Shorts: FA Of Ireland, Sportradar, LIV Golf
Sky has become the primary partner of the Ireland men’s national football team, through an expanded partnership with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
The four-year renewal will run until 2028, and is worth up to €8m (£6.84m) according to The Irish Times.
The Irish FA has been seeking a new main sponsor for the men’s team since 2020, when the governing body’s decade-long partnership with telecoms provider Three came to an end.
Sky will also remain as the primary partner of the women’s national team as per the original deal signed in 2021.
The company’s logo features on the front of the newly released Ireland kits by Castore.
Sky Ireland CEO JD Buckley said, “From day-one of our Women’s National Team partnership, our key ambition has been to give them a platform to inspire younger generations to play the game, stay in the game and support the game.
“As primary partner across both teams for the next four years, we now have the opportunity to build on what we have achieved, support our national teams and work with the FAI to ensure future opportunities for young players.”
Sportfive has opened a new office in Altrincham, Greater Manchester to serve as the sports marketing agency’s new UK headquarters.
The 13,600-square foot facility will house Sportfive’s team of more than 70 employees and features a games area and large outdoor terrace.
The Hamburg-based agency first entered the UK market in 2998, and has gone on to establish a client roster that includes Chelsea, Team GB and the New York Jets.
Sports and data technology business Sportradar has announced financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended 31st December 2023.
Revenue for the full year of 2023 increased 20% to €877.6m (£750.6m) compared with the prior year, and total profit from continuing operations for the full year 2023 was €34.6m (£29.6m), up from €10.5m (£8.9m) in 2022.
Carsten Koerl, Chief Executive Officer of Sportradar, said, “2023 was another dynamic and successful year for the Company delivering our 3rd consecutive year of more than 20% revenue growth, improved profitability, and margin expansion.
“We are pleased with our growth momentum, fueled by our best-in-class content portfolio, innovative product roadmap and technology capabilities. For 2024, we plan to continue to scale our business globally, targeting at least 20% growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA.
“Given our market leadership and confidence in the long-term profitability and cashflow outlook for the company, we have authorized a $200 million share buyback program. We remain laser focused on disciplined execution of our growth strategy and delivering tremendous value for our clients and our shareholders.”
LIV Golf has announced a multi-year partnership with construction and agricultural equipment manufacturers JCB.
The deal will mark the global golf league’s return to the UK.
LIV Golf UK by JCB will take place from 26th to 28th July at the Staffordshire-based JCB Golf & Country Club, host for LIV Golf’s third trip to the UK and final stop outside the US for the 2024 LIV Golf season.
JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald, commented, “We are now only four months away from what promises to be a spectacular event. We are absolutely delighted to be collaborating with LIV Golf as both partner and sole host of a UK tournament in 2024 at the JCB Golf & Country Club.”
Monica Fee, LIV Golf Senior Vice President and Global Head of Partnerships, added, “Our newest tournament partnership exemplifies LIV Golf and JCB’s commitment to innovation and collaboration.
“We’re proud to have one of the UK’s most impressive family-owned businesses on board to further elevate this highly anticipated event and continue the global impact LIV Golf is having on a new generation of fans around the world.”
Gallagher Premiership rugby union club Saracens has announced a partnership with Naked Wines.
The agreement will see the online wine retailer become the official wine partner to Saracens Men, Saracens Women and the StoneX Stadium.
As part of the partnership, Naked’s wines will be on offer in hospitality suites at StoneX Stadium on match days and it will become the presenting partner of players and supporter birthday messages on the Saracens social media channels.
Saracens CEO, Mark Thompson, said, “We are thrilled to have Naked Wines on board with us as a long-term partner. Our team has already built an enormous respect for Naked Wines during our conversations and we are looking forward to building on our relationship moving forward and creating value for our fans.”
EFL Championship football club Swansea City AFC has partnered with Dyfed Recycling in attempt to improve its waste management and become more sustainable.
The partnership will see Dyfed Recycling take over the waste disposal from Swansea.com Stadium, Fairwood Training Ground and Landore Academy Training Ground.
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