Shorts: Winklevoss Twins, Intuit Quickbooks, Rachael Burford
Gemini, the cryptocurrency platform founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has extended its sponsorship of Real Bedford Football Club.
Financial details of the agreement were not released, however, the announcement follows a recent $4.5m (£3.55m) investment of Bitcoin into the club by Winklevoss Capital. A deal which saw the Winklevoss twins become co-owners of the football club alongside Peter McCormack.
McCormack, a local journalist and host of the ‘What Bitcoin Did’ podcast, completed a takeover of the Spartan South Midlands Football League team in April 2022, and since that time has embedded Bitcoin into the club’s infrastructure and operations.
Players are able to receive payments in Bitcoin, while fans are able to buy tickets and merchandise using the cryptocurrency.
“Our strategic five-year deal reaffirms our continued conviction that Real Bedford – powered by Bitcoin and Peter’s leadership – has the ability to defy the odds, upset the establishment, and dethrone incumbents,” said Marshall Beard, Chief Operating Officer of Gemini.
“Through our investment, Real Bedford’s balance sheet will be fortified with digital assets, giving them advantages on and off the pitch. We can’t wait to see what the club achieves in the coming years.”
McCormack added, “I want to extend a massive thank you to Gemini for renewing their sponsorship agreement with Real Bedford for another five years. By accepting payment in Bitcoin, this deal strengthens our economic foundations.
“While the government continues to stifle the productive class, Bitcoin offers a lifeline, providing individuals and businesses a way to safeguard their financial future.
By integrating Bitcoin into our treasury, we have achieved a +62% return, thereby strengthening the club’s financial position and protecting our cost base against the recent surge in inflation. Real Bedford is happy to share its Bitcoin strategy with any other club or business, feeling the strain of the current economic environment.”
Real Bedford currently compete in level 9 of the English football league system.
West Ham United has announced an expansion to its deal with Intuit QuickBooks, which will see the accounting software company’s logo appear on the sleeve of the shirts worn by Premier League club’s men’s, women’s, and academy teams.
Intuit QuickBooks first became a partner of the club in March 2024.
According to a statement, the partnership will see the two organisations introduce ‘a number of new initiatives that will champion sole traders and SMBs at the heartbeat of our east London community and could provide a safe environment for individuals to take their first steps in the world of entrepreneurship.’
Nathan Thompson, Chief Commercial Officer at West Ham United, said, “We are delighted to announce Intuit QuickBooks as our new official sleeve partner.
“It was apparent from our very first meeting that Intuit QuickBooks and West Ham United have a shared vision of empowering individuals and business owners to maximise their potential. This partnership has the makings of something truly special.
“Intuit QuickBooks’ commitment to support small businesses who underpin our community is evident through their decision to allocate some of their rights including advertising space to businesses with smaller resources than them.
“It is also pleasing to see Intuit QuickBooks extend their partnership to the women’s team and we will work together on initiatives to support the business owners who are proud champions of our women’s team.
“This partnership will deliver significant benefits to both our fanbase and Intuit QuickBooks customers and I look forward to seeing the various initiatives develop moving forwards.”
Michael Benjamin, Marketing Director at Intuit QuickBooks, added, “This is such a thrilling and powerful first step to our partnership with West Ham United.
“The club’s support for our ambition to serve the local small business community is further testament to how two brands that are setting out to change the game and do things differently, can come together.
“Offering exclusive matchday and ‘surprise and delight’ experiences for West Ham fans, small business owners and QuickBooks customers alike. This will build lasting relationships, demonstrate our commitment to the local community and small business success whilst celebrating everything the West Ham United team has to offer.
“Watching the players step onto the pitch in their new shirts this season will be a proud moment, marking the beginning of an inspiring journey for both our fans and customers. There’s so much more ahead from this partnership, promising to motivate and uplift everyone involved.”
We are very lucky to have someone of the calibre of Rachael joining the RPA team.
— Christian Day (@christianday) July 1, 2024
Looking forwards to working alongside her as we head towards the Women’s World Cup in England 🏉 https://t.co/xlCEwfzz8Q
Former Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) player of the year, Rachael Burford will join the RPA to lead its women’s rugby department.
The former Harlequins and England rugby player, who retired at the end of last season, also serves as the Head of Women’s Rugby at global representative body the International Rugby Players.
Burford said, “As a former player who has experienced first hand the impact of support, I am honoured to lead the Women’s Rugby department at the RPA. I am driven to collaborate with clubs, work closely with players, and tailor our support to meet the evolving needs of athletes. In this fast-paced game, a united voice is crucial for both the present and the future. I am deeply passionate about providing the highest level of support for players in the league, recognising the unique stages of each athlete’s journey in the PWR.”
Talent management agency Blueprintx has announced the signing of boxer Joshua Buatsi.
A bronze meddalist in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Buatsi became the British and Commonwealth light-heavy weight champion after defeating Dan Azeez at London’s OVO Arena in February.
