Business Moment of the Year Shortlist Announced

The shortlist for the FEVO Sport Industry Awards 2025 Business Moment of the Year has been officially announced.

The Business Moment of the Year Award has been introduced to shine a light on the game-changing decisions that have defined the sports industry over the past 12 months, celebrating achievements that represent a significant shift in the sector’s direction of travel.

Whether it’s a groundbreaking deal, an innovative product launch, a revolutionary partnership, or an exciting new initiative, the moment must be out of the ordinary, resonate within the industry and beyond, and display a clear commercial, economical, or cultural impact.

The winning moment will demonstrate excellent decision making, a willingness to embrace risk, and a spark of brilliance.

THE SHORTLIST

Athletic Ventures Launch

In April 2024, UK Athletics, London Marathon Events and the Great Run Company came together to launch a joint venture to drive the growth of athletics across the UK.

Athletic Ventures was born to deliver a number of major events, including the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, as well as the annual Diamond League UK athletics competition.

The pioneering joint venture, which will also support the UK’s potential bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029, was a bold move that has eased concerns about the solvency of UK Athletics and the burden of its activities on the public purse.

Allianz’s Stadium Naming Rights Sponsorship

In September 2024, the RFU secured a £100m, 10-year deal with Allianz for the naming rights to the home of England Rugby, rebranding the iconic venue as Allianz Stadium.

This historic change, removing Twickenham’s name for the first time since 1906, will provide transformative funding for English rugby, supporting grassroots initiatives, women’s rugby, and community clubs. The partnership is also set to help the RFU invest in the stadium’s future.

Charterhouse’s Two Circles Investment

In January 2024, private equity investment firm Charterhouse Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in sports marketing agency Two Circles for approximately £250m, buying out US-based Bruin Sports Capital.

The deal would allow data-focused sports marketing agency Two Circles, to expand globally by completing several acquisitions following the Charterhouse investment and receiving further funds from both Otro Capital and David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures in September to bolster a push into North America.

The news signalled the surge of private investment across sport as private equity begins to see the industry as a stable and recession-proof asset class, attracting firms seeking diversification and high returns.

Illona Maher Signs For Bristol Bears

In December 2024, Bristol Bears announced the USA rugby sevens star Ilona Maher on a short-term deal.

The Olympic bronze medallist would go on to bring significant star power to the Bears and the PWR, after rising to fame during Paris 2024 through her social media influence.

Her arrival had an instant tangible impact, driving record ticket sales, highlighting the growing popularity of women’s rugby and boosting its commercial potential​ ahead of a domestic World Cup in the summer of 2025.

Saudi’s SURJ Sports Invest In DAZN

In February 2025, Saudi Arabia’s SURJ Sports Investment, the sports arm of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has acquired a minority stake in DAZN as part of a $1 billion investment.

The deal, which includes the creation of DAZN MENA, a joint venture focused on transforming sports broadcasting in the Middle East and North Africa, is a move that strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position in global sports media and aligns with its broader ambitions in sport.

The vast injection of capital is hugely significant for DAZN, as it seeks profitability and aims to compete for major sports rights with the established broadcasters.

The Hundred Franchise Sales

In February 2025, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) completed a potentially game changing period of investment into cricket when Southern Brave became the eighth and final Hundred franchise to be bought in a landmark sale totalling close to £1bn.

With proceeds from the sale resulting in £500m+ to be injected into the recreational game, the deals are set to safeguard the future of cricket in England and Wales.

Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) Launch

In August 2024, the launch of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) marked a historic shift for women’s football in England.

The FA officially transferred control of the Barclays Women’s Super League and Championship to the new independent body which was supported by a £20m Premier League loan.

As women’s football’s growth continues exponentially, WPLL aims to enhance player welfare, fan engagement, and financial sustainability in a move that is pivotal for accelerating the sport’s commercial potential.

The winning moment will be selected by a steering committee made up of some of the sport industry’s most influential figures and announced at the FEVO Sport Industry Awards 2025 on Thursday 15th May 2025.