Bundesliga To Broadcast In Korea As Part Of Deal With CJ Entertainment

CJ Entertainment and Media (CJ E&M) has become the place for Korean fans to watch their favourite Bundesliga stars after a three-year deal with Bundesliga International, a subsidiary of DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga, was agreed.

The deal ensures that CJ E&M becomes the official Bundesliga broadcast partner in South Korea, with exclusive rights to all matches from Germany’s top division. In addition, the rights package includes the German Supercup, which will this year take place between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern München on 17 August, and the crucial relegation play-offs at the end of each season.

CJ E&M is South Korea’s largest entertainment company. Part of the CJ group, one of the Korea’s biggest business conglomerates, CJ E&M has an extensive portfolio across sports, media, television, film and music production. Bundesliga content will feature on the broadcaster’s wide range of platforms, including linear channels TVN and XTVN, as well as its Over-The-Top (OTT) platform TVING, and wide-reaching digital channels.

As well as the live action which promises goals, excitement and end-to-end action every matchday, Bundesliga International will work closely with the broadcaster to deliver insight and analysis throughout the week so that Korean fans are kept up to date on both the global stars and the local heroes that shine in the Bundesliga each week. Both parties will also work together on broader cooperation to ensure that the Bundesliga continues to grow throughout Korea.

Bundesliga International CEO Robert Klein said: “Korean players have long been a part of the Bundesliga’s rich history, from the legendary Bum-kun Cha to Woo-yeong Jeong and Hee-chan Hwang playing today. An important part of our agreement with CJ E&M was that we would work together to enhance the action on the pitch, by bringing fans the real stories of our players, and we look forward to doing that.”

The Head of Sports at CJ ENM Kyo-eun Koo said: “Through acquiring the broadcast rights of one of Europe’s top football leagues, we aim to continue the positive momentum generated by broadcasting EURO 2020. We will thrive to bring more exciting and high-quality Bundesliga content to the enthusiastic Korean football fans.”

Tokyo 2020 To Go Ahead Without Any Spectators Due To Covid-19

The Tokyo Olympic Games, staring on July 23, will be played without spectators at venues, Tokyo Olympics Minister Tamayo Marukawa announced today.

Tokyo will be placed under the fourth state of emergency on July 12, and it will last until August 22, covering the duration of the Olympics (July 23-August 8).

Seiko Hashimoto with the Japanese Olympic Committee said, “A very heavy judgement was made as due to the pandemic we had no choice but to hold the Games in a limited way.”

Manu Sawhney To Leave ICC With Immediate Effect

The International Cricket Council has announced that Chief Executive Manu Sawhney will leave the organisation with immediate effect.

Geoff Allardice will continue as Acting CEO supported by the Leadership Team working closely with the ICC Board.

NFL And Twitter Agree Multi-Year Extension

The National Football League (NFL) and Twitter have agreed a multi-year partnership extension which will include expanded engagement formats and a full-season commitment to produce exclusive content on Twitter Spaces, Twitter’s new live audio feature.

Twitter will also continue to be a home for the games’ biggest moments — all the touchdowns, leaping catches, incredible runs, and celebrations after they happen, from season Kickoff to Super Bowl.

With more than 20 Spaces planned for the upcoming 2021 NFL season, the NFL is the first sports league to partner with Twitter to offer sponsored Twitter Spaces, giving both brands and fans new opportunities to connect and engage with live NFL audio. The NFL’s Twitter Spaces will be available throughout the season, as well as in conjunction with NFL tentpole events including Kickoff, Super Bowl, the NFL Draft and more. The Spaces will include participation from current NFL players and other NFL talent to discuss season matchups and insights.

The partnership will continue to engage fans each week of the season through:

New Highlight Offerings — Curated videos featuring recaps of the best touchdowns, highlights and Tweets each week of the season with first-of-its-kind opportunities for brands.


Expanded NFL Twitter Votes — Fans will be invited to vote each week on the hottest topics and takes burning through the NFL Twittersphere in an expanded set of Twitter Polls.


Providing Fans the Best Moments from Every Game — The NFL and its Clubs will bring the best moments from every game to the #NFLTwitter community through highlights, and on-field coverage and Twitter Moments.


“The commitment to Twitter Spaces represents another innovative step forward in the longstanding partnership between the NFL and Twitter,” said Blake Stuchin, Vice President, Digital Media Business Development, NFL. “We’re excited to bring NFL fans a new way to engage with live audio ahead of our biggest events of the year and every week throughout the NFL season.”

“We’re excited to super-serve NFL fans with even more of what they love to see on Twitter, including epic touchdown highlights all season long,” said TJ Adeshola, Head of US Sports Partnerships, Twitter. “In addition to fueling the timeline with the best moments from each game in real time, we’ll be doubling down on innovation by leveraging our live audio format, ‘Spaces’, to bring fans even closer to the game.”

Since announcing their first partnership agreement in 2013, the NFL has developed live programming and distributed on-demand content that takes advantage of Twitter’s unique features to appeal to its highly engaged audience.

Racecourse Media Group Extends British Racecourse Licence

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has agreed British racecourse licence extensions for audio-visual and data rights for a new five-year term.

The renewals cover 35 racecourses for their LBO rights and 33 racecourses for all other aspects of their media rights including streaming (Watch & Bet), direct to home (DTH), terrestrial TV and international betting and non-betting until December 31, 2028 (see Notes to Editors for list of racecourses).

RMG is 100% owned by its racecourse shareholders and pays 100% of operating profit back to racecourses, which, in turn, benefits the sport. This collective and collaborative ethos has seen RMG’s businesses become the biggest single funder of British horseracing.

It means the likes of the Randox Grand National Festival, Cheltenham Festival, Cazoo Derby Festival, Qatar Sussex Stakes and the Juddmonte International Stakes – which was awarded the Longines World’s Best Race accolade in 2020 – will remain in RMG’s portfolio until at least 2029.

With RMG adding all 26 Irish racecourses to its coverage in 2019, it means that five of the top 11 races run in the world last year were broadcast live on RMG’s channel, Racing TV, which is fronted by the two most recent HWPA broadcasters of the year, Nick Luck and Lydia Hislop.

Roger Lewis, Chairman of RMG, said:“On behalf of the Board of Directors of RMG, I thank our shareholders for the trust and confidence they have once more placed in RMG.

“This is a pivotal moment for British racing. The RMG Racecourses, with a unity of purpose, have created business clarity and confidence for years to come. The certainty which this landmark, long-term agreement provides is very special for everyone involved in British racing.

“The RMG Board pays particular tribute to the outstanding leadership of the RMG CEO, Martin Stevenson, who together with his great team of RMG executives navigated this complex and detailed process with rigour, patience and clear focus.

“RMG now looks forward to serving its shareholder racecourses, which, in turn, benefits the sport of racing for the foreseeable future.”

Martin Stevenson, CEO of RMG, said: “It is a matter of great pride that racecourses have placed their rights in RMG’s hands again. RMG has a superb team, who, from the production to the commercial offices, are committed to ensuring first-class output and long-term sustainable growth for our racecourses.

“This will be achieved by continuing to create innovative and different ways of bringing the sport to life and showcasing it to our broad range of audiences. This is also made possible by our much-valued media, technical, broadcast, commercial and bookmaking partners, and, of course, the owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys and stable staff.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Newbury on the remaining period of their term until 2024 and we wish them well thereafter.”

Ligue Nationale De Basket Extends Partnership With Sportradar

Sportradar, a leading global provider of sports data intelligence and sport entertainment solutions has announced a comprehensive extended agreement with Ligue Nationale de Basket (LNB).

The new agreement covers data collection and distribution, AV rights, media rights distribution, bet monitoring to ensure integrity, automated production and streaming service and the continuation of the OTT platform.

The multi-year deal begins at the start of the 2021/22 season and will see Sportradar become the official data partner of the LNB. Sportradar will collect and distribute the LNB’s in-game data through Synergy Stats, their best-in-class courtside data collection system.

Synergy Sports, now a division of Sportradar, partners with all of the LNB teams through the use of their AI driven Automated Camera System and also serves as a distribution partner for the league’s AV rights. Synergy Sports provides basketball teams, leagues and federations with a full end-to-end technology platform that offers automated video production and graphics.

Since the 2020/21 season, Sportradar has distributed the LNB’s media rights internationally and utilised its full technological capabilities to create the OTT platform LNB.TV which showcases game action and editorial content to enhance fan engagement. Coverage is live-streamed as well as being available on-demand.

Finally, the agreement also includes the provision of Sportradar’s advanced and proven bet monitoring system, the Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS), to monitor all LNB games for potential match manipulation. Last year, Sportradar Integrity Services detected over 500 suspicious matches across global sport and has reported more than 5,500 in the past 15 years.

David Lampitt, Managing Director, Sports Content and Partnerships at Sportradar, said: “The LNB is one of the most important basketball leagues in Europe and we look forward to expanding our relationship with them to grow the sport further and drive new commercial opportunities.

“Basketball is a strategically important sport for Sportradar, and the acquisition of Synergy Sports has extended our 360-degree capabilities in the creation and distribution of data and video content, enabling us to deepen our relationships with key basketball leagues and federations around the world. We are delighted to partner with the LNB and that they have put their trust in us to deliver advanced data, analytics and technology solutions.”

Michel Mimran, Managing Director, at Ligue Nationale de Basket, said: “This new agreement is very exciting for the LNB and will expand the way we work with a trusted partner. Sportradar will now provide us with end-to-end solutions on many fronts including AV production, AV rights as well as data collection and commercialisation. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Sportradar for years to come.”

SailGP Brings In Beyond Meat As Official Plant-Based Meat Partner

Beyond Meat – a leader in plant-based meat – is teaming up with SailGP as the official plant-based meat partner for the event in Plymouth, UK on July 17-18, 2021.

Available in approximately 118,000 outlets across more than 80 countries around the world, Beyond Meat will bring its products to athletes, fans, and guests at the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix to show how consumers can Eat What They Love™, without compromising on taste, a balanced lifestyle, or the environment.

SailGP – the world’s most exciting race on-water – features the best athletes going head-to-head in identical, supercharged catamarans at iconic coastal venues worldwide including Bermuda, Southern Italy, Denmark, South of France, Australia, New Zealand and The United States. SailGP is committed to putting purpose at the heart of its global championship by making more impact than its footprint, with a goal to be the most sustainable and purpose-driven global sport in the world.

Having been recently verified as climate positive with a triple-gold rating from the UN Climate Neutral Now initiative, SailGP uses cutting-edge technology to Race for the Future, breaking boundaries in sustainability and accelerating the transition to clean energy.

In a recently published report by the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) it was recommended that people should be asked to eat 20% less meat and dairy produce by 2030, and 35% less by 2050, if the UK wants to meet its net zero emissions target by 2050. This small change would help cut greenhouse gases and free up land for storing carbon.

Beyond Meat’s innovative plant-based products positively impact key global sustainability issues, including constraints on natural resources. According to the University of Michigan’s 2018 Life Cycle Assessment, the original Beyond Burger®, when compared to producing a ¼ lb. standard U.S. 80/20 beef burger, uses 99% less water, 93% less land, requires 46% less energy, and generates 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

As SailGP’s official plant-based meat provider for the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, Beyond Meat is building on its commitment to make plant-based meat more accessible across the United Kingdom and satisfy growing consumer demand. The partnership highlights the innovative nutritional and environmental benefits of Beyond Meat products, which use plant-based ingredients to deliver the delicious taste and texture of animal-based meat.

Fiona Morgan, director of purpose and impact at SailGP said: “There are huge benefits of a more plant-based diet for nutrition and of course for a better planet to help mitigate climate change. At SailGP, we remove more carbon than our footprint, with a 55 percent target reduction (based on science) by 2025 and we are already climate positive, taking responsibility for our league and putting actions in place across the board. Race for the Future is accelerating change and working with Beyond Meat as the official plant-based meat provider of SailGP in Plymouth is a perfect partnership to do this.”

Bram Meijer, Beyond Meat’s Regional Marketing Director for EMEA, said: “Beyond Meat is delighted to be the official plant-based meat partner for the upcoming Great Britain Sail Grand Prix event which shares our core brand value of sustainability. In Plymouth, SailGP teams, world-class attendees and fans will have the opportunity to try Beyond Meat’s iconic Beyond Burger® and fan favorite Beyond Sausage® without having to compromise on taste or the environment.”

Beyond Meat will be serving samples of Beyond Burgers and Beyond Sausages in the official spectator area on Plymouth Hoe from July 17-18. Beyond Meat products will also be served to SailGP’s world-class athletes, and VIP guests in the Adrenaline Lounge and in the media center.

FIBA And Tissot To Continue Partnership Until 2027

FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, and Tissot will continue their long-standing relationship as they announced the extension of their partnership until 2027.

Tissot and FIBA share a common passion for performance, precision and innovation. Both are committed to delivering unforgettable memories to basketball fans across the world – both on and off the court. Through this continued partnership, Tissot and FIBA aim to bring the partnership to new heights and set new standards within the sponsorship world.

Despite these recent extraordinary times, this new agreement reflects FIBA’s continued global commercial appeal as well as the tremendous support and trust by its Global Partners. The Swiss watchmaker has held one of the longest partnerships in FIBA’s history as it has been a FIBA Global Partner and the Official Timekeeper since 2008.

The deal grants Tissot key commercial rights across all FIBA competitions, including the men’s and women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, FIBA Continental Cups for both men and women, FIBA Youth World Cups, the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and FIBA’s pinnacle event the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The new partnership brings additional benefits, including Tissot precision timing technology, in the form of shot clocks to FIBA’s key international basketball competitions. The timekeeping and scoring systems that have been developed have enabled real-time access to all information and ranking lists to a large scope of stakeholders, ranging from TV viewers and internet users to commentators, live spectators, coaches and team delegations. All of that assists in increasing both the analysis and the enjoyment of the game.

As well as on-court timing, Tissot will continue to support FIBA’s digital channels and platforms that connect fans to their favorite sport. These include the fan-favorite FIBA mobile app and the much-loved Buzzer Beater videos that capture the most exciting on-court action.

Over the years of the partnership, Tissot has been instrumental in promoting the sport globally through its impressive network of outlets. The company also has created unique and innovative activations in the sport, such as Countdown Clocks, in-store promotions and on-ground activities for fans.

Tissot possesses a special connection to the best players of FIBA competitions. Tissot is the Awards sponsor of all FIBA events as a tribute to performance and fair play, offering unique event-branded watches to the tournaments’ voted Most Valuable Player (MVP).


Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General, said: “We have worked closely with Tissot for over a decade now and are extremely pleased to continue our relationship with such an integral partner of the game. FIBA and Tissot are equally committed to creating the best possible products for everyone in basketball, and the length of this partnership allows for both sides to come up with innovative ideas to push the game to an even higher level”.

Sylvain Dolla, Tissot CEO, said: “We believe that timing is a key element of what makes basketball such an exciting sport. Every tenth of a second count and a buzzer beater can change the course or the outcome of a game, making the difference between champions and challengers. Our continued work with FIBA shows our commitment to the sport, the teams and the players on a long-term basis. We are proud to be the Official Timekeeper and that Tissot is the only name associated with timing in international basketball”.

LaLiga TV To Air ‘LaLiga Rise’ Documentary

After 42 tightly-contested games in LaLiga SmartBank, one of the most competitive and unpredictable competitions in Europe, the four teams who just missed out on an automatic promotion place fought for the one remaining promotion spot via the LaLiga playoffs.

Today, LaLigaTV will premiere the special ‘LaLiga Rise’, documentary in which this frantic race to make the leap to LaLiga Santander was lived by its protagonists: Girona FC, UD Almería, CD Leganés and Rayo Vallecano.

Through numerous interviews, legends of each club and even anonymous fans of the four competing clubs, viewers will experience the atmosphere, the nerves and the passion with which the playoffs are lived across the two-legged semi-finals and final.

Delfí Geli, the current President of Girona FC, allows viewers inside the inner sanctum of the club in the hours before these crucial games. The club’s Coach Francisco receives the surprise support of his nieces and nephews and his firefighter brother, all of them from UD Almería: the Catalan club’s opponents in the semi-final. Meanwhile the Girona legend, Albert Serra, along with the team’s number one fan, Juanola, introduce Besalú, one of the most beautiful towns in Spain.

As Almería UD pursue their dream, the documentary introduces winger José Corpas, a revelation in last season’s LaLiga SmartBank, the club’s ex-Coach Fran Fernández and the club’s long-serving Kitman, Bernardo, who entertains the squad with old romantic ballads.

CD Leganés meanwhile share the nerves and worries of the couple who own the club: Victoria Pavón and the majority share-holder Felipe Moreno, while exploring their contrasting points of view. The club’s forward-looking digital department shares its approach and the captain of their last promotion, Mantovani, explains the miracle of the Virgin of Butarque. Finally, Fernando, the last farmer in Leganés, reveals the origins of the club’s nickname ‘The cucumber growers’.

From Rayo Vallecano, Portuguese forward Bebe’s trials and tribulations are documented during the club’s promotion fight. Jesús Diego Cota, the legendary ‘One Club Man’ of the Vallecas club, also gives a pre-game pep talk. Another illustrious Rayo figure, Julián Huerta, reveakes how his family founded the club in 1924, while the current President Raúl Martín Presa explains how important the team has been in helping a previously troubled community to progress and develop. In a frantic finale viewers share the Rayo keeper Alberto’s last moments as a professional footballer, culminating in a joyous celebration at Madrid’s Assembly Fountain.

Endeavour China Acquires Mailman Group

Endeavor China has acquired Mailman Group.

The move signals the company’s continued commitment to servicing clients in China, Asia-Pacific, and beyond looking to excel in the world of sports marketing.

Mark Shapiro, President of Endeavor:“Mailman and Seven League are exceptionally well-respected content engines with a proven track record building fan engagement. We share their commitment to helping the world’s best sports brands, leagues and teams build global digital media businesses, and know their expertise will be a tremendous value add for our current and future clients.”

As part of the deal, Mailman will become part of Endeavor’s full-service cultural marketing agency, 160over90, to enhance its expertise in advertising, experiential, communications, and sponsorships for brand clients including AB InBev, Marriott International, HSBC, and Visa.

Seven League will integrate into IMG’s Media & Events division, enhancing its offerings across rights and distribution, sponsorship sales, client consultancy, and broadcast production for federations and governing bodies.

Andrew Collins, CEO of Mailman Group: “Our mission is to help rights holders build global digital media businesses, so joining Endeavor China is a dream next step. We have built a reputation of connecting fans with sports, and now that we are arms locked with 160over90 and IMG, we have an enormous platform to drive both the audiences, the brand equity and monetization for our clients.”