ATP And WTA Name TopCourt As E-Learning Partner

The ATP and WTA have announced a partnership with TopCourt, which sees the digital learning platform become the first official tennis e-learning partner of the ATP Tour and WTA Tour.

TopCourt offers tennis fans the educational tools for learning the game from the world’s best players of the past, present, and future, as well as the sport’s legendary coaches. Exclusive content includes tennis lessons, drills, strategy and training tactics, player interviews and behind the scenes footage, offering fans unprecedented access to their favourite players.

Since launching less than a year ago, TopCourt has already gained the support of more than 50 star ambassadors and coaches, boasting an eclectic roster of current stars, Grand Slam champions and legends of the sport, including Bianca Andreescu, Victoria Azarenka, Taylor Fritz, Sofia Kenin, Petra Kvitova, Nick Kyrgios, Denis Shapovalov, Frances Tiafoe, Venus Williams, Alexander Zverev, the Bryan Brothers, Lindsay Davenport and Chris Evert. TopCourt also features an incredible roster of the sport’s most legendary coaches such as Paul Annacone, Nick Bollettieri and Brad Gilbert.

Through the partnership, content from various TopCourt players will be featured on the ATP and WTA’s digital platforms, highlighting TopCourt ambassadors on the tours’ rankings pages. Designated via the signature gold court icon, fans will have access to new releases, exclusive trailers, and extended player profiles, linking them back to the TopCourt site.

“Everything starts with our fans, and TopCourt’s premium content, which provides mentorship from some of the biggest stars in tennis, promises to add value to their experience and engagement with the sport,” said Daniele Sanò, ATP Chief Business Officer. “Together with WTA, this partnership represents an exciting opportunity to leverage the inspirational and educational power of both tours.”

“We’re excited to team up with the ATP and TopCourt,” stated WTA President Micky Lawler. “Through high-value digital tennis instruction with the most elite professionals in our sport, we’re able to present our fans with a seamless experiential product that celebrates the success and expertise of our athletes, while also delivering content and instruction that enhance the fans’ personal tennis journey.”

Wimbledon To Continue Riding With Jaguar UK

Jaguar UK has renewed its partnership with The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) for a further five years.

As Official Car of The Championships, Wimbledon, Jaguar will not only supply a fleet of vehicles to support event operations, but will work with its long-standing partner to unearth the stories behind the iconic British sporting event.

Anthony Bradbury, Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK said: “We are delighted to renew our partnership with the All England Club which will see our support of Wimbledon extend to more than a decade.



“When it comes to global sporting events, Wimbledon is truly unmatched. Like Wimbledon we are looking to push the boundaries of innovation to do things in an exciting and unexpected way.

“In showcasing the Jaguar I-PACE in this partnership, it reaffirms our joint commitment to create a more sustainable future with electrification at its heart.”

2021 will see the launch of Jaguar’s “Unmatched Experiences” campaign as it looks to showcase Wimbledon’s protagonists, intricacies and traditions through unique perspectives and bring the event closer to fans during a time when attendance and general access is restricted.

Jaguar will also continue the Jaguar Ace Pace Wimbledon Edition app, giving fans the opportunity to measure the effectiveness of their tennis serve, while challenging Jaguar’s roster of brand ambassadors in national challenges and competitions.

Mick Desmond, Commercial and Media Director at the AELTC, said: “We are delighted that Jaguar will be extending its support of The Championships as Official Car for a further five years. Bringing our fans closer to Wimbledon is key and Jaguar’s “Unmatched Experiences” campaign ties in perfectly with our approach. As part of our environment positive commitment, we are working hard to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2030, and Jaguar is playing an important role in helping us achieve this commitment by showcasing the zero-emission I-PACE cars within the Wimbledon fleet.” 

SA Rugby And PRO14 Rugby Unveil United Rugby Championship

The ‘United Rugby Championship will kick off in September 2021 as the top clubs from South Africa (Cell C  Sharks, DHL Stormers, Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls) combine with the Guinness PRO14 to create a  16-team league. 

The United Rugby Championship will be bigger, bolder and stronger than its predecessors. Teams from  five of rugby’s elite nations – Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales and South Africa will transform the competition into a league of super clubs, which will embrace difference and champion its athletes on their journey with  the URC proudly representing all of those involved with the game. 

Off the field the United Rugby Championship will strive to provide a platform for our players to tell their  stories so that their achievements in sport and society can inspire the next-generation of rugby talent and  the sport’s supporters to prove that rugby is a game for all. 

This game-changing agreement between SA Rugby and PRO14 Rugby will strengthen their existing  partnership and will drive greater growth of the game for the benefit of all 16 teams in the league. 

Martin Anayi, CEO of United Rugby Championship, said: “Fans have always asked more of our league  and now we are taking it to new heights. The United Rugby Championship will see World Cup winners, icons  of the Guinness Six Nations, the Rugby Championship and stars of the British & Irish Lions tour turning up  the intensity in an exciting new league format.

“Since the origins of the Celtic League in 2001, the vision has  been to innovate and evolve in order to create a compelling competition which would challenge our players  and teams to be at their very best every single week. Their potential has never been in doubt and now we  can provide them with the arena to be the very best. 

“Forming the United Rugby Championship will begin to reshape the world of club rugby. We are creating a  league that embraces and celebrates difference and where the only way to succeed will be to match the skill  and intensity of the international game. 

“The arrival of South Africa’s elite teams and the removal of fixtures from international match weekends will  make our league stronger across the board. We will see heroes taking on heroes every week in iconic  locations to create an appeal that will be unmatched in in the world of club rugby.  

“We now have a clear purpose and identity that everyone associated with our league can stand behind. We  have listened and we have answered the challenge set by our clubs to take this competition to the next level  both on and off the field. North and south will now collide on a regular basis and we cannot wait to see who  will rise up as the first champions of the United Rugby Championship.” 

Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby, said: “South African rugby has for many years imagined a future aligned  with northern-hemisphere rugby and this announcement marks the arrival of that vision.  

“Our teams will be pitting themselves against the leading clubs from four nations, steeped in rugby tradition  and folklore. They’ll do it without having to cross time zones or acclimatise while 100 per cent of matches  will kick off in South African prime time.

“This is a watershed moment in South African rugby history, opening new doors and heralding a new and  exciting era for our sport.”  

The British & Irish Lions Signs British Airways As Global Airline Partner

The British & Irish Lions and SA Rugby have signed British Airways as the Global Airline Partner of the 2021 Castle Lager Lions Series. 

As the Global Airline Partner, British Airways will fly the 37-man Lions squad to South Africa on Sunday 27 June to kick off the eagerly awaited Lions Tour.

The Lions arrival in Johannesburg sees the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales embarking on an eight-game Tour of South Africa, including three Tests against World Champions, the Springboks. 

Following The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup clash against Japan at BT Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday 26 June (kick off 3pm), the Lions will board a British Airways charter flight from Edinburgh landing in Johannesburg to begin preparations for the first game of the Tour which starts on Saturday 3 July.  

The Lions and Springboks will travel around South Africa during the Series onboard franchise partner of British Airways, and oneworld Alliance member, Comair.

Ben Calveley, Managing Director for The British & Irish Lions, said: “We are delighted to be flying with British Airways for the 2021 Castle Lager Lions Series. We know the squad and management will receive a warm welcome from British Airways staff and enjoy a safe, comfortable journey to South Africa, landing in Johannesburg ready to take on the world champions.”

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said:  “We are honoured to be flying The British & Irish Lions to South Africa ahead of their tour. After a difficult year, we look forward to uniting the nation through sport and cheering them on. From everyone at British Airways, we wish them the best of luck and hope to carry them home as champions.”

beIN Secures Exclusive Broadcast Rights To W Series

beIN MEDIA GROUP (“beIN”), the global sports and entertainment group, has secured the exclusive broadcast rights to the first and only women’s motor racing championship in the world, W Series, in 24 countries in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) and in the United States.

W Series will form a key part of beIN’s women’s sports portfolio and its wider beINSPIRED project, which provides a global platform to events and talent that have not historically been given the exposure they deserve.

Last week, beIN SPORTS also announced it had acquired for the first time the UEFA Women’s Champions League rights in the 24 countries of MENA – from Morocco in the West to Oman in the East and every country in between – in a highly significant and sizable international deal for UEFA and women’s European football.

W Series this year will take place from 26 June to 30 October with the first of eight races set to take place in Austria. Since launching in 2019, W Series has established itself as a pioneer of gender equality in sport. The free-to-enter championship provides equal opportunity for women and eliminates the financial barriers that have historically prevented them from reaching the upper echelons of the motorsport.

beIN’s acquisition of the 2021 W Series is the latest major addition to beIN’s “beINSPIRED” broadcast portfolio and corporate commitment, in which beIN showcases inspiring and under-represented on-air talent, while broadcasting sports, developing business partnerships, events and creative campaigns all aimed at telling the most diverse and inspiring stories that sport has to offer. Over the coming months in different markets, beIN SPORTS will be showcasing female talent in the UEFA Champions League, the Tokyo Olympics and Wimbledon, amongst other major events.

This year, W Series will feature a diverse roster of 18 female drivers from around the world, including the inaugural 2019 W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, all competing in identical spec Tatuus F3 cars. With a unique format and inspiring drivers, the championship promises to be a thrilling adventure for motorsport fans in the US and the MENA region.

Mohammad Al-Subaie, Acting CEO of beIN MENA said: “We are delighted to exclusively broadcast W Series to our subscribers in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa. W Series is committed to promoting gender equality in motorsport and empowering the next generation of female drivers. By broadcasting the series, we look forward to shining a spotlight on the inspiring women in motorsport and wider society, aligning with our ambition underpinning our beINSPIRED corporate commitment.”

Catherine Bond Muir, Chief Executive Officer at W Series added: “W Series’ mission will always be to further the interests and prospects of female racing drivers, and to inspire girls and women everywhere. Racing in partnership with Formula 1 in 2021, coupled with the support of our global network of broadcasters, will significantly increase our reach, impact and influence by placing W Series on motor racing’s greatest stage and taking us to new audiences and territories. Our drivers are ready and raring to put on a fantastic show.”

Football Australia Signs Landmark Media Rights Deal With 10 ViacomCBS

Football Australia has reached a landmark media rights agreement with 10 ViacomCBS for the broadcast of matches of the Australian National Teams and the FFA Cup.

The agreement, which encompasses the media rights for all national teams (Socceroos, Westfield Matildas, Young Socceroos, Westfield Young Matildas, Joeys, and Westfield Junior Matildas) owned or controlled by Football Australia, as well as AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar, AFC Asian Cups, and other AFC tournaments until 31 December 2024, also celebrates the largest Socceroos and Westfield Matildas broadcast deal ever. Football Australia acquired the rights to the AFC competitions from the AFC to enable this compelling package of rights to be created.

In a ground-breaking move, the agreement will also include coverage of the FFA Cup (from the Round of 32) on Paramount+ with the FFA Cup Final, to be broadcast on Network 10 each year.

The deal commencing on 1 August, will result in a massive boost for Football Australia and cement 10 ViacomCBS as the new home of football.

For the fans, this means that extensive coverage of Australia’s National Teams and the FFA Cup (in addition to the A- League and Westfield W-League) will be available on 10, 10 Bold and 10 Play, as well as Paramount+, which will be available in Australia from 11 August, for $8.99 per month.

Football Australia CEO, James Johnson said that this new media rights agreement with 10 ViacomCBS would deliver not only significant revenues to the game, but also major contracted commitments to promote the sport more broadly through content integration and promotional opportunities on the network with a reach of up to 23 million people. As part of the deal, 10 ViacomCBS will also commission a children’s programme focused on promoting participation in football.

This landmark agreement delivers on the core objectives for Football Australia’s media rights sale process to maximise reach and value from a media rights partnership, and to create a partnership with a broadcaster who has a strong commitment to leverage their investment to further grow the game at all levels and in line with Football Australia’s 15- year vision and strategic agenda.

James Johnson, CEO, Football Australia, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Network 10 and Paramount+ to the Australian football family. This is an enormous vote of confidence in the future direction of football in Australia including the bold 15-year vision and strategic agenda we have set for the game. It is also an endorsement of both the strength in the Westfield Matildas and the Socceroos brands and recognition of the exciting international schedule they face over the next 3.5 years.

“This is a wonderful result for our game and after a challenging 2020, provides our sport with greater financial certainty in the years ahead and will ensure that our fans will be able to continue to watch our Westfield Matildas and Socceroos wherever they are and at the same time, provide a platform to launch a re-invigorated FFA Cup.

“All sections of the community and business have felt the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this partnership announcement today, along with other commercial announcements recently with Priceline, rebel and Commonwealth Bank, are symbolic cornerstone moments for our sport.

“This is the first time Football Australia has been able to secure a direct broadcast deal of this nature with a commercial free-to-air partner, which provides the game with vital exposure on the primary channels of Network 10 and a variety of other platforms, including the soon to be launched Paramount+.

“No sport has the power to unite all Australians quite like football can. The Socceroos and Westfield Matildas have created many magical and iconic moments for our nation over the years and this partnership gives us the ability to connect two of Australia’s biggest sports brands with Australia’s favourite national knock out community tournament, the FFA Cup by showcasing this content to a greater audience and across multiple platforms. This exciting partnership also unifies the sport, by bringing all parts of Australian football together, including the A-League and Westfield W- League, on Network 10 and Paramount+, making it easier for the Australian football fan and beginning a new era for Australian football.

“We thank Network 10 and Paramount+ for backing the game in such a profound way and we look forward to a prosperous partnership where we can connect and engage with the biggest club participation base in Australia, and inspire them with our Westfield Matildas and Socceroos via a unique viewing experience.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the enormous contribution that Patrick Delany and Fox Sports have made to Australian football over the last 15-years. Fox Sport’s commitment, leadership and significant investment has helped evolve our game to where it is today, and for that we will always be grateful”.

Canadian Elite Basketball League Launches OTT Platform CEBL+

Canada’s first official national professional basketball league, the Canadian Elite Basketball League has launched its OTT platform called CEBL+.

Via CEBL+ basketball fans in Canada, the United States and internationally will now have access to live CEBL games, as well as On-Demand content including highlights and other exclusive features available only on this service.

Basketball fans within Canada will be able to enjoy all CEBL live games as well as full game replays free of charge. Viewers in Canada can further subscribe to the service’s All Access Package for the low price of $2.99 CAD monthly or $17.99 CAD annually to further enjoy a wide variety of video content including interviews, documentaries, highlights, podcasts, weekly shows and more.

CEBL+ is available in the United States and internationally for an all-inclusive price of $24.99 USD annually, $4.99 USD monthly, or through a Single Game Pass available for a $0.99 USD.

To power the all-new video service, the CEBL partnered with StreamAMG, who provides its end-to-end OTT platform, including a customized OTT website based on their StreamPlay frontend framework. The CEBL will also benefit from CloudMatrix, the agency’s award-winning on-demand content entitlement and distribution system, and employ its CloudPay platform to handle subscriptions, payment and user management.

“Launching CEBL+ is another way we continue to invest into the exposure of the CEBL for all our fans in Canada and around the world,” said Mike Morreale, Commissioner & CEO of the league. “This content platform allows us to showcase our exciting brand of Canadian pro basketball to new audiences everywhere. I encourage everyone to subscribe and watch some of the best pro basketball talent in the world.”

Mark Silver, StreamAMG’s General Manager, North America added “the CEBL has emerged as one of the world’s most innovative and progressive sports properties, and we are thrilled to support their launch of CEBL+. The CEBL+ digital product is an excellent showcase of how StreamAMG enables sports properties to monetize their streaming broadcasts while protecting their linear broadcast agreements.”

The 2021 CEBL season begins Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m. ET in the nation’s capital as the Ottawa BlackJacks host the Niagara River Lions at TD Place. The Hamilton Honey Badgers take on the defending CEBL champion Edmonton Stingers in Edmonton on June 26 at 2 p.m. CT, while Fraser Valley hosts Saskatchewan that evening to complete the season’s opening weekend of action. All games are available to stream live on CEBL+. 

Sinclair Broadcast Group Reportedly Raising Funds To Launch Streaming Service

Sinclair Broadcast Group is raising money for a new service that would stream games by the St. Louis Cardinals, the Dallas Mavericks and many other major US sports teams, the New York Post has reported.

Sinclair own the exclusive broadcasting rights for numerous franchises across the main US Sports Leagues, so a new streaming service would already contain a lot of rights without the need to spend greatly to acquire content.

The Post states that sources have claimed Sinclair have joined up with LionTree, an investment bank, to raise the $250 million necessary to make the platform a reality.

It is also mentioned that Sinclair have their eyes on pricing this service at $23 a month in the markets when they hold those broadcast right.

The service would reportedly be in use ahead of the start of next year’s Major League Baseball season, likely around March or April 2022.

Sky Sports Strikes Partnerships With Top Rank And Boxxer Until 2025

Sky Sports has outlined the next phase in its long and proud 30-year association with boxing, bringing two new partnerships that will deliver a fresh and exciting line-up of fighters both in the UK and internationally and more boxing than before.

Beginning on Saturday, Sky Sports will be the UK & Ireland home to Top Rank events from the United States thanks to a brand-new licensing agreement with the prestigious boxing promotion company.Sponsored link

Sky Sports will step up its commitment to the very best UK fighters in a partnership with BOXXER, founded by the youngest licensed promoter, Ben Shalom. John Wischhusen, formerly head of boxing at Matchroom Sport, brings more than 20 years of boxing management experience to the BOXXER team. Full UK schedule and announcements will be made in August.

Top Rank has a deep history with the sport, promoting greats including Muhammad Ali, Manny Pacquiao, George Foreman and Marvin Hagler. Currently, they have Terence Crawford, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Josh Taylor and Mikaela Mayer, among many others, on their books.

Sky Sports coverage of Top Rank events begins immediately with Shakur Stevenson taking on Jeremiah Nakathila this Saturday at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas for the vacant WBO interim super-featherweight title. Sky Sports will be broadcasting three Top Rank cards this month, continuing with Naoya Inoue on Saturday June 19, and Vasiliy Lomachenko on Saturday June 26, bringing the best of Stateside boxing to Sky Sports subscribers, with Anthony Joshua’s upcoming bout with Oleksandr Usyk widely anticipated to follow in late summer.

BOXXER aims to challenge traditions with a new approach to boxing promotion and Sky Sports and BOXXER will work collaboratively including with other promoters to bring elite fighters to Sky Sports Boxing with a modern approach to the sport.

Sky Sports, BOXXER and Top Rank will reveal a more detailed fight schedule for the remainder of 2021 as well as a refreshed editorial approach over the coming weeks. This wide-ranging partnership will benefit the very top of the sport as well as at grassroots levels, with a commitment to engage with the British Boxing Board of Control on how to ensure sustainable growth. Sky Sports and BOXXER are committed to developing initiatives to support grassroots boxing and the facilities to grow the sport and will outline further details in August. Sky Sports and BOXXER aim to introduce a new dynamic and diverse approach encompassing all platforms and engaging new audiences.

Sky Sports managing director Jonathan Licht said: “We’re very excited to partner with Top Rank and BOXXER to bring more world class boxing to Sky Sports. Top Rank are one of the biggest boxing promoters in the world, and our customers will now be able to see more of the world’s best boxers on Sky.

“BOXXER have ambitious and exciting plans for the sport in the UK, and we share a long-term view for boxing. Sky Sports has been a strong and close partner to boxing for more than 30 years and we look forward to continuing our partnership, giving a platform to the best fights at home and abroad and helping to grow the sport at elite and grassroots levels. We look forward to sharing more details with boxing fans in the next couple of months.”

Top Rank president Todd duBoef said: “For decades, Sky has been the leading sports brand in the UK. The world’s biggest sporting events and boxing matches have been cultivated under the Sky banner. Top Rank is honoured to partner with Sky to continue to grow the sport both locally and globally for years to come.”

BOXXER founder Ben Shalom said:”Sky Sports has been the bedrock of British boxing for many years. We have been waiting for the opportunity to offer a transformative approach to the sport and we are delighted that Sky Sports have bought into this vision. We believe this will take the offering to fans to new heights. Sky will show the best fights from around the world alongside a powerful UK schedule.”

British Boxing Board of Control general secretary Robert W. Smith said:”The British Boxing Board of Control are delighted that Sky Sports has reconfirmed its commitment to British Boxing that already spans in excess of 30 years.

“In John Wischhusen, Sky Sports retain a longstanding and respected relationship within the sport, and Ben Shalom is one of the new generation of Promoters at this transitional and exciting time for Boxing in the United Kingdom.

“Sky Sports’ next chapter in Boxing represents a fantastic opportunity for many as they will continue to broadcast major events, in addition to supporting the Boxing pyramid in this country.”

These new agreements will ensure Sky Sports remains the home of world-class sport in the UK and Ireland, including Anthony Joshua’s next bout exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office.

AC Milan Agrees Licensing Partnership With REPX

AC Milan has a new licensing partnership with UK fintech company REPX, which paves the way for a number of exclusive initiatives designed for the Rossoneri fans.

The new licensing partnership entails the launch of a new debit card created for the true AC Milan fans, who will be able to enjoy unique experiences via an exclusive channel that will allow them to interact with their favourite team by accessing news and exclusive offers on merchandise and tickets as well as invitations to special events.

Alfredo Villa, Managing Director at REPX commented: “We are excited to start this licensing partnership with AC Milan, an incredibly successful club both in Italy and globally for their impressive palmarés and the ‘granitic faith’ of the Rossoneri fans.”

Casper Stylsvig, AC Milan Chief Revenue Officer added: “We are delighted to welcome on board REPX. This collaboration will provide us with an important virtual fan engagement tool that will allow us to offer our fans exclusive experiences.”

Through products and technologically advanced applications – all based on registered patents – and an innovative business model, REPX allows stars from the world of entertainment and sport, celebrities, influencers, sports clubs, brands and cities with a high level of attractiveness to have their personalized card, which, combined with an App, allows to connect followers in completely innovative ways.