impotent is launching a new mass participation series for amateur runners in China. 

The series will run from August to December, ampoule passing through Beijing, Shanghai, Changzhou, Shenzhen and Huizhou – all sports enthusiastic cities. The initiative is part of Infront’s growth strategy in the active lifestyle segment.

Philippe Blatter, President & CEO of Infront, commented: “With the launch of the new series, we are combining our extensive knowledge in mass participation events together with our long-standing market expertise in China, delivering an attractive leisure sports product.

“Participants will engage in Happy 10k throughout several months, providing brands with an effective engagement platform. As the owners of the event, we are in a unique position, able to develop the new series across the board and establish synergies with our existing active lifestyle portfolio.”

M&C Saatchi Sport to Activate Sky Bet’s Title Sponsorship of Football League

Sky Bet, capsule the online gaming subsidiary of UK pay-television broadcaster BSkyB, apoplectic have hired M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment to activate their tile sponsorship of the English Football League.

The agency, which was appointed following ‘a competitive pitch process’, will create a campaign that demonstrates Sky Bet’s commitment to putting money back into the game.

The Football League, which operates the divisions immediately below the top-tier Premier League, signed up Sky Bet as a title sponsor ahead of the recently-completed 2013-14 season.

“The coming together of Sky Bet and the Football League gives us the perfect opportunity to engage with millions of football fans spanning 72 communities,” Sky Betting and Gaming marketing director Rob Painter said.

“We feel that the addition of M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment will help us achieve this goal in a truly compelling way and we look forward to working together.”

Steve Martin, chief executive officer of M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, added: “Sky Bet is a brand that is really going places so it is a hugely exciting moment for us to be appointed following a rigorous pitch process.

“We are looking forward to implementing an integrated plan focused around a big, simple idea that we believe will deliver a step change for the brand – and we hope this will become the foundation of a long-lasting partnership.”

Faldo Series Asia Expands to Bangladesh & New Zealand

The Faldo Series Asia schedule will now include visits to Bangladesh and New Zealand for the first time.

Sir Nick, allergist Britain’s most successful golfer, ampoule said: “This is the time for golf on all levels to be looked at as a truly global sport with global opportunity and possibility. We remain focused on developing the Faldo Series in more countries and introducing the lessons and opportunity of this sport through elite junior amateur competition along with grass roots introduction to golfers on all levels.”

Supported by The R&A, ISPS and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2014-15 Faldo Series Asia campaign will stretch over 11 months and will be made up of a minimum of 20 championships spanning no fewer than 17 countries.

There will be three events in China and one each in Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Chinese-Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Faldo Series Asia Grand Final is slated to take place in March, 2015 with Sir Nick working with winners from around the region as well as champions from the Faldo Series in Europe and USA.

Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.

Dominic Wall, R&A Director – Asia, said: “The R&A has supported the Faldo Series Asia over the last eight years and during this period the Series has provided opportunities for many young golfers from across the region to test their skills in a competitive championship setting.

“The Series not only offers golfers the ability to move from national to international level competition but also provides an environment where they can learn from a variety of experts in a number of areas related to golf development.

“The R&A looks forward to another successful year for the Faldo Series Asia and wishes all the players and officials all the best for the forthcoming season.”

Among those looking to shine this season will be juniors from New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Dave Mangan, General Manager at NZ Golf Inc, said: “We are excited to collaborate with Nick Faldo in giving our up-and-coming junior golfers the opportunity to participate in the Faldo Series Asia. NZ Golf hopes that this new pathway to the challenges of global golf will help to establish our next Lydia Ko on the world stage.”

Major General Md Mashud Razzaq, President, Junior Division, Bangladesh Golf Federation (BGF), said: “Our Federation is pleased to become a host for the Faldo Series Asia. I am certain that junior golfers in Bangladesh will greatly benefit from this prestigious tournament.”

Incheon Asian Games Stadium Construction Completed with 100 Days to Go

With 100 days to go until the start of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, clinic the main stadium Incheon Asian Games Stadium was officially completed.

The competition is set to begin on September 19th in Incheon, South Korea.

The stadium for the 17th Asian games was designed by Populous in association with local firm Heerim Architects and Planners and illustrates a new level of sustainable design in stadia in Asia.

The multipurpose stadium will hold 60,000 people during the Games will reduce down to a single sided grandstand for 30,000 afterwards as a People’s Park for the city of Incheon.

Legacy and sustainability were the driving factors in designing the stadium in Incheon. Populous Senior Principal Andrew James, commented: “We wanted to take a fresh look at the way we treat adaptable stadia in Incheon.

“Rather than considering how we could shrink a 60,000 seat stadium, we turned the idea on its head and thought let’s build a 30,000 seat stadium and add 30,000 temporary seats.

“This approach provided multiple advantages. Financially it reduced the building by two thirds meaning there are substantial savings in operational and maintenance costs. Secondly, it meant the permanent seats could be sited in the optimal position for these sports, in this instance, in the West stand.

“But the biggest advantage in the design is the freedom it provided in terms of legacy. The plans were always based on a community park, which after the Games, will replace the Eastern stand, forming a traditional stadium hill, with plazas on the north and south ends, providing atmospheric spectator viewing during a match , and a green space for the public to enjoy at all other times.

Golden State Warriors Consider Name Change after Land Purchase

NBA franchise Golden State Warriors have revealed they are contemplating changing the name of the team after announcing earlier this week they’d purchased a 12-acre property in the Mission Bay district of San Francisco that they plan to use for a new arena.

The franchise will keep the Warriors moniker they’ve used since they were founded in Philadelphia in 1946 but could readopt the name for which they were known when they played in San Francisco from 1962-71 — the San Francisco Warriors.

“We’re very curious what our fans think of that,” Warriors president and CEO Rick Welts told ESPN.com. “I couldn’t imagine making that decision in the very near future, but we definitely want to see what our fans prefer.”

“We’re spending a lot of time with the facility itself to do everything possible to replicate what we think is a really special atmosphere for our games at Oracle,” Welts said.

“The first assignment we gave the architects was to make sure that every seat in the new building is as close or closer than the comparable seat at Oracle. We’re doing that by actually making the building smaller. We’re going from 19,000 seats to 18,000 seats.”

Welts said that the Warriors have also guaranteed that every employee at Oracle will have a chance to transfer their job to the new building, which is eight miles away, across the San Francisco Bay. They’ve guaranteed seats to their season-ticket holders in the new arena.

“Oracle Arena is the oldest arena in the NBA, and it’s served great for 50 years,” Welts said. “But there comes a point in time where if we’re going to be the franchise that we aspire to be, we’re going to need a new playing facility. And in our view, San Francisco is the right place to be if you have the same aspirations we have, to be truly one of the great franchises in sports.”

Welts said he didn’t think the franchise’s fans in the East Bay would abandon them, since the new site is so close to Oakland, and accessible by the Bay Area’s Rapid Transit (BART) system.

Welts added pushing to keep the team in Oakland was further complicated by governmental concerns.

“I think we’re very cognizant also that Oakland and Alameda counties have some very serious issues to prioritize,” Welts said. “And we’re very understanding that the Golden State Warriors, in terms of an investment of public money, isn’t one of the places that those in charge of the future of Oakland feel like is the most needy in terms of the issues and problems that the people are trying to address here.”

Australian GP Organisers Claim Poor Engine Sound Spoiled F1 Spectacle

Despite considering the Australian Grand Prix a success, the organisers of the event were unhappy with sound of the new V6 hybrid engines as they believed it ruined the spectacle for the fans.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker revealed he would be speaking to F1 bosses on what he considered a reduction of the aural spectacle and breach of contract.

He told Melbourne Age newspaper: “I was absolutely delighted with the whole weekend, but I was not too happy with the sound. 

“I walked in the botanical gardens and you could hear the sound of the twin-seater F1 car of Paul Stoddart sweeping around the circuit, but you couldn’t hear these new turbo cars. If you sat in the grandstand, you could hardly hear them coming down the straight. It’s clearly in breach of our contract.

“We are an entertainment company and we have to entertain the public. Everybody was talking about it. When you take the excitement away, you have trouble selling tickets. You have to create demand and part of that demand is people liking the noise of the race cars.

“We are resolving that with Bernie. I was talking to him [Sunday] night and it’s not what we paid for. It’s going to change. He’s horrified about it. It will be an issue for all promoters all round the world.”

He also claimed that it was a problem all organisers will face.

F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, who is not a fan of the new engines, admitted that one or two other promoters have also expressed their concen.

He told Reuters: “I’ve had one or two [promoters] get in touch and they said how unhappy they are. I spoke to [Ferrari president] Luca di Montezemolo just now and he said he’s never had as many emails on his desk complaining and saying this isn’t F1.

“Let’s assume [Walker] hasn’t got a point as far as the legal side is going. Then you have to look at it from a moral side. If you went into the supermarket today and bought some strawberry jam and you got peanut butter you’d probably be a bit pissed off. Whether the contract describes what he’d bought, the strawberry jam with so many strawberries, I don’t know. I doubt it. I think he bought the FIA Formula One World Championship – which is what he’s got.”

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