Shorts: Norrie, Burnley, Qpr

British No.1 male tennis player Cameron Norrie has officially partnered with PGIM, a global financial services and asset management company.

As part of the partnership, the US company will feature on the sleeve of Norrie’s shirt during Grand Slams, ATP tournaments and high profile matches.

PGIM and Norrie will also collaborate on off-court activations and content, aiming to solidify its shared values and commitment.

Norrie, said, “I am thrilled to be partnering with PGIM and embarking on this exciting journey together. Its long-term planning and global commitment to empowering individuals and institutions resonates with my own values.”

Kenneth Poliziani, Chief Marketing Officer at PGIM, added, “We are excited to partner with Cameron Norrie, a global top class player who exemplifies the intense physical and mental preparation it takes to play professional tennis. We share a commitment to the pursuit of outperformance and know that it takes discipline, passion and tenacity to reach your goals.”

Premier League football club Burnley has announced Seat Unique its official online hospitality and premium ticket partner.

Following the Clarets’ promotion to the Premier League, Seat Unique will exclusively power the hospitality and premium experience offering at Turf Moor over the next three years.

The ticketing marketplace will launch of Burnley FC’s brand-new premium ticketing category using software to dynamically price this exclusive category of seats, to improve the experience for fans.

Marcus Mellor, Head of Commercial at Burnley FC, said, “The club are delighted to partner with Seat Unique to further enhance our premium offering here at Turf Moor.

“Our hospitality suites and lounges offer the opportunity to enjoy great football in comfort and luxury, and I’m thrilled that through this relationship we can ensure that the experience is premium from booking straight through to matchday.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to improve our fan experience, making this partnership with Seat Unique a perfect match for our return to the Premier League.”

Matt Judge, Head of Commercial at Seat Unique, added, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce our groundbreaking partnership with Burnley FC, especially after their fantastic season and promotion to the Premier League.

“Our trusted marketplace provides round-the-clock access to premium tickets and hospitality packages, giving supporters the chance to purchase unforgettable experiences in just four clicks. This partnership will enable us to introduce a brand-new audience to unmissable fixtures at Turf Moor, and we can’t wait to see fans enjoying the ultimate matchday experience in 2023 and beyond.”

EFL Championship club Queens Park Rangers has extended its partnership with Destination Sport Travel.

The UK-based travel provider for professional sports clubs and governing bodies have been working with the club for the past three seasons.

As part of the continued partnership, Destination Sport Travel’s team travel division will continue to service the requirements of QPR’s teams whilst its business travel team will deliver travel required for the wider club, including staff and directors.

Rob Slawson, Managing Director of Destination Sport Travel, said, “We’re delighted to continue our relationship with QPR. At Destination Sport Travel, we pride ourselves in the retention of our clients as this speaks volumes as to the best-in-class service that we deliver.

“The EFL Championship is renowned for being a competitive division with a difficult fixture schedule which often presents clubs with short turnarounds and as such, getting travel arrangements correct is vital.

“That’s where we step in, and we’re privileged to play a role behind the scenes for QPR. With fixtures for the 23/24 season due later this month, preparations are already underway, so we look forward to supporting the club for the next season and beyond.”

Euan Inglis, Commercial Director for QPR, added, “It is vital that delivery of first team travel and the managing of a relentless schedule during the season is seamless.

“Destination Sport ensure this is done on behalf of the club through their professionalism and diligence.”

Nike has added Pro:Direct to its connected partnership roster, in a deal that will be will be its third connected partnership across Europe.

According to Nike the agreement ‘represents a new way of working with select partners to provide members with greater access to the very best of Nike.’

The new partnership will include member-exclusive products, experiences, and connected inventory, powered by both data and technology.

The connected partnership, which launches first on the Pro:Direct Sport mobile app in the UK and on the web in France, will unlock tailored digital, member-only experiences – including the- chance to win a professional Nike boot contract with Pro:Direct Sport.

Previously, Nike launched their first connected partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods back in October 2021.

British Basketball League (BBL) club Caledonia Gladiators has appointed Tony McDaid as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Experienced in basketball as a player and currently a senior leader within education in Scotland, Tony joins the club as its first CEO and joins the leadership team as the clubs prepares for a crucial 2023/24 season, and a move to the new East Kilbride arena.

McDaid, commented, “I’m delighted to be joining the club in a time of such potential and huge opportunity. I’m thoroughly looking forward to building on the success of last season, getting to know the fans and supporting our owners, Steve and Alison Timoney’s ambitions.”

UK spa booking and experience agency Spabreaks.com has launched its ‘Real Men Relax’ campaign featuring ‘local champions from across the country’ who star alongside leading Gallagher Premiership rugby players.

David Beckham’s famous pie and mash chef, Tony Lane, is amongst the local champions and stars along side the likes of Gallagher Premiership top try scorer and Harlequins winger Cadan Murley. The campaign launches in line with Men’s Health Week to highlight the benefits of spa to men of all trades and backgrounds.

Spabreaks.com worked with UK marketing and PR agency Blueprintx on the campaign.

Abi Selby, founder of Spabreaks.com, commented, “For far too long the spa has been considered a female only environment and it’s absolutely time we break that stigma. There is a huge role for spa to play in the lives of all men from mental, physical wellbeing to rehabilitation and beyond. We have launched the Real Men Relax campaign to get men across the UK in the spa and experiencing the benefits for themselves.”