Hisense returns to World Cup action with Qatar 2022 deal
April 29 – Chinese consumer electronics company Hisense is returning as a World Cup sponsor for the Qatar 2022 edition, having debuted with FIFA in Russia in 2017 and 2018.
Football Marketing
Premier League seeks to roll over £1.5bn domestic TV deals, asks for government approval
April 28 – The Premier League’s underpinning £1.5 billion domestic TV rights deals could be rolled over for at least another two years if government agrees to waive any competition law concerns.
Nent Group’s Viaplay to drive streaming expansion with long term Bundesliga deal to 2029
April 28 – The preference for longer term broadcast deals is increasing with Germany’s Bundesliga agreeing a deal with Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT) that will run through to 2029.
Premier Sports doubles up in Scotland adding title sponsorship to League Cup TV rights
April 28 – Broadcaster Premier Sports has added the title sponsorship of the Scottish League Cup to its exclusive broadcast rights deal in an agreement that will run for at least two years and see the knockout competition renamed the Premier Sports Cup.
Avery Dennison embeds smart-technology into shirts as PL Hall of Fame launch gathers pace
April 28 – The recent launch of the Premier League Hall of Fame with Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry as the first inaugural inductees, has been followed up by a fan vote for the next six legends to be inducted.
Angel City FC hires Rabbatt’s WSG to build brand globally
April 28 – Angel City FC who made headlines worldwide at their launch with their big hitting all-female ownership group, has hired the UK-based Women’s Sports Group (WSG) to work with club to build the brand.
FC Cincinnati signs TQL as naming rights partner for new $250m stadium
April 27 – MLS side FC Cincinnati has sold naming rights to their new $250 million stadium to Total Quality Logistics (TQL), a Cincinnati business.
AFC licenses its major competitions to StarTimes in Africa for 2021
April 27 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has increased distribution in Africa of its major competitions with the announcement of StarTimes as its new media partner in Sub-Saharan Africa for 2021.
Eredivisie pushes Dutch brand with Score!Hero 2 mobile game hook-up
April 27 – The Eredivisie has agreed a three-year agreement with gaming developers First Touch Games with its 18 clubs appearing in the new version of mobile football game Score! Hero 2.
AFC expands its footprint in Europe with Fanseat platform deal
April 21 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has partnered with PPV and subscription-based digital broadcast platform Fanseat in eight European territories.
Premier League clubs plan social media blackout to send message on abuse
April 20 – English Premier League clubs are planning a social media blackout next month in response to continued online abuse of players.
Spurs gloss over tweets after Dulux paint themselves into a corner
April 16 – New Tottenham Hotspur sponsor Dulux were left red-faced, having to apologise for a series of social media posts mocking Tottenham after its new commercial partnership with the London club was announced.
MLS sign P&G corporate deal in advance of season kick-off
April 14 – With the MLS season kicking off on Friday, the league has announced a five-year deal sponsorship with Procter & Gamble, reportedly worth $80-100 million.
Integrated Sports takes Conmebol’s Qatar 2022 qualifiers into US on PPV
April 14 – South America’s delayed World Cup 2022 qualifiers, now scheduled to restart in June, will be available for viewers in the US on pay per view channels at $25.95 per game.
Inter Miami sign AutoNation stadium naming rights deal
April 13 – MLS side Inter Miami have secured a three-year stadium rights naming deal with US car retailer AutoNation. The agreement will also branding on first team training kits.