IMG Extends PGA Tour Licensing Through 2015

The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) have retained the services of IMG as the PGA Tour’s world wide licensing representative until 2015.

IMG will work with the Tour to expand and manage the PGA Tour’s international retail licensing program in all regions except Japan, where the PGA Tour separately retains Bonmax Co. Ltd. as its Master Licensee.

Tim Hawes, Senior Vice President, PGA Tour Retail Licensing, said: “We are very excited to announce this new global partnership with IMG. IMG’s ability to provide worldwide licensing services will allow the PGA Tour brand to expand into regions where we have not been before. Also, the expertise that IMG’s team will provide our current licensee base will increase the PGA Tour brand presence internationally.”

IMG will represent all Tour brands in the licensing space – PGA Tour, Champions Tour, Nationwide Tour, FedExCup and Tournament Collection. A sampling of branded products includes apparel, headwear, accessories, sporting goods, luggage, collectibles, toys, jewelry, health, beauty products and home goods.

Bruno Maglione, Executive Vice President, IMG Worldwide, said: “We are honored by this expanded role and the trust placed in us by the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour is truly a global brand, and we are excited by the growth prospects of its licensing program. Given IMG’s existing relationship with the PGA Tour on so many fronts, we are thrilled to get started growing the brand globally.”

IMG Licensing Senior Vice President Wesley Haynes, added: “We are very excited to be expanding our approximate eight-year relationship with the PGA TOUR. We have had great success growing the TOUR’s consumer products business within the U.S. marketplace, even through the most recent economic turmoil. The PGA TOUR brand continues to be growing with our licensees, consumers and with our retail partners, so we are excited by this new role.”

Dodgers Request for Loan Documents Vetoed by MLB

Major League Baseball (MLB) have asked a judge to dismiss the request by the Los Angeles Dodgers for documents asked a judge to dismiss the team’s request for documents and to put league officials under oath about a proposed loan.

The league, clinic | continuing its fight over how to finance the bankrupt Dodgers, accused Dodgers’ owner Frank McCourt of using the team’s bankruptcy “as a forum for the vetting of his purported personal disputes and issues with Major League Baseball.”

Last week, the Dodgers said it needed to interview league officials and examine documents to show that Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig was treating the team differently from others in the league. The team is trying to win approval of a US$150m loan to keep operating over opposition from the league, which proposed an alternative financing arrangement.

The Dodgers filed for bankruptcy on June 27 after Selig rejected a proposed television-rights deal McCourt negotiated with News Corp. (NWSA)’s Fox Sports.

Selling future cable television rights to Fox Sports would have generated enough money for the Dodgers operations and would have helped resolve an ownership fight McCourt is having with his ex-wife Jamie McCourt in divorce court in Los Angeles.

The team rejected financing from the league because of “abusive conduct by the commissioner,” the Dodgers said in court papers. The team claimed that Selig “starved the Dodgers of cash,” which led to the bankruptcy.

Lyndsey Estin, a Dodgers spokeswoman, said in an statement that the documents the club is seeking “will reveal the commissioner’s real agenda in his mistreatment of the Dodgers and demonstrate why the Dodgers should not borrow money from MLB.”

The league responded, stating: “Mr. McCourt’s allegations make no sense”. The league actions were motivated by a need to “investigate mismanagement” of the team.

The Dodgers have asked to question under oath seven current or former baseball executives, including Selig. The league is seeking to question McCourt.

Thrashers Takeover Approved by NHL Meaning Relocation to Winnipeg

The proposed sale of National Hockey League (NHL) franchise Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment has been approved by the league’s board of governors, paving the way for the team to be relocated to Winnipeg in Canada for the start of next season.

The takeover was ratified after a unanimous decision was made among League owner’s voting on the sale and the relocation of the side. Winnipeg lost the Jets franchise to Phoenix in 1996, but the transaction price of US$170m for the Thrashers will include a $60m relocation fee to guarantee a move to a new market.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, according to The Associated Press, stated: “Obviously, everybody is sorry and distressed and unhappy that we found ourselves in the circumstance where our franchise was leaving Atlanta. We’re particularly sorry for the fans that are there, but obviously based on the reception that we’ve received, everybody is extremely excited about the opportunities in Winnipeg for our return.”

Thrashers president Don Waddell added: “It’s a sad day for hockey fans in Atlanta, but the franchise is going to a good place and run by good people. I wish them well, because a lot of good people that are going to go with them.”

Although the Winnipeg franchise has yet to decide upon a name for the team, it is certain that they will not be called the Thrashers as the franchise tries to break with its past. The team will play in the 15,015-seat MTS Center and the cap on 13,000 season tickets was reached in a matter of minutes after they sales process started earlier this month. The Thrashers had the League’s third-worst average attendance last season, pulling in gates of less than 14,000 per game.

France squad to give bonuses to charity

The France squad want to give sponsorship bonuses to charity in a bid to improve their image following a poor display at the World Cup, order according to captain Alou Diarra.

“We want to do a good deed,” Diarra told French radio RTL on Tuesday. The squad are due an estimated two million euros in bonuses, their share of sponsorship revenue which is unrelated to footballing performance.

The players will now discuss with the French Football Federation their plan to give the money to charity.

France were eliminated in the first round of the World Cup in South Africa in June when the players also went on strike to support Nicolas Anelka after the striker was kicked out of the squad for insulting then-coach Raymond Domenech.

Chung Mong-joon denies Blatter challenge

South Korean Fifa vice president Chung Mong-joon has dismissed recent speculation that he will stand against Sepp Blatter for the organisation’s presidency next May.

Chung had hinted he could run against Blatter as competition was needed “to keep Fifa healthy”.

But Chung has now said: “The first and foremost goal for me personally and for the South Korean government is to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup. I am not thinking about running for the presidency in 2011.”

Chung also faces his own challenge for his position as Fifa vice president representing the Asian Football Confederation. Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein, head of the Jordan Football Association, recently announced his intention to run against Chung for the four-year vice presidency from 2011-2015.

NIU Athletics Sign Long-Term Marketing Deal with Learfield Sports

Learfield Sports, which handles marketing for a number of US colleges and universities, has announced an agreement with Northern Illinois University (NIU) Athletics to manage its multimedia and sponsorship opportunities for the next 10 years.

The agreement between NIU and the pre-eminent multimedia rights-holder in intercollegiate athletics extends through the 2023-24 academic year and provides Huskie Athletics with a multi-million dollar guarantee during the length of the contract. Learfield will assume the Huskies’ comprehensive multimedia rights and the on-site management team of Huskie Sports Properties, the official name of Learfield’s NIU entity, will be led by general manager Evan Hawkins.

Hawkins and his staff will manage every aspect of the Huskies’ rights including signage, sponsorships, corporate hospitality, event marketing, game programs, radio and television broadcasts, including radio coaches’ shows, and official athletics website advertising.

“Learfield Sports is a company that `gets it’ when you are talking about providing opportunities for sponsors and corporate partners to get involved with Huskie Athletics,” NIU Associate Vice-President and Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier said. “I’m confident they’re going to do a tremendous job managing our multimedia rights and helping to build our brand throughout the region. There’s no doubt this agreement will benefit NIU, Learfield and our corporate and media partners.

“I’m excited that Huskie Sports Properties will be right here in our building and in our community, and will have the ability to tie in with the many other Learfield properties in Illinois and across the Midwest. This agreement is a great step in continuing to move this program forward.

“This is the culmination of a year-long negotiation to significantly improve our multimedia rights agreement and today we have done that,” Frazier added. “Kudos to Associate Athletic Director Ryan Sedevie and our external affairs staff for all their hard word in getting this agreement done. Deals like this are about relationships and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with our partners at Learfield Sports.”

Learfield President and CEO Greg Brown said he and his staff on the corporate level and locally with Huskie Sports Properties are excited to officially announce the partnership with NIU.

“We look forward to representing the Huskies. We have known Sean for many years and are pleased for the opportunity to partner with him again at NIU,” said Brown.

Royal London Hires Fuse Sport to Activate One Day Cricket Sponsorship

Mutual life and pensions company Royal London has selected Fuse Sport + Entertainment, asthma part of the Omnicom Media Group, buy to handle the activation of Royal London’s one-day cricket sponsorship.

The agency has been working with Royal London to plan the official launch of the ECB sponsorship next week. Fuse Sport + Entertainment will support Royal London in leveraging the sponsorship, including running in-ground activation, handling guest hospitality programmes and managing all branded assets.

The four year agreement with the ECB starting this season, is Royal London’s first ever sponsorship of this type. The deal sees Royal London become the headline sponsor of one-day cricket at international, county and recreational levels. Royal London this week made the first move in its aim to become a household name, by launching the brand’s first TV campaign in over a decade. Its new advertising campaign, ‘We’re so yesterday’, celebrates the fact that Royal London has stood by its customers with the values the company was originally founded on back in 1861.

Commenting on the appointment, Kat Thomas from Fuse Sport + Entertainment said, “We are delighted to be working with Royal London at such an exciting and pivotal time for the brand. Royal London’s sponsorship of one-day cricket at all levels, from One-Day Internationals to grassroots is part of a long term strategy and we are excited to be involved in bringing a new name to cricket.”

Clare Salmon, Group Brand Director, Royal London commented: “As a very British company, the quirky, fundamentally British game of cricket is a fantastic fit for Royal London. Fuse Sport + Entertainment impressed us with their creative thinking, can do attitude and full-service offering. We look forward to working together over the coming months to bring our unique new brand, and our values to life, through our love of this unique sport.”

Arena Group to Provide Temporary Event Structures at 2014 Ryder Cup

Ryder Cup Europe has awarded a new contract to the Arena Group to supply a comprehensive range of temporary event infrastructure at the core of The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. 

Arena Group, who won a competitive tender process, will provide triple and double decker hospitality structures overlooking the greens of the 18th and 12th holes, including interior fit out and furniture as well as the state-of-the-art media centre, grandstand seating and on-course event structures across the golf course. 

Grahame Muir, CEO of Arena Group, UK & Europe, said: “We are proud to have been selected to be part of the team which will create an unforgettable Ryder Cup in Scotland. 

“The investment we made into developing clearview and Arcus Horizon products last year at the Olympics have allowed us to improve the range and quality of the design-led overlay we have been able to offer The Ryder Cup team for Gleneagles.” 

Arena Seating is finalising plans to install approximately 15,000 seats around the course, including a 1,500 (minimum) capacity horseshoe shaped clearview grandstand around the first tee, as well as a 2,000-plus capacity grandstand at the 18th green. Both grandstands have been designed to enhance the incredible atmosphere generated at the biennial match between Europe and the USA. 

Arena Structures will install the Group’s flagship curved-roof Arcus structure for the 15m x 100m triple deck

Aviemore Pavilion, set to be the PGA Centenary Course’s premier facility overlooking the 18th green.  This exclusive hospitality structure will host Ryder Cup Partners’, with bespoke interiors developed in consultation with Rolex, BMW, Diageo, EY, Standard Life Investments to ensure luxurious environments with unrivalled views for all Ryder Cup Partners and their guests. 

Edward Kitson, Europe’s Ryder Cup Match Director, said: “We are delighted to appoint Arena Structures and Seating to deliver the tentage and grandstands at The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.  We have a very strong partnership with Arena having worked with them at numerous European Tour events and at every home Ryder Cup match since 1989, and their professionalism and exemplary standards made them an automatic choice for Ryder Cup Europe.”

Euroleague Reveal Increase in Fan Interest for New Season

Euroleague Basketball have announced that fan interest in the competition has continued to grow during the 2013-14 regular season according to the latest figures.

Data collected from the 10 regular season games points to a rise in attendance at games as well as an increase in visits to the competition’s official website, asthma Euroleague.net, compared to last season. 

The 2013-14 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season saw a more than 5% attendance increase compared to the same period from the previous season. The regular season featured a total of 120 games spaced over 10 weeks.  

Of the 17 teams that competed in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague in each of the past two seasons, 10 reported attendance increases, while an additional team, Brose Baskets Bamberg, reported no change since it has sold out every home game in that period. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, which nearly doubled its attendance in the past season, as well as Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (29.9% increase) and reigning champion Olympiacos Piraeus (26.9% increase), all of whom made the most of the Euroleague Basketball Ticketing Programme, launched nearly two years ago in collaboration with consulting firm G2 Strategic and its CEO Marshall Glickman, which specializes in sports business solutions.

In a statement Euroleague said: “When fans’ favorite teams are on the road, we can measure their increased interest by the droves visits to Euroleague.net and its official partners, Sport24.GR in Greece and Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy. Euroleague.net alone brought in nearly 100,000 more unique visitors than over the same period last season, while its two partner sites debuted with some 3.35 million unique visitors!”  

“The response from Greek fans to the launching of Sport24.GR’s  Greek-language version of Euroleague.net has been positive, as are the early returns from the Italian-language version supported by Gazzetta dello Sport, which only started prior to the eighth round of the regular season.” 

 

Belfast to Host 2014 Circuit of Ireland Rally

Belfast has been announced as the host of the 2014 Circuit of Ireland Rally, organosers of the event have revealed.

The Rally HQ and Service Park will be located in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, welcoming over 1000 competitors and team personnel over a four- day period next Easter. 

The first tarmac rally on the two-strong European Rally Championship calendar, the Circuit of Ireland gets into gear on Thursday 17 April with a ceremonial start in central Belfast. 

The two-day rally then kicks off on Friday 18 April with the course set to cover more than 230 competitive kilometres taking in stages in Belfast and counties Down and Antrim. The rally will finish back in Belfast on Saturday evening. 

“It’s fantastic to welcome another high profile sporting event to the city,” Lord Mayor Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said. “Belfast is continuing to grow in stature as one of the world’s premier sporting venues. We hosted the World Police and Fire Games in the summer of 2013 attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. 

“With the circuit of Ireland on its way as well as the Giro d’Italia, 2014 looks set to be another bumper year for sport and attracting increased tourism to Belfast.” 

Circuit of Ireland Event Director Bobby Willis was pleased with the announcement. 

“There are very few rallies in the world that get the opportunity to base themselves in a capital city,” he said. “The support and interest from Belfast has been overwhelming. The event will generate major economic and tourism benefits for the city, both in terms of visitor numbers and in positive television images, which will be broadcast around the world through Eurosport. 

“The Circuit of Ireland has been hailed as a ‘flagship event’ among the 12 rallies of the European Rally Championship so I’m sure Belfast is set to feature as a highlight in this top international series.”