Spark Sport Becomes Exclusive Broadcast Right Holder In New Zealand For RLWC2021

Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has signed Spark Sport as the exclusive broadcast rights holder in the key territory of New Zealand.

RLWC2021 will be Spark Sport’s first foray into Rugby League with the trailblazing event on a platform which already boasts New Zealand men’s and women’s cricket, F1, Premier League football, the NBA and NFL.

After a competitive tender process, Spark Sport offered a proposition that presented a dynamic approach for bringing RLWC2021 to the significant fan base in New Zealand this autumn as well as aligning with RLWC2021’s vison of delivering the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup ever.

Jonathan Neill, RLWC2021 Commercial Director, said: “Our ambition is for RLWC2021 to open up new opportunities for the sport and Spark Sport has shown their commitment by confirming they will show all 61 matches across the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments.

“Our partnership with Spark Sport provides a significant focus for growing both the women’s and wheelchair games as well as showcasing the excitement and appeal of international Rugby League. Spark Sport will provide dynamic and flexible viewing options, with a deep level of content and engagement to support the continued growth of the sport.

“We’re looking forward to engaging with fans in New Zealand, exciting all existing and new Rugby League viewers, and inspiring a new generation to create a legacy via RLWC2021.”

The prospect of Spark Sport making their Rugby League debut understandably fires the enthusiasm of Head of Sport, Jeff Latch, who said: “Rugby League World Cup 2021 marks a pinnacle event for the Rugby League world, and we are enormously proud to have secured the rights to bring the tournament to league fans from a range of diverse communities across Aotearoa.

“There’s a great opportunity for the Kiwi Ferns to showcase the skill and talent in the women’s game with all eyes on them as one of the favourites. The Kiwi men on the other hand are looking for redemption as anticipation builds around who will make the squad with the growing Kiwi talent pool coming through the NRL.

“There’s a huge New Zealand fan base supporting our Kiwi teams, and our neighbouring Pacific teams with Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and the Cook Islands bringing competitive squads and plenty of passion and flair to the tournament. I think back to the last Rugby League World Cup and the energy these teams and their fans brought to the sold-out venues. They really were the heart of the tournament and I love that this year we’ll get to bring them all the action from England.”

ICC Agrees Long-Term Partnership With Upstox

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a major long-term partnership with Upstox (aka RKSV Securities), one of India’s largest investment platforms.

The association, which runs to the end of the ICC’s current commercial rights cycle, begins with the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final between India and New Zealand starting tomorrow (18-23 June, Southampton, UK).

Established as RKSV securities in 2009, Upstox has grown rapidly over the years to become one of the largest online investment platforms in India. With 4 million+ customers onboarded, this collaboration with ICC will be pivotal in taking Upstox to the next phase of growth. Engaging with millennials has been the focus of Upstox’s strategy, as the brand continues to execute its vision of making financial investing easy, equitable, and affordable for all.

Speaking on the association, Anurag Dahiya, Chief Commercial Officer, ICC, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Upstox as an Official Partner of the ICC. As our marquee events around the world continue to attract a wide and passionate fanbase, this association provides Upstox with an unrivalled platform to educate and engage both existing and new customers. We look forward to supporting Upstox’s next phase of growth throughout 2021-23, a period in which the ICC will host no fewer than 5 senior-level World Cups across Men’s and Women’s cricket.”

Commenting on the partnership, Ravi Kumar, Co-Founder & CEO, Upstox, said: “We are delighted to be the official partner of the ICC. There are parallels that can be drawn between various facets of cricket and investing. Just like a consistent and determined performance in cricket gets the team winning, the same attributes in investing can help to build a stronger investment portfolio.

Upstox’s collaboration with the ICC will play a significant role in spreading financial awareness and building an equity investment culture in India. We want to empower our customers by helping them maximize the potential of their investments with our tech-enabled and intuitive platform.”

Angel City FC Appoints Angela Hucles Mangano As VP Of Player Development And Operations

Angel City Football Club (ACFC) has announced the hiring of Angela Hucles Mangano as the Vice President of Player Development and Operations.

Hucles Mangano is the club’s third soccer hire, joining the team’s Sporting Director Eniola Aluko and Director of Scouting and Analytics Kim McCauley. Hucles Mangano, a former United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) player and a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, is also a founding investor in ACFC along with 13 of her USWNT teammates.

“I could not be more excited to welcome Angela to the Angel City FC family,” said Julie Uhrman, Founder and President of ACFC. “When she joined with her teammates as a founding investor, she immediately raised her hand to help us build out the club. Whether attending community events, hosting our weeklong Black History Month panels, or helping in the search for our Sporting Director, Angela has been an invaluable partner. I’m excited to watch her work alongside Eni and build out our soccer ops team that will support our players on and off the pitch.”

In this critical role, Hucles Mangano will work alongside Aluko managing all the team needs including creating a player wellness and development program, identifying and securing a practice facility, securing player housing and travel, and organizing all non-NWSL friendly matches.

“I was so honored to be asked to be part of the founding investor group, and when I started to get a broader understanding of the people that make up ACFC and their commitment to making an impact, I knew I wanted to get more involved in the day-to-day,” said Hucles Mangano. “When Team President Julie Uhrman approached me about helping set up our player ops and development program, with a focus on the whole person, I jumped at the chance. This is a dream job that I didn’t even know existed and I can’t wait to get started.”

NFL Signs Diageo As First Ever Spirits Sponsor

The National Football League (NFL) has announced Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, as its first ever Official Spirits Sponsor.

The multiyear sponsorship is uniquely structured with the NFL fan in mind and will include opportunities for on-site activation and engagement with adult fans, as well as broadcast, digital, and social content from NFL Kickoff through the Super Bowl.

For years, Crown Royal Canadian Whisky has had a significant footprint with the NFL, and this sponsorship takes it to the next level for Diageo. Featuring some of the biggest spirits brands in the world in Smirnoff Vodka, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, and Crown Royal Whisky, this collaboration will include Responsible Drinking programs, integration into marquee events (such as NFL Honors) and, starting with the 2022 season, involvement in the NFL International Series games in London.

“NFL games have the powerful ability to bring people together, and that very much ties into what our brands at Diageo are all about: bringing people together to celebrate life,” said Ed Pilkington, Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer, Diageo North America. “This is a perfect match. We are energized about bringing new and exciting programs and experiences to the NFL’s passionate adult fan base, while continuing to use our platform to champion social responsibility in every way.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Diageo, a global leader in the spirits industry, to the NFL family as our first ever spirits sponsor,” said Renie Anderson, Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President of NFL Partnerships. “We look forward to working with Diageo on innovative programs to elevate their business, as well as furthering the important message around responsible drinking.”

Diageo’s role as the first ever Official Spirits Sponsor of the NFL is just the latest example of the company breaking ground in sports and entertainment. In 2017, Crown Royal became the first spirits brand to advertise during a televised NFL game with its “Water Break” Responsible Drinking campaign encouraging moderation. Back in 2004, Diageo became the first company in the industry to partner with NASCAR after the auto racing company lifted its longstanding ban on distilled spirits sponsors.

Currently, Diageo has 12 NFL team and stadium deals, making today’s announcement a natural progression in further unifying the two organizations.

As part of this new sponsorship, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum will be a presenting sponsor of the NFL’s Fan of the Year contest. 

AFFL Strikes $6m Data Partnership With LSports

American Flag Football League (AFFL) has named LSports as official data partner worth $6 million, as per

As part of the five-year deal, LSports will gain the exclusive rights to the distribution of the league’s official data. This data will then be used to generate live statistics and odds for all games from the start of the 2022 season. The deal was brokered by SCCG Management.

Dotan Lazar, CEO of LSports commented on the deal: “We’ve long since recognized the American market growth and we expect it to greatly evolve in the next few years. The agreement with AFFL definitely secures LSports a place there.

“This deal positions LSports next to a select few who own exclusive rights to official sports, highlighting our unique offerings. AFFL odds will be a great addition to our already vast offerings.”

 “Partnering with LSports is an important step in broadening the AFFL’s awareness and bolstering our relevance in the mainstream,” said Jeffrey Lewis, CEO of the AFFL. 

“As sports betting continues to grow here in the U.S. this will connect the AFFL to more fans, bringing them closer to our game and the rising popularity of flag football.”

British Rowing Adds Pulseroll As Muscle Recovery Partner

Pulseroll have been announced as new Official Muscle Recovery Supplier to British Rowing.

As UK leader in vibration training and muscle recovery products, the deal sees Pulseroll provide recovery support for all GB Rowing Team athletes on their journey to Tokyo this summer and up to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Pulseroll’s range of cutting-edge products are scientifically proven to optimise recovery, support performance and improve range of movement. 

Ranging from massage guns to vibration foam rollers and consistently used by elite level athletes across multiple sports, Pulseroll’s suite of products will help GB Rowing Team athletes with their daily recovery routines, supporting them to prepare and perform at their best over the next four years. Throughout the partnership, Pulseroll will also help educate and inspire recovery and wellbeing practices for the whole of the British Rowing community. As one of Britain’s most decorated Governing Bodies, this partnership is another exciting addition to Pulseroll’s growing endorsement roster as the company continues to build a Best of British brand. 

Paul McCabe, Pulseroll Founder & CEO, added: “We are thrilled to officially announce our partnership with British Rowing, which is yet another exciting step for Pulseroll. We can’t wait to see how our Pulseroll products will enhance the team’s performance ahead of the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo and beyond. To partner with another one of Britain’s most successful and prestigious governing bodies, who have been incredibly successful and the only GB sport to have won gold at every Games since 1984, is an extremely proud moment for the entire Pulseroll team.’’

Nick Scott, Head of Performance Support at British Rowing, commented: “We’re really pleased to welcome Pulseroll as an official team supplier. With only a few weeks to go until the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, making the most of our upcoming camps is critical to preparing our athletes to deliver on the world stage. Incorporating the support Pulseroll offers, each of our athletes will be able to optimise their recovery and head into Tokyo confident they are the best supported team on the start line.“

Leeds United Signs AMT As Vehicle Partner

Leeds United Football Club has signed AMT as the club’s Official Vehicle Partner.

Headquartered in Leeds, AMT prides themselves on being able to offer a unique vehicle solutions service to both businesses and consumers alike, with a broad range of vehicle solutions for leasing, rental, buying and selling your current vehicle.

As part of the new agreement AMT will offer an extensive and broad portfolio of vehicles for our fans across all major brands, including VW, Audi, Land Rover and Jaguar. In addition, AMT has a specialist fleet of high-end super cars such as Lamborghini, Porsche and Tesla available to buy or lease.

As part of this agreement, AMT will have its branding displayed both internally and externally at Elland Road and will also receive a comprehensive package of marketing rights including LED perimeter advertising and will bring fans digital content with ‘AMT Spotlight’.

Paul Bell, Executive Director at Leeds United said: “After an exciting and positive return to the Premier League last season we are delighted that AMT has joined our rapidly expanding portfolio of Commercial Partners in the Premier League.  We are proud to partner and build success with Leeds based brands; the visibility provided through our participation in the Premier League and the connected nature of our global fanbase a fantastic marketing platform to expand their business across the UK and Internationally. “   

“We are very proud to be an official partner to Leeds United at such an exciting time for the club, said Neil Mcgawley, Manager Director at AMT. Our unique “Rent-Lease-Buy-Sell” business model means we are in a position to add value to both the club and all its supporters. Like Leeds we have big ambitions and look forward to fulfilling these, aided by a long and mutually rewarding partnership.

NENT Secures Media Rights For FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 In Poland

Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group) has secured the exclusive media rights to show the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ on its Viaplay streaming service in Poland.

All 64 matches from the biggest tournament in international women’s football will be available to Polish fans live on Viaplay, which is the home of Europe’s best women’s football with over 100 live matches every year. NENT Group already holds the rights to show the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ on Viaplay in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Known as ‘Orlice’ (‘The Eaglesses’), the Polish national women’s team kick off their qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ in September. The tournament’s expansion to 32 teams (from 24 teams in 2019) represents a golden opportunity for Poland to reach the showpiece event, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand in July and August 2023 with the star-packed US team seeking a record third consecutive title.

In the event of Poland qualifying, all the team’s games from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ will be shown free to air with local commentators, experts and studio programming.

Ewa Pajor, Poland and VfL Wolfsburg: “We are ready and our priority now is to win matches. Maybe some will call us underdogs in our qualifiers, but we want to go step by step and make it to the finals. I hope that it will soon be obvious to all Poles that they have two national teams in football.”

Jean-Christophe Petit, Director Media Rights & Content Services, FIFA: “NENT Group has demonstrated a strong commitment to women’s football and we are happy to extend our partnership with them on the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in Poland. We are looking forward to working with NENT Group to continue to grow the popularity of the women’s game in Poland.”

Peter Nørrelund, NENT Group Chief Sports Officer: “More than 1 billion viewers saw the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ – and this is just the start. Women’s football is one of the world’s fastest growing sports, and Poland’s young and exciting ‘Orlice’ are ready to soar. We look forward to thrilling and inspiring Polish viewers with every game from Australia and New Zealand as part of Viaplay’s line-up of the very best in the women’s game.”

In Poland, NENT Group holds rights to top European women’s football leagues such as England’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League, Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga (currently home to Poland’s Katarzyna Kiedrzynek, Małgorzata Mesjasz and Ewa Pajor) and Denmark’s Gjensidige Kvindeliga, along with selected games from Spain’s Liga Iberdrola.

Columbus Crew Hands Over Stadium Naming Rights To Lower.com

The Columbus Crew’s new soccer-specific stadium will now be known as Lower.com Field after the MLS original signed a long-term partnership that includes naming rights to their downtown venue.

Lower is a fintech company that seeks to simplify the process of buying or refinancing a home. The Columbus-based business was voted the best place to work in 2021 by Columbus CEO Magazine.

“We are proud to partner with Lower in naming our new stadium,” Dee Haslam, Columbus Crew investor-operator, said in a release. “Dan Snyder’s leadership and vision align so strongly with the goals of the Crew. Lower is a world-class company, rooted in Columbus, renowned for their culture and fully invested in giving back to our community.

“Lower.com Field will provide our players a home-field advantage and our supporters a best-in-class experience. In addition to match days, we are immensely excited that Lower.com Field will be the cornerstone of a new live, work, and play neighborhood in Astor Park. On behalf of the Haslam and Edwards Families, we look forward to working together to make a sustainable and positive difference in Columbus and for our supporters.”

Lower.com Field is set to open when the Crew host the New England Revolution on July 3 in what amounts to a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Final in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. The clubs also met on May 16 at Gillette Stadium, a 1-0 win for New England.

“We have nearly 1,000 local team members, have funded billions in loans, and have been named the top workplace in Columbus, and yet, we’re still relatively unknown as a company,” Lower CEO Dan Snyder said in a release. “So, this partnership, to some extent, is the coming-out party for our brand.

“Very few companies ever get to name a stadium, let alone a brand new one, in their hometown. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. On behalf of my partners and the entire team, we couldn’t be more excited to open up Lower.com Field to the city of Columbus on July 3.”

LaLiga Collaborates With NBA For A Sports And Education Complex In Madrid

LaLiga, NBA and T3N Sport & Investment, accompanied by regional and local officials, have unveiled ESC MADRID, the sports and education complex where the two professional leagues will coexist in Madrid. It has recently entered the final stage of construction and is expected to be completed in 2022.

It comprises a multi-disciplinary complex covering 42,000 m2 at the forefront of sports development in Spain, thanks to a long-term agreement by LaLiga and the NBA with T3N Sport & Investment, a consulting firm specialising in investment, training and sports development, for the creation of similar complexes in Spain.

ESC Madrid will have football pitches, a basketball court, a high-performance gym, swimming pool, dining room, games rooms, library and residential facilities for 450 athletes, among other amenities.

Furthermore, it will have an international school and training classrooms where secondary, international and American baccalaureate, and postgraduate courses will be taught. Part of the LaLiga Business School will also be moved there and it will act as the headquarters of the country’s first NBA Basketball School – the basketball development programme with enrolment open to boys and girls aged between 6 and 18 years.

ESC Madrid will be located in Villaviciosa de Odon, in the El Bosque development just 20 minutes from the centre of Madrid, where the presentation was held today with the presence of Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga; Oscar Mayo, executive director of LaLiga; Chus Bueno, vice-president of basketball operations and head of Spain for NBA EMEA; Kiyomi Cerezo, CEO of T3N Sport & Investment; and David Pampliega, partner and general manager of T3N Sport & Investment.

“At LaLiga we firmly believe in the importance of training in sport, both technical and educational. This project, in partnership with the NBA and T3N Sports & Investment, will strengthen this commitment that we embarked on with our sports schools and the LaLiga Business School, among other projects, and which will have a new space for their development at ESC Madrid,” assured the president of LaLiga, Javier Tebas. 

“We’re very excited and keen to begin our activity at ESC Madrid, and we’re delighted to be sharing space and generating synergies with LaLiga. Creating spaces such as the future NBA School where we can make basketball grow with grassroots training and where local talent can develop under the best possible conditions is fundamental for the NBA,” said Chus Bueno, vice-president of basketball operations and head of Spain at NBA EMEA.

“This is a special project, a strategic alliance with LaLiga and the NBA that will turn these complexes into a global benchmark for sport and education, building a global platform that generates synergies and opportunities for young people from around the world,” added Kiyomi Cerezo, the CEO of T3N Sport & Investment.

ESC Madrid aims to become a ground-breaking model for the sports sector in the country, capable of hosting all types of sporting and training projects – both national and international – in a single space. Furthermore, it will facilitate the generation of joint opportunities in sports and training projects, branding actions, commercial strategies and all manner of events.