Shorts: ManCity, Genius Sports, Surrey
Premier League champions Manchester City have secured a new partnership with StairMedia.
The Spanish sports venue advertising company specialises in cutting-edge LED technology systems that facilitate advertising on staircase steps within sports venues.
This technology maximises advertisement visibility and enables broadcasting cameras to capture and transmit images during events and fixtures.
In 2023, the LED technology was successfully implemented at the Etihad Stadium, integrating into the club’s advertising portfolio and enhancing brand visibility for sponsors in previously untapped areas of the stadium.
Kaitlyn Beale, VP of Global Partnership Sales at City Football Group said, “As the most watched football team globally across all competitions for the second consecutive year, Manchester City’s growing audience means more eyes are on our brand and partner advertisements than ever before.
With the addition of StairMedia’s LED system, the club continues to set the standard for incorporating cutting-edge technology into stadium advertising.”
Francisco Ortiz, CEO of StairMedia, added, “As the landscape of content consumption grows more competitive, one thing remains constant: sports continue to dominate across all platforms.
“No other content draws as many viewers globally, and soccer leads the charge as the world most-watched sport.”
UK-based technology data and technology giant Genius Sports has hired Mark Kropf as the company’s Group Chief Technology Officer.
Kropf joins from Google, where he served as Technical Director, playing a key role in advancing the company’s generative AI capabilities.
His expertise will further the development of GeniusIQ, the company’s sports data and AI platform that utilises machine learning to deliver game analysis and immersive experiences.
With more than two decades of experience, Kropf has held significant positions across technology, financial services, and cybersecurity, including his work at Pivotal.
“Our cutting-edge GeniusIQ platform is already driving the AI revolution in the global sports ecosystem and Mark’s expertise will play a key role in amplifying and accelerating that transformation,” said Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports.
Kropf added, “Genius Sports’ technology is redefining how sports are understood and consumed globally.
“I look forward to supporting this continued growth and working with a remarkable team that has already positioned Genius Sports at the forefront of data and technology innovation in sport.”
Surrey County Cricket Club (Surrey CCC) has confirmed that Alec Stewart will step down from his position as Director of Cricket in December, after over a decade at the helm.
The 61-year-old former England captain will transition into a part-time role as high-performance cricket advisor from January.
During his tenure, Surrey secured the County Championship four times, and 12 players advanced to the England men’s national team.
Surrey has decided not to appoint a successor for Stewart’s previous role. He will now collaborate closely with head coach Gareth Batty and captain Rory Burns in his new position.
“Everyone knows my love of the club and what it means to me and therefore I’m very pleased that the club wanted me to continue in this new role that has been created,” said Stewart.
Oli Slipper, Chairman at Surrey Cricket Club added, “We completely understood and accepted Alec’s decision to step back from his director of cricket role at the start of the season but we always wanted to retain his expertise and his impact at Surrey.”
Cardiff Rugby has signed a long-term partnership with Pro Sports Medicine, which receives designation as the club’s sports medicine partners.
Based in North Cardiff, Pro Sports Medicine clinic offers a range of services, including private physiotherapy, sports massage, and injury rehabilitation, alongside specialist diagnostic services such as injection therapy, MRI scans, and diagnostic ultrasound scans.
Cardiff Rugby players and staff have regularly accessed these services, benefiting from the clinic’s strong affiliation with the club through its owner Dan Jones, who serves as the Blue & Blacks’ Head of Medical Services.
This partnership formalises the existing relationship, ensuring continued support for Cardiff Rugby players, staff, and members while enhancing brand visibility for Pro Sports Medicine at the Arms Park.
Jason Harries, Head of Business Development at Cardiff Rugby said, “We are really pleased to strengthen our existing relationship with Dan and the team at Pro Sports Medicine.
PSM is the leading sports injury clinic in Cardiff, offering unrivalled expertise and treatment in a highly professional and friendly manner.”
Minnesota Vikings and Mitchell & Ness launch the Three Deep collection for NFL London Games
The Minnesota Vikings have partnered with Mitchell & Ness to launch the Three Deep collection, celebrating legendary wide receivers Randy Moss, Chris Carter, and Jake Reed.
The collection has been showcased during a weeklong takeover of the Mitchell & Ness pop-up store in Soho, ahead of the 2024 NFL London Games, which begin on 6th October when the Vikings face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Three Deep collection honours Carter, Moss, and Reed with classic NFL designs, featuring exclusive t-shirts and hoodies available solely at the pop-up store.
This collaboration has reinforced the Vikings’ commitment to their UK fanbase, having acquired marketing rights in the country in 2022 through the NFL’s Global Markets Programme, which allows them to foster the franchise’s growth beyond the US.
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