Shorts: Ben Whittaker, Yellow Panther, Extreme H

British Olympic silver medallist Ben Whittaker has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.

The 28-year-old light-heavyweight, who won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, turned professional in 2022 and holds an unbeaten record of 9-0-1.

The move sees Whittaker leave his previous promotional company, Boxxer.

Whittaker said, “I think things happen for a reason. I’m at the right stage in my career now to pick the right platform and go for the right fights. So this move just made sense.”

The FIA Extreme H World Cup has collaborated with consulting and activation agency VMATCH to support its sponsorship and brand partnership strategy.

As part of the agreement, VMATCH will provide strategic sales and partnership support, helping the world’s first hydrogen motorsport to expand its commercial programme and secure long-term collaborations with global brands. The agency specialises in building partnerships across sport and entertainment.

The championship builds on the legacy of Extreme E and will feature hydrogen-powered racing cars and a gender-equal racing format.

Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme H, said, “FIA Extreme H World Cup Extreme H is about pushing boundaries, both in motorsport innovation and in how we engage with partners.

“VMATCH has a proven track record of delivering creative, impactful brand collaborations, and we’re delighted to have them on board as we build out the commercial vision for the championship. Together, we will attract partners who want to be part of a pioneering journey in sport and sustainability.”

Global digital studio and technology provider Yellow Panther has announced a major change to its UK leadership team with two senior appointments.

Edwina Price joins the company as Head of Projects, bringing over twenty years of experience in leading digital and technology projects. She will join the senior leadership team and oversee all delivery operations.

The appointment allows the current Head of Projects, Andrew Rapley, to move into the newly created role of Managing Director. Rapley will now focus on strategic growth, recruitment, and expanding the company’s presence in the sport and media sectors.

Gunjan Parikh, Co-Founder & CEO of Yellow Panther, said, “As we continue to scale, leadership is everything. Edwina’s expertise in delivery and Andrew’s expanded remit gives us the balance we need, strong operational leadership on the ground, with a sharp focus on international growth and innovation in sports tech.”

Sports media rights executive David Kogan OBE has been confirmed as the first chair of English football’s new independent regulator (IFR).

Kogan has held senior positions in the television and sports industries for 45 years, negotiating multi-billion pound TV rights deals on behalf of major sporting bodies including the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL).

The regulator was a recommendation of a fan-led review and became law in July through the Football Governance Act. The body is intended to improve governance and financial sustainability across the football pyramid and will have powers to stop clubs from joining breakaway competitions.

Dame Helen Stephenson and Simon Levine have also been appointed to the board as Non-Executive Directors. Stephenson is a board member of the ECB Regulatory Board, while Levine is a lawyer with over 35 years of experience providing advice across the media and sport sectors.

Red Roses official beauty partner Clinique has launched the third season of its GameFace grassroots rugby initiative, which will see it sponsor four more women’s teams in the UK.

The programme, first launched in 2022, is designed to support young women and girls in rugby by providing clubs with funding, equipment, and education. The initiative aims to tackle low self-esteem, which research suggests is a reason 61% of girls avoid playing sport.

Grassroots clubs can apply for the funding and support, with a panel of judges, including Red Roses ambassadors, set to select the winning clubs.

The expansion builds on Clinique’s partnership with the Red Roses, which saw the brand become the team’s official beauty partner in the run-up to the 2025 Rugby World Cup. The initiative is part of a wider partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and has also included the launch of a limited-edition co-branded moisturiser.

Holly Aitchison, Red Roses player, said, “Clinique’s support for women’s rugby, from grassroots clubs to the Red Roses, is more than just a sponsorship – it’s a shared mission. I’m so excited GameFace is back – continuing to give young women in rugby confidence, resources and support to thrive on and off the pitch. I’m proud to be part of a movement that’s changing the game for good.”

Premier Sports Network has entered a strategic partnership with wealth management firm Titan Wealth to launch a dedicated sports division.

The new division will deliver bespoke financial services, education, and career transition support to athletes, executives, and high-net-worth individuals across the sports industry. The collaboration combines Titan Wealth’s financial expertise with PSN’s network of over 45,000 industry decision-makers.

As part of the agreement, the two organisations plan to establish a base in the UAE to support sports professionals relocating to and from the Middle East. The partnership will also feature an annual series of exclusive events connecting financial advisers with athletes and executives.

Mike Fogden, Chief Marketing Officer, Titan Wealth, said, “We’re excited to bring our wealth management expertise to a dynamic and fast-evolving market, supporting elite athletes and executives with the trusted guidance they need to secure their financial futures and successful, long-term outcomes.

“In addition, our Sports division will provide impactful education and coaching on financial planning and wealth management; particularly supporting young elite players with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate their fast-paced futures. We will also open doors via our Academy Programme for those professionals seeking meaningful, structured transitions to a post-pitch career in financial services.”

Spencer Hidge, Founder of Premier Sports Network, added, “We’re delighted to partner with Titan Wealth, who share our vision of building trust and long-term value in the sports industry. Over the last 10 years, PSN has pioneered how athletes and executives connect with world-class service providers, and this partnership is a natural evolution. Together, we’ll provide the sports community access to the best financial guidance and wealth management expertise.”