Shorts: Commonwealth Games, Aquatics GB, Peak 72

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has announced it is ‘considering multiple proposals’ to host the 2026 Games. 

The CGF has claimed ‘significant progress has been made’ and it is ‘excited by the early concepts, which aim to represent and reframe the Games’. 

This news comes after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew from hosting duties due to rising costs, before the potential alternative, Singapore, ruled out a bid.

According to the CGF, it aims the announce the 2026 Commonwealth Games host in May. 

Aquatics GB has confirmed a five-year partnership with the London Aquatics Centre 

As per the agreement, Aquatics GB Swimming Championships will be based at the London Aquatics Centre through to LA 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games, following the final sessions of this year’s Speedo Aquatics GB Swimming Championships last night. 

Drew Barrand, CEO, Aquatics GB, said, “It’s been an absolutely brilliant experience in every way at this event, with incredible swims, plenty of our athletes booking tickets to Paris and fantastic atmospheres to match the performances every single day,”  

“So to know that we will be back here for each of the next four years is hugely exciting for everyone involved with Aquatics GB – and hopefully the thousands of swimmers who will dive in across that period, as well as every fan who will get the chance to watch on in this iconic Olympic and Paralympic venue, feels the same way! 

Peak 72, a new ‘tech-driven talent strategy and advisory service specialising in the sports, media, and entertainment sectors’, has officially launched.

Peak 72 has described its offering as an ‘unparalleled service to candidates and clients alike’ that emphasises ‘a candidate-first philosophy’ and ‘a commitment to sourcing the best talent regardless of industry background.’

Dan Maisey, Founder & CEO, said, “We’ve launched Peak 72 to be different. With our innovative tech stack, we’re bringing the best people into our industry, ensuring diversity is at the forefront at every level. We truly understand our candidates’ career goals and align them with our clients’ wider objectives, utilising an in-depth partnership approach.

“We want to work with candidates both inside and outside the sports industry to help them achieve their goals, and we want to offer our clients more – becoming a true partner.”

Alongside the launch of Peak 72, the ‘Talent Talks’ podcast has been unveiled. The series will involve conversations with industry leaders, sharing their experience on hiring and being hired.

DAZN has announced the appointment of Elena Novokreshchenova as the first senior executive of its new freemium proposition.

In her new role, Novokreshchenova will lead the global rollout – including content proposition, interactive product experience, and reach – of the sports streaming and entertainment platform’s recently launched free tier.

Commenting on her appointment, Novokreshchenova said, “I am excited to join DAZN at such a critical point in its continuing development. The business’s progress, over a short period of time, has been impressive, and leading the rollout of the global freemium offering is a fantastic opportunity. DAZN has already made significant strides in revolutionising the sports streaming industry. I look forward to driving further growth by making the platform even more accessible to sports fans worldwide and working with partners to deliver DAZN’s products and services to an increasingly broad base of users. It’s a real opportunity to join a great team at an important point in DAZN’s trajectory.”