McLaren Racing Appoints QNTMPAY As Official Digital Banking Partner

McLaren Racing announced a multi-year Formula 1 partnership with QNTMPAY, which will see the global challenger bank become the team’s Official Digital Banking Partner.

QNTMPAY is a digital bank that delivers new levels of speed, rewards, security and convenience to consumers who demand a better experience and want to break free from the constraints of traditional banking.

The partnership between the brands is built on a shared passion for independence, innovation and technology. These attributes sit at the heart of QNTMPAY’s ethos, providing technology-savvy members with tools and experiences that allow them to achieve financial peace of mind and freedom.

As part of the partnership, QNTMPAY branding will be represented on the McLaren MCL35M race cars’ cockpit surrounds and the McLaren F1 driver race suits of Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo for the 2021 season. QNTMPAY will activate the McLaren partnership through a global marketing campaign, ‘Make Your Move,’ which inspires and rewards consumers to join a bank that puts them in the driver’s seat.

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said: “QNTMPAY shares a similar passion to McLaren for redefining and improving consumer experience at every touch point. As we continue to progress as a team, we are delighted to announce this partnership with QNTMPAY, casting a spotlight on a new and exciting brand on a global stage. We look forward to entering the 2021 Formula 1 season and beyond.”

Adam Pearsall, Founder and CEO, QNTMPAY, said: “I have created a bank built for the people – the next generation who demand more from their financial institutions. Identifying McLaren as our launch partner was an easy decision as we share the same values; both have a strong entrepreneurial DNA and are constantly innovating.

We are excited to partner with McLaren to shape the future of digital banking and payments with our technology. QNTMPAY’s mission is to change people’s relationship with their money and enable them to take back control. Through partnering with McLaren, we extend our mission to a network of over 208 million fans.”

Formula 1 Names Drive Coffee As Official Coffee Provider

Formula 1 has announced Drive Coffee as its Official Coffee Provider, as part of an exciting new multi-year partnership, ahead of the upcoming 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship.

As the first specialty coffee company to carry the designation in the sport’s illustrious history, Drive Coffee has been chosen because of its unparalleled commitment to the customer experience, quality, ethical sourcing and sustainability. The Colorado-based coffee roaster and cold brew coffee drink manufacturer also shares a unique commitment to the values and history of Formula 1 that has created a diverse and global customer base for its coffees in over 30 countries, including most Grand Prix host countries.

The multi-year exclusive partnership will see Drive Coffee served at each Grand Prix, including the exclusive F1 Paddock Club and Paddock areas, as well as other official F1 events outside of World Championship races. In addition to on-site presence at Formula 1 races and events, Drive Coffee will soon be releasing a line of F1 co-branded coffee products and ready to drink beverages that will be rolled out in grocery and convenience stores globally.

Ben Pincus, Director of Commercial Partnerships at Formula 1, said: “We are delighted to be announcing Drive Coffee as the Official Coffee Provider of Formula 1 ahead of the new season. Their high-quality product, relentless approach to improvement and passion for the sport will allow us to reach fans in a new way and provide them with the fuel to enjoy our longest season yet. We can’t wait for fans to try it!”

Alex Grappo, Drive Coffee CEO and Founder said: “The partnership with Formula 1 was a natural fit given the unwavering commitment on both sides to the shared values of excellence, performance, innovation, and resiliency. The unique environment of the last 18 months has made us more committed than ever to the Drive Coffee core values of keeping people fuelled, optimistic, and inspired even in the face of challenges and adversity.

We have always believed that the way people start their mornings will set the stage for what happens in the days ahead. The confidence placed in us by Formula 1 with this partnership provides us the unique opportunity to now enable millions of Formula 1 fans to start every morning, and fuel each day, with an experience inspired by one of their greatest passions.”

Extreme E Onboards XITE Energy As Official Energy Drink Supplier

Extreme E, the pioneering electric off-road racing championship, has signed XITE Energy as the official Energy Drink Supplier to the sport for purpose series.

XITE Energy, which was born in Bristol UK, is only two years old but has already made huge waves in the highly competitive energy drinks market. The brainchild of university graduate and rally driver Oliver Bennett – who is racing in Extreme E for the Hispano Suiza XITE Energy Team – and co founder Megan Jones.

The product is designed to resonate with fellow Gen Z’ers by using nootropics (Cognitive amino acids that aid concentration and focus) natural caffeine (green coffee bean), natural flavours, pansax ginseng, L-tyrosine and L-carnitine – all designed to keep energy levels constant without the ‘highs and lows’ associated with most other energy drinks. The brand is also proud that 1p for every can sold goes to mental health charities.

You can pickup the drinks nationwide in forecourts, Holland and Barrett, Ocado and WH Smith. Or delivered directly to your door via drinkxite.com

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “I’m delighted to welcome XITE Energy to the Extreme E family. The product is a perfect fit for our series; not only do the drinks taste and make you feel great, but the company also shares many of Extreme E’s core values including investment in renewable energies and sustainable transport systems.

“In addition, XITE will be supplying reusable bottles to everyone on-site at our race events. One of our championship’s many missions is to highlight the damage that pollution causes and how we can all make a positive difference to our planet by reducing our use of single-use plastic.”

Extreme E, which debuts in Saudi Arabia is just 9 days, is a sport on a mission to shine a spotlight on the world’s climate crisis. The series will visit five remote locations; arctic, desert, rainforest, glacier, and coastal; which are already damaged or severely under threat of climate change from a range of serious issues including melting ice caps, deforestation, desertification, and rising sea levels, which are all impacted by climate change and human influences.

Oliver Bennett said: “This is a really exciting step forward for XITE Energy to partner the global race series of a generation. There are some real parallels in the way the energy drinks and motorsport sectors are evolving. For so long, there was no alternative to internal combustion if you wanted to go racing. Now? We’re 100% electric.

“XITE Energy is the energy drink equivalent. The synergy between XITE and Extreme E is incredible. XITE Energy provides sustained energy thanks to the use of natural caffeine and nootropics while my Extreme E race car’s battery is filled with electricity sourced by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen.

“But this is about more than that. It’s a business and lifestyle choice. It’s about looking after each other, it’s why we make a donation to a mental health charity for every can we sell.

“Our parent firm – Bee Green Energy – is a renewable energy company putting 100MW of green energy into the national grid; as a group, we’re carbon neutral and very much focused on the future.

“Extreme E was the only way forward for us.

“The environment is at the forefront of everything we do, that’s something running through an expanding product range focused firmly on delivering a natural, sustained energy boost. But this is about more than an energy drink. It’s about breaking new ground in one of the most competitive sectors of business ever. The energy drinks market is vibrant, exciting and very, very powerful. Working alongside Extreme E, we’re looking forward to providing a sustainable, energised future for motorsport.”

SailGP Agrees Distribution Partnership With SNTV

SNTV, the world’s leading sports news video provider, has partnered with SailGP – the sport’s pinnacle league – to distribute all race highlights, pre and post-race reaction, as well as athlete features and social initiatives, bringing fans worldwide even closer to the action.

The second season of SailGP features eight national teams squaring off in eight events across three continents – starting with the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess in one month’s time (24/25 April). The partnership will see SNTV showcase SailGP content from each event in front of its engaged international network of 1,200+ media outlets across broadcast, digital and social, driving awareness and increasing the profile of its second season globally.

With SNTV’s extensive social partner network and bespoke PR services, SailGP will also see its video news content actively promoted across some of the largest multisport social channels in the world, key sport-specific websites as well as major regional channels. All video distribution will be underpinned with bespoke usage and data insights, enabling SailGP to tailor its content, drive fan engagement and demonstrate tangible value to current and potential sponsors.

Sam Leadsom, SailGP Director of Broadcast Production said: “We are extremely excited to partner with SNTV to be able to tap into their extensive network in order to enhance the distribution of our content and increase SailGP’s reach to fans and audiences worldwide. In addition to the intense, high-speed racing content, we will work with SNTV to use creative storytelling to draw people’s attention to all aspects of the championship, such as how SailGP is racing for a better future and championing a world powered by nature to a global audience.”

James Dobbs, Managing Director at SNTV, said: “It’s hard to believe this is only SailGP’s second season given what recognised events they have become in the calendar. They have fantastic stories to tell, both on and off the water, and SNTV is excited to bring these moments to life and share them with our worldwide channel network.

“SNTV’s ability to provide premium sports content to fans in every region whilst driving engagement for SailGP means we’re in the fortunate position to deliver value to all parties.

“The team line-ups and race locations will undoubtedly deliver a really special second season and what better way to start than with the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix next month.”

888 To Title Sponsor 2021 Portugese Grand Prix

Dorna Sports is delighted to announce 888 as the title sponsor for the 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix.

The event takes place at the stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve from the 16th to the 18th of April and will be named the Grande Prémio 888 de Portugal.

888 holdings is one of the world’s leading online gaming and entertainment operators. Founded in 1997, the company has now grown to enjoy a presence in 60 different countries around the world, including Portugal.

Brand 888casino, which can be accessed via 888.pt, offers a well-regulated and safe gaming environment for Portuguese players to enjoy the best slots, roulette and online entertainment games in Portuguese, focusing on responsible and accessible entertainment.

Monica Rangel, Head of PT Markets at 888 Portugal: “It is a thrilling moment for everyone at 888 while we position ourselves as unequivocal supporters for motorcycle sports globally. In challenging times, we consider this a true sign of confidence for Portugal and a clear statement on its importance in international sports events. Above all at 888 we want to support and celebrate this moment with all Portuguese fans.”

Pau Serracanta, Managing Director at Dorna Sports: “We are very happy to welcome 888 as title sponsor for the Portuguese Grand Prix and see the 888 name take top billing at one of the most spectacular tracks on the calendar. 888 is a well-known and respected name in the field and we’re very happy to welcome them back to MotoGP.”

RLWC2021 Strengthens Team With Three Senior Appointments

RLWC2021’s determination to maintain the highest levels of governance and integrity in delivering the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup has been further strengthened by three significant appointments to the RLWC2021 Board.

RLWC2021 have appointed Jonathan Caine, Lord Caine, who served as a special adviser to six Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland, will become the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) representative on the tournament’s Board.

Sue Catton will be the UK Sport representative and was Head of Events and Competitions at England and Great Britain Hockey, delivering four major European and World level back-to-back events, culminating in the successful Women’s Hockey World Cup in 2018.

Previously Sue was the Sport Manager for both Hockey and Wheelchair Rugby at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and has also held Non-Executive Director positions with the International Hockey Federation and England Hockey.

The International Rugby League representative is Emma Young, who is an independent technology consultant and specialises in enabling businesses and organisational change through the provision of technology solutions. 

Emma joined the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2007 and as Head of Telecommunication Services led the staff, partners, and suppliers responsible for the strategy, design and delivery of technology infrastructure and telecoms services critical to the successful operation of the London 2012 games and has subsequently been an advisor to the International Olympic Committee.

The RLWC2021 Board will also be supported by the strategic advice of Hitesh Patel, Head of International Sport, Major Sports Events at DCMS who joins the Board as an observer.

The new Board members join the independent directors – Stuart Cain (CEO of Warwickshire County Cricket Club), Stacey Knight (Commercial & Marketing Director at CSM Live), Mike Perls MBE (CEO of MC2) and Robert Sullivan (CEO of the Football Foundation). Karen Moorhouse (Chief Regulatory Officer at the RFL) completes the Board as the final nominated director.

Chris Brindley MBE, the RLWC2021 chair, said: “We welcome three highly committed and talented Board members at this crucial moment on the road to successfully delivering the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup.”

“Our recent independent Board evaluation showed that RLWC2021 is a trustworthy organisation with high integrity and the Board has played a key supporting role in building a huge amount of credibility over the last five years. We know our new members will add to the strength of the organisation.”

UEFA Agrees Landmark Deal With Just Eat

UEFA has signed a landmark deal with Just Eat Takeaway.com, which has become a wide-ranging partner for a number of UEFA’s flagship competitions.  

This partnership covers 11 different competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the newly created UEFA Europa Conference League. The agreement for UEFA’s men’s club competitions, which also includes the UEFA Super Cup, the UEFA Futsal Champions League and the UEFA Youth League, will run from 2021 until 2024.  

Just Eat Takeaway.com has also signed an agreement to become a UEFA Women’s Football partner. This will give the online food delivery marketplace sponsorship rights for the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the UEFA Women’s EURO, as well as the UEFA Women’s Futsal EURO and the UEFA European Women’s Under-19 and U17 Championships.  

In November 2019, Just Eat Takeaway.com announced a sponsorship deal with UEFA EURO 2020 as the tournament’s Official Food Delivery Platform Partner. 

“Just Eat Takeaway.com are a market leader in their field and we were delighted when they joined as a UEFA partner for the UEFA EURO at the end of 2019,” said Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA marketing director.  

“This latest deal to partner with 11 UEFA competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and Europa Conference League and all women’s competitions, shows their commitment to supporting all levels of football across Europe, while with their digital expertise, Just Eat Takeaway.com will be providing fans with an easy and seamless way to order food, as they simultaneously watch some of European football’s biggest stars compete in some of the world’s most important club and national team competitions.” 

Just Eat Takeaway.com’s four-year partnership to support women’s football across all age groups, will run through to mid-2025. Aside from five competitions, the online food delivery company will also partner with UEFA’s Together #WePlayStrong programme, which is aimed at encouraging more girls and women to play football. 

“This is such an exciting time to be connected with women’s football, which is growing at an incredible rate and we are delighted to have Just Eat Takeaway.com joining us for the next four years,” said Nadine Kessler, UEFA chief of women’s football.  

“The 2021/22 season will see the women’s game move to new heights with the UEFA Women’s Champions League featuring a 16-team group stage as well as centralised marketing and TV coverage. Meanwhile, next year’s UEFA Women’s EURO in England promises to be our biggest national team competition yet.” 

As part of the deal, Just Eat Takeaway.com will have exposure opportunities such as stadium LED board advertising, as well as exclusive on-site activation experiences. 

“Our strategy is to pair our premium household brands with the most premium sport events on the planet,” said Jitse Groen, CEO and founder of Just Eat Takeaway.com. “It is especially important for us to sponsor both the women’s and the men’s tournaments. Our brand is for everybody, and sports should be too. We share these goals with UEFA.” 

FIH Signs Non-Exclusive Media Rights With Fox Sports In Asia

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced a non-exclusive media rights agreement with FOX Sports in Asia, for the remaining matches of the 2020-2021 FIH Hockey Pro League season.

This news comes after a similar deal was recently signed by FIH with the network For the Fans (FTF) in the United States and Canada.

The agreement includes the following territories: Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, East Timor, Thailand and Vietnam.

The matches will be available either live or delayed.

FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “We’re very happy to be partnering with FOX Sports, which will help us increase the reach of the FIH Hockey Pro League – ‘Hockey at its Best’ – in Asia. In these particularly challenging times, being able to sign this deal with such a strong network – in addition to the one we achieved with For The Fans recently – is a really positive sign.”

McLaren Agrees Partnership With Cryptocurrency Brand Bitci.com

McLaren Racing has signed a new long-term partnership with Bitci.com which will see the cryptocurrency exchange become an official partner of the McLaren Formula 1 team.

In the coming months, Bitci.com and McLaren will launch their own official fan token, the first of its kind in Formula 1. The token will work on Bitci Chain, Turkey’s first native blockchain platform, which was developed by Turkish engineers and software developers within Bitci Technology.

Under the partnership, Bitci.com branding will be represented on the McLaren MCL35M race cars and on the driver helmets of the McLaren F1 drivers, Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo.

Mark Waller, Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Racing said: “We are delighted to announce Bitci.com as an official partner of our McLaren F1 team. This long-term partnership with the brand and our introduction of a fan token will be the first of its kind in this sport. We look forward to working with Bitci.com and seeing the brand for the first time on the MCL35M at the start of the 2021 Formula 1 season in Bahrain this weekend.”

Çağdaş Çağlar, Chairman, Bitci Technology said: “Formula 1 is among the most acclaimed and watched sports in the world. The fact that McLaren Racing, one of the most outstanding teams and considered as one of the legends of Formula 1 all over the world with its successes, has chosen to work with a Turkish blockchain company for this project is very significant as this is the solid proof for the global success of Turkish entrepreneurs, engineers and software developers.”

CityAccord To Explore Event-Hosting Outlook In Evolving Landscape At SportAccord 2021

SportAccord has confirmed that the theme of ‘Event Hosting in the New Reality and Ever-Expanding World of Sport’ will be explored during the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2021 CityAccord Conference in Ekaterinburg, Russia at the IEC Ekaterinburg-Expo.

Following the CityAccord host welcome by Evgeny Kuivashev, Governor of the Russian Federation’s Sverdlovsk Oblast region, a presentation focusing on major events and sport tourism will provide delegates with an insight into the SportAccord 2021 host city’s capabilities and ambitions.

“Ekaterinburg and Sverdlovsk Oblast are justly considered not only the industrial and cultural but also the sports center of Russia, with the sports community’s interest in the region growing year by year.” Kuivashev said. “We hosted FIFA World Cup games, the World Boxing Championships, Grand Slam tournaments, the Ski Jumping World Cup, and other major competitions. I am convinced CityAccord will help us demonstrate all our sports and tourism potential and will be the ground for discussing new challenges the top-level contest organizers are going to face amidst the global transformations.”

The packed programme will also feature case studies and panel sessions that will shine a spotlight on topics such as relationships between International Sport Federations and host cities, mixed-gender sports and gender equality within events, grassroots sports development, and the influence of sports infrastructure on a country’s social and economic development.

Furthermore, a series of Toolbox Sessions will also deliver quick-fire presentations, with experts offering their insights into areas ranging from ‘smart’ sports infrastructure through to a data-driven approach to targeting new event audiences amongst others.

The opening remarks will be provided by members of the CityAccord Steering Committee, including World Union of Olympic Cities Secretary General Mélanie Duparc, Los Angeles Sports Council Senior Advisor David Simon, and Sports ETA (Sports Events and Tourism Association) President and CEO Al Kidd.

CityAccord will sit alongside SportAccord’s other conference streams – HealthAccord, the newly launched InvestAccord and ArtAccord, LawAccord, MediaAccord and the main SportAccord Summit programme – offering delegates clear signposts to specific areas of interest during a busy week of meetings and networking opportunities in Ekaterinburg.

The annual World Sport & Business Summit is a six-day event attended by leaders of the global sports community. As the only global sports industry event attended by all International Sport Federations and their stakeholders, SportAccord also brings together organising committees, hosting cities and regions, governments and administrations, rights-holders, agencies and athletes, as well as top-level experts and organisations from the sports media, technology, investment, medical and legal sectors.