Shorts: Wsl, Derby County, Powerleague

Indian digital sports platform FanCode has secured the exclusive Women’s Super League (WSL) streaming rights in India.

The deal will cover the remainder of the 2022-23 season and the 2023-24 campaign, making FanCode the WSL’s first broadcast partner in the country.

The streaming service will provide coverage of 20 select matches this season and 57 matches during the 2023-24 season free of charge across its mobile app, TV app, and website.

WSL matches have previously been aired in India on the FA’s own streaming platform – FA Player.

The deal was brokered by UK-based sports agency Pitch International, the agency responsible for the distribution of the WSL’s international rights.

Caledonia Gladiators, Scotland’s only professional basketball franchise, is set to invest over £20m into a new stadium project.

The move, which would mark the single greatest contribution to the sport in Scottish history, was announced by the franchises’ owners Steve & Alison Timoney and will see the team initially move into an 1,800-seater temporary stadium, based at PlaySport Scotland leisure complex in East Kilbride, later this summer.

In 2024, work will then begin on the main project, a new state-of-the-art purpose built 6,000-seater arena and five-court practice and community facility at the site, which is due to be completed in 2026. 

There are aspirations for the facility to become the ‘finest basketball facility in Europe and ultimately the home of Team GB.’ 

Caledonia Gladiators owner Steve Timoney, a Glasgow based businessman, said, “Our new base at PlaySport will go on to become one of the finest basketball facilities in Europe once it is completed in 2026.

“It includes plans for a class-leading academy, which will train youngsters from Scotland and across the world with the aim of developing them into elite players. 

“We believe our new facility has the potential to help Caledonia Gladiators become one of the most successful men and women’s teams in the BBL and WBBL, with ambitions to play at the top level in Europe.”

English Football League (EFL) One football club Derby County FC has partnered with local manufacturing firm Futaba.

The producer of automotive parts, which has a site in Derby, will benefit from advertising on the exterior of Derby’s 34,000-capacity Pride Park Stadium.

The firm also intend to work alongside Derby County Community Trust to get involved with their projects, with particular focus on employee welfare.

Lisa Biesty, Derby County’s Head of Conferences, Events and Regional Partnerships, said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Futaba Manufacturing UK, a regional business with strong connections to the Derbyshire area. From my first meeting with them it was obvious their main objective was to reinforce their commitment to their employees’ welfare via a number of our community projects.

“They are very keen to promote the benefits of being part of the Futaba family and are actively looking to recruit new members to the workforce. We very much look forward to working with the Futaba team and growing the relationship for the future.”

Five-a-side football operator Powerleague appointed London-based public relations firm Hope&Glory to lead its PR and influencer work.

From April, the agency will collaborate with Powerleague’s in-house team to deliver a series of campaigns and influencer work as the business continues to expand in 2023.

Hope&Glory Senior Account Director Alex Royce, commented, “We’re thrilled to be joining Charlotte, Louis and the team to support the continued growth of the business, and look forward to bringing more grassroots football and its many benefits to communities across the UK.”

Hope&Glory has worked with Powerleague on previous campaign launches including one for the World Cup. The agency opened a temporary barber’s shop at Powerleague venues and offered guests the opportunity to get a haircut in the style of their favourite footballer.