Shorts: Sail GP, NFL, Saracens
SailGP has announced that Sassnitz will host the sailing league’s first ever event in Germany in August 2025.
The resort town, which is , located on the island of Rügen, has been selected as the host due to its optimal conditions for SailGP’s close-to-shore fleet racing format.
The race is expected to become one of the most-watched international sailing events ever held in Germany.
SailGP’s events are broadcast in more than 212 territories, with an average viewership of 15.4 million per event in Season 4.
Germany’s SailGP Team, which recently completed its inaugural season, will be led by double Olympic medallist Erik Heil.
SailGP’s 2024/25 season will cover continents, featuring stops in major cities such as Dubai, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Sydney, and Geneva.
TheF50 catamaran racing league’s events have consistently demonstrated their economic benefits to host regions, with an average revenue of $20.8 million (£ 15.6m) generated per event during the previous season.
Sebastian Vettel, part owner of the German team, said, “A first ever SailGP event in Germany will be a milestone moment for the league and the Germany SailGP Team on the way to popularising the sport here.
“A home event is always something special, racing in front of your own fans is a great feeling. It will give the team a great incentive and also increase the fan base of the sport in Germany.”
The NFL’s Minnesota Vikings have named Elite Sports Travel (EST) as the team’s UK travel partner.
ESTwill provide UK-based Vikings fans with opportunities to experience their team live in the US.
The deal comes ahead of the Vikings’ upcoming London game against the New York Jets on 6th October, which will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Through this partnership, UK fans can participate in the Minnesota Vikings UK Fan Weekender, which includes attending an NFL regular-season game at the Vikings’ US Bank Stadium home.
The first Minnesota Vikings UK Fan Weekender is scheduled for December 5th, when the Minnesota Vikings host the Atlanta Falcons.
Beyond the game itself, EST are offering a series of exclusive events for travelling fans, including a Q&A session with a Vikings Legend, hosted by Sky Sports’ NFL presenter Neil Reynolds.
As one of six NFL teams with UK-wide marketing rights through the Global Markets programme, the Vikings are committed to growing their fanbase in the UK.
Keisha Wyatt, Director of International Marketing Minnesota Vikings said,
“We are thrilled to partner with Elite Sports Travel, as we recognized them as the ideal partners to deliver an exceptional travel experience for our UK fans,” said Keisha Wyatt, Director of International Marketing at the Minnesota Vikings.
“We have no doubt that our fans will enjoy a truly memorable journey, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming them to the Twin Cities.”
Premiership Rugby giants Saracens have extended their wellness partnership with Fourfive.
The UK supplement brand, which was founded by former Saracens players George Kruis and Dom Day, will continue to support both the Saracen’s men and women’s teams to aid preparation and recovery.
In September, Fourfive products launched in hundreds of Sainsbury’s stores across the UK, alongside being stocked in over 700 Holland & Barrett stores nationwide.
Fourfive’s supplements, including CBD Oil and Lion’s Mane Mushroom, have been used by Saracens players throughout the partnership, which was first signed in 2021, before being extended last year.
Kruis said, “Having spent nearly half of my life playing at Saracens, this is a partnership that means a lot to me and Fourfive.
“To be able to supply one of Europe’s best rugby sides with premium nutrition and recovery products is something we are very proud of.”
Saracens CEO, Mark Thompson, added, “Fourfive has been a hugely positive addition to our day-to-day work in ensuring our players are ready to train and compete at optimal levels. We are delighted to be able to continue this partnership as we embark on the next cycle of our squad’s development.”
Buffalo Bills defensive end Casey Toohill has joined blood flow restriction (BFR) brand Hytro an investor and advisor.
UK-based Hytro’s products are used by more than 150 teams globally across the Premier League, Premiership Rugby, NFL, NBA and NHL.
With Toohill on board as an investor, the strength and recovery brand is aiming to expand further within American football.
“We are honoured to welcome Casey Toohill to the Hytro family,” said Raj Thiruchelvarajah, CEO and Co-Founder of Hytro.
“His endorsement as an investor, advisor and an athlete validates the impact our products are having in the sports community.
“ Casey’s insight and passion for innovation will be invaluable as we continue to develop our offerings and expand our reach.”
See You At Jeanie’s, the new female-founded sports consultancy, has partnered with Warwickshire Cricket Club.
The consultancy will collaborate with Warwickshire to help define the identity and positioning of their new Bears women’s team.
Warwickshire has been selected as one of the eight counties to compete in Tier One, which will be the topflight division of women’s domestic cricket when it launches in 2025.
See You At Jeanie’s has been tasked with shaping the team’s brand strategy and creative direction, helping Bears Women stand out in the competitive cricket landscape and establish a distinct presence in women’s sports.
Jules Hilson, Co-Founder at Jeanie’s, said, “There is a clear sense of intention and ambition around the women’s game at Warwickshire.
“ Together we’re building an innovative, creative approach to Bears Women, with a vision for how the team will show up and deliver impact on the pitch, across grassroots and with fan communities.”
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has released its financial results for the 2023 calendar year, recording $102.6m (£76.8m) in total revenue.
The revenue has increased year-on-year by 22%, to $18.8m (£14m), although it still finished the year with a loss of $4 million.
The results follow a turbulent year for one of the ITF’s flagship tournaments – the Davis Cup.
ITF terminated its 25-year partnership with investment group Kosmos over the Davis Cup only five years in, meaning that the governing body were returned responsibilities over management of the international team competition.
In 2022 the body received $32.3m (£24.1m) from the Davis Cup’s license fee, and with the license terminated in January 2023, income taken in lieu of this amounted to $25.3m (£18.9m) in 2023.
However, there was significant growth for ITF in sponsorship sales, from $7.9m (£5.9m) up to $30.6m (£22.9m). It also grew media rights income from $2.6m (£1.9m) to $6.7m (£5m) and doubled event income from $5.2m (£3.8m) to $10.7m (£8m).
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