Shorts: NFL & Sony, Man City, Parkrun

Sony has revealed a new technology partnership with the NFL, which positions the company as the league’s headphones provider.

“Advancing technology on and off the field is a top priority for the NFL, and this partnership will fortify Sony’s role in the NFL,” said Gary Brantley, Chief Information Officer at the NFL.

“From broadening Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology within the game to utilising Sony’s suite of advanced imaging products will further solidify the league’s status as a premier sports organisation.”

Sony will also develop a new coach’s headset, set to debut in the 2025 season. Powered by Verizon’s 5G network, these headsets will enhance coach-to-coach communication, ensuring seamless in-game strategy discussions.

Neal Manowitz, President and COO of Sony Electronics North America stated, “This partnership with the NFL highlights our dedication to innovation.

“We are thrilled to join forces with the NFL and enhance the game for players, coaches, and fans.”

Premier League champions Manchester City have been fined £2.1m for repeatedly delaying both the start of matches and after half-time during the 2023/24 season.

The club have accepted and apologised for their 22 breaches of Premier League rules.

A Premier League spokesperson said, “Rules relating to kick-offs and restarts help ensure the organisation of the competition is set at the highest possible professional standard.

“It also ensures the broadcast of all 380 league matches around the world is kept to schedule.”

This marks the second successive season in which the Citizens have been found guilty of these breaches, after the club were fined £390,000 for eight delayed restarts during the 2022/23 campaign.

Parkrun has appointed Helen Weir as a new Trustee of the charity, with the experienced executive set to assume the role of Chair in January 2025.

Weir brings previously held a number of executive roles, including CFO at Marks & Spencer, Finance Director at John Lewis and CEO at Lloyds Banking Group’s retail bank.

Weir will take over from interim Chair Jeremy Townsend, and will lead the Parkrun Global Board.

As the charity approaches its 20th anniversary in October, it celebrates significant growth to more than six million participants at 2,500 events in 22 countries.

“I’m proud to be joining parkrun at such an important time,” Weir said.

“Parkrun has been phenomenal in bringing communities together and improving global health and well-being. I look forward to contributing to its continued success and future growth.”

Russ Jeffreys, CEO at Parkrun, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Helen to our Global Board.

“Her extensive experience and passion will be invaluable as we pursue our ambitious five-year strategy to create more inclusive spaces for physical activity worldwide.”

The New York Jets have launched a new international membership club for fans in the UK and Ireland.

Fans signing up to the club, titled NY Jets FC, will begin at the ‘Rookie tier’, which will include a host of benefits. These include a one-off Weekly Pro Game Pass, entry into a London Games ticket ballot, merchandise discounts, priority access to tickets at MetLife Stadium and Jets events in the UK.

There will also be an option to upgrade to ‘MVP tier’ at a cost of £159.99. These members will receive a GPI Season Pro subscription to stream all NFL games, including the Playoffs and Super Bowl.

Additional perks include better chances for London Games tickets, more significant merchandise discounts, a physical membership card with a game-worn Jets jersey inlay, and virtual meet-and-greets with Jets stars.

In 2021, the Jets acquired marketing rights in the UK, through the NFL’s Global Markets programme.

The team will play the Minnesota Vikings at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 6th October.

John MacCarter, New York Jets Vice President of Finance and Analytics, said, “The UK and Ireland are important markets for the Jets.

“We are thrilled to offer our growing fan base a new way to engage with the team through NY Jets FC.”