Shorts: BBC Sport, Ticketmaster Sport, Dame Denise Lewis

BBC Sport has secured the UK broadcast rights to the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Glasgow.

Gabby Logan is set to lead the coverage across BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, which starts on Friday 1^st March.

The BBC team also includes 2012 Olympic heptathlon champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, 2000 Olympic gold medallist Dame Denise Lewis, former world champion gold medal winning hurdler Colin Jackson and three-time winner of the London Marathon and former world record holder, Paula Radcliffe.

Gabby Logan, commented, “The World Indoor Athletics Championships are a great chance for fans to get to know the incredible athletes who will be putting everything on the line in the hopes of achieving glory in Glasgow.

“We’ll be following these breathtaking competitors and their inspiring stories on the BBC all the way through to summer with the highly anticipated Paris Olympics on the horizon.”

Philip Bernie, Interim Director of BBC Sport, added, “Audiences across the UK can follow live coverage and with expert commentary and analysis as so many great athletes bid for a world title in Glasgow.  As we build towards the Paris Olympics, this weekend promises to be dramatic and competitive and we’ll be there for the live action.”

Celtic FC has launched Ticketmaster’s Virtual Venue technology which will allow fans to digitally visualise Celtic Park in an ‘immersive 3D experience.’

Via the technology, 360-degree views of the entire ground provide a unique life-like view from anywhere in the stadium.

Angela Forbes, Head of Ticketing at Celtic FC, commented, “We are always looking for different ways to enhance fan experience and connect with supporters around the world. With our virtual Celtic Park, fans can immerse themselves in the stadium, regardless of their location. This will not only make finding seats ahead of a matchday easier and more convenient, but it will also enable supporters from anywhere in the world to explore Paradise.”

Chris Gratton, Managing Director, Ticketmaster Sport, added, “Developing Virtual Venue for Celtic Park is another step in elevating the fan experience. It’s one of the most popular tools used by our clients to bring a new perspective of the stadium to life.”

Dame Denise Lewis has ‘temporarily’ stepped down as UK Athletics President, two months after being elected.

The former Olympic heptathlon champion was elected to the role in December 2023, replacing ex-sprinter Jason Gardener.

Since then, her positions with UK Athletics and as one of the BBC’s major athletics pundits has been questioned regarding a possible conflict of interest.

Announced on Lewis’ Instagram, Lewis has said that she made the “difficult decision” to temporarily step away “with the upcoming Olympics and a hectic summer ahead”.

“I would only want to accept the role when it can have my full attention.”

Leicester Tigers has renewed its partnership with Wilo UK, a manufacturer of pumps and pump systems for building services, water management and industry.

Managing Director at Wilo UK, Lee Tebbatt said, “Wilo UK is really pleased to be extending our partnering with Leicester Tigers, a forward-thinking club at the top of its game and leading change by bringing the topic of sustainability to Premiership Rugby.

“Our mutual aim is to create awareness and promote action to support Sustainability & climate protection.”

Leicester Tigers Chief Revenue Officer, Mark Davies, added, “We are thrilled to announce the partnership extension between Wilo and Leicester Tigers as we continue to champion sustainability, teamwork, and a shared commitment to a brighter, water-secure future.

“Our partnership flows onward!”

The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has announced a new partnership with deboer.

As per the agreement, deboer becomes the official wetsuit and performance and training swimwear partner of the T100 Triathlon World Tour for the next three years.

PTO CEO, Sam Renouf, commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with deboer. They have shown over the last few years their absolute obsession to create the best wetsuits for leading athletes, by working with the best scientists and best coaches. We share that obsession to make the new T100 Triathlon World Tour the pinnacle of our sport and help elevate our amazing athletes further into the mainstream.”