Shorts: Img, Gloucester Rugby, Wow Hydrate
IMG has won the exclusive rights to distribute the international media rights for Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) events in 85+ countries from 2023-2025.
The agreement will see IMG manage the broadcast deals for the next two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 and the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 – as well as the tournament’s qualifiers.
The MENA region and Sub Saharan Africa excluded from the the global sports, events and representation company’s deal.
Additionally, IMG will distribute the media rights for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Women Cup of Nations 2024, the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship, the men and women’s CAF Champions League, TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2023/24, CAF Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations 2024, and the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations 2024, among others.
Robyn Cox, VP & Managing Director, Africa, for IMG’s media business, said, “The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations is the biggest event on the African Continent and one of football’s most watched competitions. We’re looking forward to expanding our partnership with CAF to help unlock greater value from its media rights, grow the competition’s global audiences and enhance fans viewing experience.”
The deal strengthens IMG’s partnership with CAF, having recently been appointed as the federation’s global sponsorship agency through 2025, securing a deal with Puma to supply the official match ball for CAF-organized tournaments.
Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation, the official charity of Gloucester Rugby, has partnered with sports tech firm PT SportSuite.
Kicking off with the launch of a brand new Foundation community website, the collaboration will see PT SportSuite provide digital solutions and services to the foundation.
The new website, powered by PT SportSuite’s WebSuite Sports Theme, is set to be ‘tailored to meet the needs of the Foundation’s community-focused initiatives.’
Gloucester Rugby Foundation CEO, Rob Webber, said, “The world is changing. The disparity between the affluent and the disadvantaged is growing and the need for our work, and the work of charities all over the country, is becoming more important.
“This, combined with our reliance on digital technology to find easy, accessible information and support is the reason we are launching a new digital transformation project, starting with a brand new website that engages our communities and helps them to find the support that they need.”
Powerleague has announced WOW Hydrate as its new official recovery partner.
As per the agreement, WOW Hydrate’s protein products will be launched in 32 Powerleague sites across the UK. Additionally, the two companies will collaborate on initiatives for football fanatics including the WOW Hydrate National Cup.
The WOW Hydrate Cup is a nationwide tournament that will bring together the best teams from Powerleague clubs.
Jake Brocklesby, Global Director of WOW HYDRATE, said, “Football has always been an integral part of my life, so to now be able to support the sport at the grassroot level with this Powerleague partnership is incredible. We’re excited to be providing hydration and opportunities to players across the country.”
Queenie Porter, Managing Director of WOW Hydrate, added, “We are thrilled to partner with Powerleague and to announce the WOW Hydrate National Cup. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle at a grassroots level. We look forward to supporting the players on their journey to be the best and aiding their recovery with our innovative protein water.”
Christian Rose, Chief Executive Officer of Powerleague, commented, “We are delighted to have WOW Hydrate as our official recovery partner, and to bring customers the WOW Hydrate National Cup. Their dedication to recovery aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing the best facilities and opportunities for footballers. Together, we aim to create an unforgettable experience for all players and pave the way for new talent to excel.”
British jewellers Boodles has appointed Run Communications ahead of the 100th anniversary of Cheltenham Boodles Gold Cup.
As part of the partnership, the Brighton & Hove based communications agency will deliver a strategic media relations campaign aimed at highlighting Boodles’ ‘continued support of the race’ as it celebrates its 100th year.
The race will take place on Friday 17th March 2024 during the Cheltenham Festival.
Michael Wainwright, Managing Director of Boodles, commented, “We couldn’t be prouder to be supporting the Cheltenham Boodles Gold Cup again in this unforgettable centenary year. We want to place Boodles at the heart of the action and working with an agency of Run Communications calibre will help us to deliver on this. Run bring a wealth of knowledge and experience across the media and sporting landscape and we’re very excited to be working together.”
Steve Chisholm, Founder of Run Communications, added, “It’s a real privilege to be working with the Boodles team. There is no bigger event in jump racing than the Cheltenham Boodles Gold Cup, and we are delighted to bring the vision of Michael and the Boodles team to life with a programme of creative communications activity in the build-up to the race in March.”
Global energy controls company J&S Subsea has announced its sponsorship of two players from Ellon United and Aberdeen FC.
Neil Irvine from Ellon United and Luis Lopes (Duk) from Aberdeen FC will be the players supported by J&S Subsea to ‘promote values such as teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle.’
Lucinda Craig, Business Development Director at J+S Subsea, commented, “At J+S Subsea, we believe in giving back to society and being actively involved in initiatives that strengthen the fabric of our communities. Our sponsorship of players from Ellon United and Aberdeen Football Club is a reflection of our commitment to making a positive impact beyond our core business activities.”
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