Shorts: British & Irish Lions, Baller League, Rangers
The British & Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have named the Great Barrier Reef Foundation as their global charity partner for the upcoming Lions Tour in 2025.
This partnership aims to raise awareness and funds for the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef, with both rugby organisations aiming to address the challenge of coral reef preservation.
Home to over 1,600 species of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth. However, climate change poses a significant threat, without action, up to 90% of coral reefs could vanish by 2050.
The Lions Tour will hope to use their platform to engage rugby fans in crucial discussions about marine conservation. Initiatives will include awareness campaigns, educational match-day experiences, and fundraising to support the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s work.
Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, said, “The Lions is a force for good in both sport and society and we are committed to leaving a positive legacy amongst the communities that we visit – in line with our very own People. Place. Pride strategy.
“Our ambition is to make sure that this tour is the greatest ever – and that means making an impact both on and off the pitch.
KSI-backed Baller League, a new six-a-side football format, is set to launch in UK and US in 2025.
Having already launched in Germany earlier this year, the league blends “back to the roots” football with new rules designed to captivate fans.
Content creators KSI and IShowSpeed have been named as the presidents of the respective UK and US leagues.
The UK-based teams will feature a star-studded list of managers, including Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Luis Figo, Freddie Ljungberg, and John Terry.
The UK league’s first matchday is slated for March 2025, with matches played in London’s indoor arenas and streamed live on Twitch and YouTube for free.
KSI said, “I have high hopes for what this league can bring to the sport.
“We’re bringing a different style to football, a different energy to the normal and showing a different level of entertainment to the sport.“
Social media star Chunkz will host the UK broadcast each week for people streaming in the UK.
Rangers Football Club have appointed Patrick Stewart as their new Chief Executive Officer, effective 16th December.
Stewart has joined the Scottish football giants after an 18-year tenure at Manchester United, where he most recently served as Interim CEO.
During his time at United, Stewart held several leadership roles, including General Counsel and Company Secretary, where he oversaw legal, commercial, and operational matters.
In 2019, he joined the club’s board and played a key role in establishing United’s professional women’s team.
In 2022, Stewart expanded his role to Executive Director of Manchester United’s parent company, overseeing relationships with the FA, Premier League, and UEFA.
John Gilligan, Rangers’ Interim Chairman, said, “On behalf of the board, I’m delighted to welcome Patrick to the club as CEO.
“Patrick comes with an excellent reputation and background, bringing extensive experience of operating at senior levels during his 20-plus years in football.”
Sports and entertainment agency CSM has appointed Ian Mathie as the Managing Director for Saudi Arabia.
Since opening its Riyadh office three years ago, CSM has supported major international events such as the FIFA Club World Cup and Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
CSM’s acquisition by Wasserman in 2023 has helped enhance the agency’s capabilities, offering clients expanded global reach and expertise, particularly within the US market. The partnership also supports Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving music, entertainment, and cultural sectors.
Commenting on his appointment, Ian Mathie said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to join CSM, a long-standing leader in the Middle East,” Mathie said.
“Saudi Arabia’s incredible growth and transformation, driven by Vision 2030, is truly inspiring.
“It’s an honour to lead the team here, ensuring we continue to make a positive impact for our clients and contribute to this exciting vision for the future.”
British Wrestling has announced a new partnership with financial services platform Kixy.
As part of the agreement, Kixy has acquired tile sponsorship rights to the British Championships.
The London-based company will become the exclusive financial partner for more than 70 clubs across the UK.
Kixy will also provide financial resources and support to British Wrestling’s network.
The partnership will include initiatives to promote financial literacy and community building at wrestling clubs across the UK.
This collaboration aligns with British Wrestling’s focus on inclusivity and accessibility, empowering individuals and supporting the growth of the sport in the UK.
Peterborough United have announced a new three-year partnership with private healthcare provider, The Hamptons Hospital.
Under the agreement, the first team and academy squads will have access to the hospital’s advanced medical facilities, including MRI scans and specialised services to support player health throughout the season.
Peterborough’s Hamptons Hospital offers a range of medical and surgical services, including private GP appointments and skin cancer screening.
David Winters, Director of Hospital Operations and Strategy said, “The team are in good hands as our focus is on enhancing the health, performance, and long-term success of all through clinical excellence and personalised experiences.”
The LTA has appointed Laura Robson, former British No. 1 and Olympic Silver medallist, as Tournament Director for its new Women’s WTA 500 event at The Queen’s Club in London.
This marks the return of women’s tour-level tennis to London after more than 50 years.
Robson previously served as Tournament Director for the Nottingham Open WTA 250, ATP Challenger Event in 2023.
Alongside Robson, Amy Hitchinson has been named Tournament Director for the Nottingham Open, following her role at Birmingham in 2024.
With these appointments, over 70% of the LTA’s major grass-court events now have female Tournament Directors.
Hampshire Cricket has partnered with Fareham based, Geest Line for the Global Super League (GSL).
Through this partnership, Geest Line’s branding is set to appear on the Hampshire Hawks’ shirts throughout the tournament.
The Hawks will begin their GSL campaign on 27th November 2024 against Bangladesh’s Rangpur Riders, with further fixtures against Lahore Qalanders, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and Victoria. leading up to a potential final on 7th December 2024.
RIT Group has returned to Northampton Town as an official sponsor of the League One club.
The soil repair specialist will continue to provide essential services to Northampton with their technology, ensuring precise and effective repairs.
Ollie Lloyd, Corporate Sales Manager at Northampton Town Football Club, said, “RIT Group have worked with us here at the Cobblers for almost 4 years now and it’s great to now have them on board as a partner of the Football Club.”
Doncaster Rovers Belles FC have partnered with 512 Ltd for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
512 Ltd has reinforced its dedication to supporting the local community by becoming a sponsor of the Doncaster-based women’s football club, who compete in the Women’s League One.
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