Shorts: Nba, Gbwr, Goodwood
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has agreed a multi-year partnership with Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations.
The provider of officiating and tracking technology in sports will deploy Hawk-Eye’s 3D optical tracking technology from the start of the 2023/24 season, enabling NBA tracking data to capture the game in real-time in three dimensions, including the movement of each player on the court and the ball, all at sub-second latency.
This technology will aim to ‘enhance officiating by increasing the accuracy of calls and the speed of gameplay, including, in future seasons, through automated calls on plays such as out-of-bounds and goaltending.’
Rufus Hack, CEO of Sony’s Sports Businesses, said, “We view it as a real privilege to partner with the NBA – a truly iconic global brand and a leader in innovative sports content. We look forward to helping them unlock the power of data to continue to enhance officiating and basketball analytics, as well as to drive new immersive fan experiences.”
Evan Wasch, EVP of Basketball Strategy & Analytics, NBA, added, “We are thrilled to partner with Sony’s Sports Businesses to leverage Hawk-Eye’s cutting-edge 3D optical tracking data. This data will enhance our officiating, power significant insights for our teams, and create a dynamic data set that will improve our game and enable unique engagement opportunities for NBA fans.”
Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) has announced ex-England Red Roses and Harlequins rugby player Shaunagh Brown as its newest ambassador.
GBWR CEO, Jason Brisbane, said, “We feel enormously privileged that Shaunagh has come on board as an ambassador for GBWR to support us in our drive to attract more women into the game and raise the profile of the sport. Shaunagh is a fantastic human being whose passion for women’s involvement in all types of rugby shines through. We can’t wait to work on future projects with Shaunagh and create real change within the sport”.
Shaunagh Brown, added, “I feel honoured to become a wheelchair rugby ambassador. Rugby plays a huge role in my life and I will forever celebrate our wonderful sport for being so inclusive and wheelchair rugby is a major part of welcoming people to our rugby community from all angles of life. I’m really looking forwards to helping raise the profile of the sport”.
Shaunagh joins current Leicester Tigers player and former England international Mike Brown and former Welsh international Rupert Moon as an ambassador of GBWR.
Wizz Air has been announced as the new title sponsor of the Hackney Half marathon.
The low-cost airline will headline the biggest half marathon in London, which will take place on Sunday 21st May 2023 and is expected to welcome over 25,000 runners.
The new deal is the latest addition to the airline’s partnerships with running events in European cities, including Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest and Skopje.
In addition to headlining the Hackney Half, Wizz Air is also partnering with the Hackney Moves Festival, which brings together elements of culture, music, and fitness within the community.
From 20th – 21st May 2023, the festival, which will take place in East London, will include events such as the Hackney 5k and the Hackney School’s Challenge.
Craig Dews, CEO, LimeLight Sports Group, commented, “The Hackney Half has become an iconic, showcase event within the capital, it is immensely popular amongst first timers and experienced runners alike and the local Hackney community create an incredible atmosphere through their participation and support along the route.
“The partnership with Wizz Air will enable us to deliver an excellent experience for runners and spectators of the Hackney Half and will ensure that we can give back to the local community by keeping the Hackney Moves festival, Hackney 5k and Hackney Schools Challenge free to participate in for the next few years. Working with a successful European brand will also help expand the awareness of the event and put Hackney on the map across the continent.”
English Football League (EFL) Two football club Tranmere Rovers FC has agreed a new partnership with local estate agent, Liam Gretton.
The partnership will see advertisements of the estate agent’s eXp UK business around Prenton Park for the remainder of the 2022/23 season and 2023/24 season.
Gretton commented, “We’re not looking to change the world, we just think that things can be done better, much better. Ultimately people are trusting us with their most important asset after their families, their Wirral home.
“When we launched our business it was simple, and remains so today, which is to provide a first-class personal service and give the people we work alongside the peace of mind that their interests and home move is at the heart of everything we do.”
The Goodwood estate – home to the annual motorsport festivals the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival – has announced the launch of Goodwood Classic Solutions, a new insurance service for owners of classic cars.
Created in partnership with Sterling Insurance, the new service will launch in March 2023 and aims to provide owners of classic cars with vehicle insurance quotes tailored to their specific needs.
Chairman of Goodwood, Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, The Duke of Richmond, said, “I’m thrilled we are launching this unique classic car insurance service for the motoring community. Exceptional customer experiences are at the heart of what we do and with the launch of Goodwood Classic Solutions in 2023 – the year we celebrate 75 years of motorsport at Goodwood – it couldn’t be a better time to extend this passion and expertise to fellow enthusiasts.”
