Shorts: Pto, Rmg, Vitality Blast Off
The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has announced a programming agreement with US sports broadcaster FOX Sports, to televise highlights of all PTO Tour races from its 2022 season across the USA next month.
The new deal, brokered by IMG, follows the success of the inaugural PTO Tour season this year, most notably the $1m PTO US Open in Dallas in September.
Under the new broadcast arrangement, one-hour highlights shows of three races during the 2022 season will be shown together on FS1 on 17th December.
Tim Godfrey, PTO Chief Marketing Officer, said, “Getting the first PTO Tour season on FS1 is hugely important for us. Not least given the US is the birthplace of triathlon and a fast growing sport in the market amongst adults and youth.
“Triathletes are the ultimate endurance athletes and deserve broader recognition and appreciation, which this agreement will deliver across America. Putting their superhuman exploits and compelling storylines onto the screens of more sports fans.”
Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has announced that its Chairman, Roger Lewis, has extended his post until October 2023 in order to assist RMG’s transition to a new Chair.
Roger Lewis has been on the RMG Board for over 10 years during which time RMG has increased its licence fees and dividend payments to its racecourses from £45m to over £110m.
He joined the RMG Board in 2012 and was appointed Non-Executive Independent Chairman on January 1, 2019.
He was due to step down in 2022 but has been asked by the Board to extend his tenure until a new Chair is appointed in 2023.
Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham has been unveiled as the host of the Vitality Blast Off on Saturday 20th May – the curtain raiser to the 2023 Vitality Blast.
Vitality Blast Off will fans the first opportunity to watch some of England’s newly-crowned men’s T20 world champions in action with a double-header that will feature Birmingham Bears against Yorkshire Vikings and Derbyshire Falcons up against last season’s finalists Lancashire Lightning.
Birmingham Bears all-rounder, and England ICC’s Men’s T20 World Cup winner, Moeen Ali, said, “There is nothing quite like the buzz of Edgbaston when it is packed full of fans. I know that the players feed off that and everyone will want to put on a show.
“I’m looking forward to pulling on a Bears shirt again this summer and Vitality Blast Off is a great way to get the Vitality Blast started. I am sure all the fans will enjoy an unforgettable day with big name players and live entertainment off the field.”
English Football League (EFL) Two football club Swindon Town has announced the expansion of its partnership with Towergate Insurance Brokers for the remainder of the 2022/2023 season, with the insurance brokers becoming the club’s official substitution sponsor.
Towergate already sponsor Swindon’s Player of the Month competition but will now be extending its link with the team further.
The company’s name will be read out over the loud speaker in the County Ground Stadium whenever a substitution is made in a home match as part of the new deal.
Swindon Town Commercial Manager, James Watts, said, “We are delighted that Towergate Insurance Brokers have agreed to extend their sponsorship deal with us.
“This is another newly created commercial package here at the football club as we look to integrate more businesses and bolster the club financially.”
