Rob Webster Steps Down As Sky Sports Managing Director

After two years, Rob Webster has stepped down as managing director of Sky Sports.

Webster has taken the decision for personal reasons and will be replaced by Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports’s deputy managing director. His resignation come after the recent renewal of Sky’s Premier League TV rights.

Insiders say the effect of the pandemic meant the job suddenly became very different from the one Webster had taken on in May 2019. At the height of the crisis Sky had no live sport to fill its channels and took the decision to allow customers to pause payments.

Aser Ventures Acquires Strategic Stake In Creed Media

The sports and media investment platform Aser Ventures has acquired a strategic stake in Stockholm-based digital marketing agency Creed Media. 

Founded by leading sports and media entrepreneur Andrea Radrizzani in 2015, Aser Ventures’ portfolio includes Premier League club Leeds United, the global sports and entertainment group Eleven Sports and the streaming service LIVENow. Radrizzani is the Chairman and majority owner of Leeds United. 

Creed Media works with global brands and record labels to build tailored marketing solutions that engage young audiences through TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and other platforms. Campaigns are founded in viral youth culture, with a client list that includes Warner Music Group, Sony Music, Universal Music, Red Bull, KFC and H&M. 

Creed Media was founded in 2018 and has grown from a three-person operation to a 40-strong team across Sweden, Canada and the United States. Founders Timothy Collins, 25, and Hugo Leprince, 22, were featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe list this year, in recognition of the company’s rapid rise.

Creed Media will bolster Aser’s marketing, digital and social media capabilities, alongside Aser portfolio companies NEO Studios, Italian digital and social media agency Hellodi, communications agency HAPPING and Team Whistle, the global sports and media company acquired by Eleven Sports in March 2021. 

There will be extensive opportunities for synergy between Creed Media and the wider Aser portfolio. Creed will come together with fellow Aser companies to cross-promote campaigns, share best practice, and pool capabilities to deliver for audiences and commercial partners in new ways. Creed have already worked closely with LIVENow, helping the streaming service to exclusively deliver Gorillaz’ Song Machine Live virtual show in December 2020.

Aser will support Creed’s continued growth with strategic guidance and access to its global network of sports, media and entertainment partners.

Andrea Radrizzani, Founder and Chairman, Aser Ventures, has welcomed Creed Media to the Aser group: “Timothy and Hugo have created something special in Creed Media. They have a deep understanding of the platforms and culture that excite young audiences and they have built a business with the potential to continue to grow rapidly. At Aser Ventures we want to help them do that, by sharing our experience and our network with the Creed Media team, and by creating opportunities for synergy with the wider Aser group.”

Timothy Collins, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Creed Media, added: “Both Hugo and myself are incredibly proud to become partners with Andrea and Aser. We see limitless possibilities now that we can benefit from the huge experience their great team holds in scaling and building a wide range of successful companies. Our belief is that together with their support we can grow Creed in so many new ways and that’s very exciting.” 

FIFA Awards Media Rights For Greece To Antenna TV

Following the tender process in Greece to acquire the media rights to the FIFA World Cup 2022™, FIFA has awarded them to Antenna TV.

Antenna TV will provide daily free-to-air coverage of the tournament, with at least 32 matches, including the opening match, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, to be shown via its primary channel, Ant1TV. All 64 matches of the 2022 tournament will be available live via Antenna’s platforms, meeting FIFA’s objectives of providing large exposure for its competitions and offering fans a high-quality viewing experience.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ will be the 22nd edition of the competition, and it will be unique as it will be the first FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East and the first to take place in November/December. With ultra-modern venues, optimal playing conditions and a compact event footprint, the host nation will provide a unique platform to celebrate the game and its ability to connect and inspire people around the world. The tournament will follow the traditional format, with 32 participating teams and 64 matches, offering a highly competitive group stage followed by an exciting knockout phase.

FIFA’s Director of Media Rights & Content Services, Jean-Christophe Petit, said, “We are pleased to welcome a new partner for the FIFA World Cup™ 2022 rights in Greece. Antenna TV will offer extensive coverage of the event on its linear and digital platforms, ensuring that this unique FIFA World Cup is unforgettable for all Greek fans.”

Through the sale of media rights for its tournaments, FIFA generates income which is essential to support and develop football around the world, for instance through the FIFA Forward Development Programme.

Stella Litou, General Manager of Television, Antenna Group, said: “Securing the exclusive media rights to the biggest football tournament in the world proves, once again, Antenna’s position as the Greek broadcast market leader. Televising the FIFA World Cup 2022™ supports the vision of Antenna Group Chairman, Theodore Kyriakou, to provide content of the highest quality for our viewers, across all our media assets and platforms.

“We are delighted to be the first private TV channel in Greece to broadcast this, the most important football event in the world, giving our viewers the chance to enjoy, free to air, the greatest moments from football’s biggest stars, on sport’s biggest stage.”

NBA And FIBA Collaborate To Operate A Standalone League In Africa

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced the formation of NBA Africa, a new entity that will conduct the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL) – a partnership between the NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside of North America. 

The inaugural BAL season, featuring 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries, is underway in Kigali, Rwanda, and the first BAL Finals will be held Sunday, May 30 at 4:00 p.m. CAT / 10 a.m. ET.

The strategic investors include a consortium led by Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo, Chairman and CEO of Yinka Folawiyo Group; and Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation (HFP), led by Tope Lawani, Co-CEO of HFP and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners (“Helios”), HFP’s investment advisor. 

The investors’ expertise in a wide range of industries and established relationships with African businesses, governments and NGOs will help accelerate the NBA’s growth across the continent.  Lawani and Folawiyo will also join the NBA Africa Board of Directors, which is led by NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams and includes NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.

Helios Fairfax Partners Co-CEO Tope Lawani said: “Throughout Helios’ history, we have bridged international capital and expertise to African talent and enterprise, and this is a unique opportunity for us to do so in the world of sport by partnering with the NBA, a truly best-in-class operator.  As a committed and experienced partner for businesses operating across Africa, we look forward to contributing our expertise, connectivity and market knowledge to support NBA Africa’s growth throughout the continent.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said: “Today’s announcement is the result of many years of investment and on-the-ground work to grow the game of basketball in Africa and a recognition of the enormous opportunities ahead for the NBA on the continent.  We believe that basketball can become a top sport across Africa over the next decade, and I look forward to working closely with our investors to make that goal a reality.”

Milwaukee Bucks Adds Motorola To Its Partner Roster

The Milwaukee Bucks and Motorola have formed a multi-year partnership that will bring the iconic Motorola “batwing” logo to the front left shoulder of all Bucks jerseys, beginning with the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

In addition to being the Bucks’ new jersey patch partner, the Chicago-based telecommunications giant has joined the list of Bucks and Fiserv Forum Founding Partners and is now the team’s Official Mobile Smartphone Partner.

“As we embark on our playoff run, we’re proud to have Motorola with us every step of the way as our new jersey patch partner,” said Peter Feigin, Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum President “Like the Bucks, Motorola is a global company with roots in the Midwest that’s known for its forward thinking and innovation. We’re thrilled that they’ll be sewn into the fabric of what we do, both as part of our uniform and as our newest Founding Partner, and we’re excited to bring the best of both companies to an international audience.”

“Motorola and the Milwaukee Bucks share rich histories of tradition, innovation and a passion for putting consumers first,” said Rudi Kalil, VP and general manager, North America at Motorola. “The team’s energy, enthusiasm and dedication to their craft is infectious. We’re proud to officially welcome the Bucks into the Motorola family and are thrilled to connect with their fans and NBA sports fanatics worldwide.”

As part of the partnership, Motorola will also have its branding displayed on Bucks practice jerseys, a first for the team’s jersey patch partner, and will be part of in-arena replays and digital displays at Fiserv Forum. The Bucks and Motorola will also be able to market their partnership internationally as part of the NBA’s International Team Marketing Program.

The Bucks and Motorola, in conjunction with the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation, will also collaborate on a community initiative with a focus on STEM education and advancement. Further details of this community program will be announced at a later date.

City Football Group Becomes An Investor In Co-op Live

Oak View Group (OVG) has confirmed that City Football Group (CFG), the global operator of football and sports-related business, has become OVG’s equal joint venture partner and investor in Co-op Live, alongside Harry Styles, who has taken a minority stake in the pioneering venue.

Together, OVG and CFG will deliver one of the world’s most advanced and sustainable venues that pushes the boundaries of live entertainment experiences and advances the Etihad Campus as an entertainment and leisure destination that makes Manchester an even more attractive city for people from the UK and around the world to visit.

Co-op Live plays a pivotal role in CFG’s ambitions to continue developing the Etihad Campus as a global sport, leisure and entertainment destination that is a significant source of community, employment and economic opportunity for Manchester. 

The new joint venture builds on the 2019 pre-planning collaboration that saw CFG, as lead developer of the Etihad Campus, support OVG’s feasibility studies and community consultations in advance of September 2020 planning approval. 

Tim Leiweke, Co-Founder and CEO, OVG, commented: “We are thrilled that CFG has chosen to invest in Co-op Live, and we can’t think of a better partner for this project. We are creating one of the world’s best arenas in Manchester. This venue will push the boundaries of live entertainment and be a significant source of opportunity for the city. We also know that this is precisely the right time to make such a substantial financial investment in Manchester, helping it build back from the terrible impact of COVID-19. 

“The Etihad Campus was always a clear choice due to its proximity to the city centre and the opportunity to be part of a growing visitor destination with excellent existing transport links. With CFG as a JV partner, we can push the boundaries on how Co-op Live delivers for artists, every single fan, the UK’s music industry and the city by creating a magical intersection of sports, community and entertainment that will be the envy of the world.” 

Marty Edelman, Board Director at City Football Group, commented: “Co-op Live unlocks the potential for the Etihad Campus to grow as an entertainment destination that creates more reasons for the nation and world to visit Manchester.

“The Chairman and the Board’s priority has always been to ensure Co-op Live seamlessly integrates with the Campus and compliments Manchester’s city centre offer. As a joint venture partner and investor, we will ensure the Co-op Live becomes part of the fabric of East Manchester and delivers the fullest community and economic impact as Manchester, and the wider region builds back from COVID.” 

The British & Irish Lions Signs Dove Men+Care As Product Of Choice

Unilever’s leading male skincare brand Dove Men+Care has announced that it will become Product of Choice to The British & Irish Lions for the 2021 Castle Lager Lions Series in South Africa.

The partnership extends Dove Men+Care’s commitment to rugby complementing the long-term relationships with the English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Italian rugby unions; and the Six Nations.



Dove Men+Care will work with brand ambassadors and the Lions to showcase what it means to be selected, discover how players balance excellence on the pitch with parenthood at home, and highlight caring moments throughout the Lions Tour.



A bespoke range of Lions branded products and gift sets will also be created by Dove Men+Care to complement in store activation and TV advertising, while the brand will benefit from product integration in the dressing rooms during the series.  

Chris Barron, Vice President of Beauty & Personal Care, Unilever UK & Ireland said: “We are extremely excited to enhance our commitment to rugby and partner with the Lions, rugby’s most prestigious touring side.


“The British and Irish Lions is a unique team built on the foundations of respect and caring for one another on and off the field. We are extremely excited to see the very best of British and Irish Rugby coming together for what we hope will be another historic Lions Series.” 

Tom Halsey, Commercial Director at The British & Irish Lions added: “We are very pleased to welcome Dove Men+Care to our family of commercial partners.

“Dove Men+Care has a track record of activating eye-catching sports campaigns and we look forward to working with them as the Tour approaches.”   

WNBA Names PointsBet As Authorized Gaming Operator

PointsBet, a top-tier global sportsbook operator, and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) have signed a new partnership making PointsBet an Authorized Gaming Operator of the WNBA.

The relationship adds to PointsBet’s impressive list of partners in the U.S., including the National Basketball Association (NBA), and notably represents the company’s first deal with a women’s professional sports league.

“We are thrilled to align with the WNBA and bring the world-class PointsBet experience to one of the most digitally-engaged fan bases on earth. The WNBA has done a phenomenal job with growing fan engagement, and PointsBet is excited to be a piece of that puzzle moving forward,” said Johnny Aitken, CEO of PointsBet USA.

“In owning and operating our technology from end to end, PointsBet can innovate our product and personalize our offerings according to fan interest and needs – WNBA supporters will appreciate this competitive advantage, as well as our app’s market-leading speed and ease of use.”

As part of the partnership, PointsBet will integrate the WNBA into their betting platforms and receive WNBA sponsorship and brand visibility opportunities. This partnership is another bold move for the WNBA, a league looking to grow in the sports betting landscape, by bringing on operators who are looking to support the best women’s basketball in the world while also growing the game using their wide audience reach.

“Innovating at the WNBA and enhancing the fan experience starts with recognizing how our fans want to interact with the players, teams, and the league, and PointsBet will enhance a second screen experience that digitally-engaged fans are looking for,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “We’re excited to partner with PointsBet to continue expanding in the sports betting space and look forward to the innovative ideas they will bring to our game.”  

Leicester City Strikes Record Deal With FBS

Leicester City has signed a new three-year agreement with the global online trading company FBS as its principal club partner.

The partnership will begin with the 2021/2022 season, with the Foxes wearing the new shirts with the FBS logo for the first time in the final Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at King Power Stadium this Sunday 23 May.More on this story…Leicester City 2021/22 adidas Home Kit Revealed

The partnership will bring together the 2015/16 Premier League champions and 2021 FA Cup winners with one of the world’s fastest-growing financial services companies.

This commitment between FBS and the Club will harness the growing strength of the Leicester City story to showcase the unique capabilities of FBS to transform the way the world invests. With its name on the front of the Foxes shirt and other key media, FBS will build worldwide awareness of its technology and trading services.

FBS has over 16 million customers worldwide and operates in almost all countries globally. The company’s ambition is to utilise technology to make investing into the financial markets accessible to everyone, making it the ideal fit for Leicester City, who have created a global community of fans spanning cultures and continents following their famous Premier League win in 2015/16.

Susan Whelan, Chief Executive Officer for Leicester City, said: “We are tremendously proud to be beginning this partnership with FBS, one of the most exciting and dynamic global financial services companies. Establishing key partners of this scale and ambition has always been a central part of our vision for the Club, enabling us to keep investing in improvement and growth while enhancing the Club’s profile all over the world. We are looking forward to working with FBS to bring to life our vision for the partnership to the world and our global fanbase.”

Yulia Ivanova, FBS Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are very excited about this partnership and the opportunity to align FBS with the incredible Leicester City story, which continues to capture the imagination of sports fans all over the world. It will significantly expand our brand positioning and it will help us market our comprehensive solutions portfolio to all customers globally. We are extremely proud to partner with Leicester City and to be part of the Club’s story in the years to come.”

Two New Investors Join Leyton Orient’s Board

Two new investors have joined the Leyton Orient’s board of directors and also the board of Eagle.

They are:

Coley Parry – Founder and CEO of the Common Group, a venture capital platform that invests in early and mid-stage companies across multiple sectors in the US and UK.

Nick Semaca – An experienced business leader and strategist, Nick has nearly 20 years of experience at the international consulting firm, McKinsey & Company.  Since his retirement, Nick has become an active investor in a number of start-ups and also in a minor league baseball team in the US.

Other new significant investors James Fenton, Joe Cugine, Kevin Willer, Jason Baine and Jeff Devron will bring varied business expertise and experience to the Club. In addition, Rich Emmett and Nigel Travis have increased their investment in Eagle.

In order to facilitate these transactions, Kent Teague has cancelled just over £2m of his shares in Eagle. To transfer the full benefit of his generosity to Leyton Orient, an equivalent amount has been written off the loan balance due from the Football Club to Eagle. Kent remains a substantial shareholder and Vice-Chairman and stays fully involved in the future development of the Club.

Chairman Nigel Travis commented: “As a personal investor in the new round of funding, these are very exciting developments for Leyton Orient, and I want to thank my great partner Kent for his generosity and good counsel.

“We are very pleased to welcome our new Board members and other investors and expect Leyton Orient to be even more competitive in the years to come including a promotion in the near future. We know all the new investors are excited about Leyton Orient’s future.”