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Category: Sports

  • JetSynthesys announces first franchise ownership for GEPL season two

    JetSynthesys announces first franchise ownership for GEPL season two

    Mumbai: JetSynthesys, a digital entertainment and tech company, has announced the first franchise ownership for season two of the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL). Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Curefoods founder Ankit Nagori, and Accel partner Prashanth Prakash will co-own the Bengaluru franchise.

    Last year’s tournament drew 200,000 registrations and selected the top 64 players for eight teams. The final showdown took place in JetSynthesys’ Real Cricket video game, streamed on JioCinema, with over 1.1 million minutes viewed and a reach of 70 million-plus.

    JetSynthesys CEO and founder Rajan Navani expressed his enthusiasm about these developments, “We are thrilled to welcome Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashant Prakash to the GEPL family. Their involvement is a testament to the growing recognition of e-cricket as a mainstream sport. With an expanded team format and new league guidelines, we are set to elevate the competitive spirit and excitement to new heights globally.”

    The new team owners also shared their excitement about joining the league.

    Kamath remarked, “The gaming industry is incredibly exciting right now, especially with how fast things are moving in India. We’ve reached a point where we’re not just participating in global gaming—we’re creating esportable games for the world. Real Cricket is a prime example of that. Partnering with Rajan and JetSynthesys for the Global e-Cricket Premier League is a good opportunity to help foster and inspire young talent in this dynamic space. I’m keen to see what we can achieve together and to play a role in shaping the future of esports in India.”

    Nagori added, “I’m truly passionate about the video gaming industry and excited about the vision JetSynthesys has for taking cricket to the world as India’s premier esport. This is my way of giving back and supporting the next generation of gamers. I believe in their potential, and I’m here to help them shine in a space that’s evolving so quickly. Together, I believe we can turn gaming into the next big contributor to India GDP, and also a fulfilling career for many talented individuals.”

    Prakash stated, “I’m thrilled to be part of the Global e-Cricket Premier League and to contribute to the growth of esports in India. This partnership with JetSynthesys aligns perfectly with my passion for innovation and my belief in the potential of cricket as a global esport. Together, we can create a vibrant ecosystem that empowers aspiring gamers and showcases their talent on an international stage.”

    GEPL CEO & league commissioner Rohit Potphode enthused on the occasion, “We’re excited to welcome Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashant Prakash as our franchise team owners for this thrilling season. This year, the league promises to be bigger than ever, uniting players, franchise owners, fans, and sponsors to create immense value and deliver unforgettable experiences for everyone involved.”

    This year’s upgrades aim to boost competition within GEPL while creating jobs in esports sectors like event management, broadcasting, and talent management. The league offers competitive salaries to top players, turning their passion for gaming into viable careers as they compete for the title of ‘e-Cricket Icon’ on a global stage.

    With the GEPL S2 finals set for January 2025, the tournament continues to blend cricket, gaming, esports, and entertainment, offering a platform for emerging esports talent to showcase their skills in eCricket.

  • Tribes Communication unveils Tribes Sports

    Tribes Communication unveils Tribes Sports

    Mumbai: The sports industry in India is rapidly expanding, particularly in sports management and marketing, driven by increased spending on media, endorsements, sponsorships, technology, and the rise of sports leagues. This shift has created new opportunities in sports management, moving beyond corporate marketing to enhance value for fans.

    To address this evolving landscape, Tribes Communication has announced the launch of Tribes Sports, focused on strategies that cover all aspects of the sports ecosystem. Tribes Sports will offer a range of services, including league development and athlete representation, emphasizing growth, engagement, and long-term success for stakeholders.

    “We are happy to embark on this new journey and incredibly proud to expand our services as Tribes Sports, empowering brands to discover exciting marketing opportunities through our specialized offerings, said Tribes Communication chairman and MD Gour Gupta. “Tribes Sports is a natural extension of our goal to push boundaries and create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. With our expertise in integrated marketing communications solutions, we look forward to setting new benchmarks in India’s growing sports ecosystem.”

    Tribes Sports will provide services such as strategic counsel for sports organizations, clubs, and athletes in business development, performance enhancement, and brand building, along with sports league and franchise development. The focus will include live entertainment, event management, and hospitality to create unique experiences for fans.

    Additional offerings encompass player representation, sports asset management, and marketing to help brands maximize value through storytelling and communication strategies. Tribes Sports will also manage sponsorship and media rights distribution, securing partnerships to boost visibility.

    Furthermore, it will offer sports investment consulting, advising investors on capital allocation in the sports sector and identifying opportunities in teams, leagues, facilities, media rights, and related areas like fitness and sports tech, while assisting in monetizing intellectual property.

    Tribes Sports will be spearheaded under the able guidance of Ambika Sharma, who in her current role has been leading key businesses for the organization. “At Tribes, we believe in giving a platform for growth to our own people within the system. Ambika brings with her tremendous passion, experience and a zeal to deliver the best. We believe that her tenacity to fight against all odds, and her hunger to go beyond the ask makes her the perfect fit to lead this new initiative. We are confident that her dynamism and determination will be paramount in helping us in our growth,” stated Gupta.

    Speaking about the new venture, Tribes Sports’ head Ambika Sharma shared, “The sports industry is one of the most dynamic sectors in the world today. With the launch of Tribes Sports, we are leveraging our extensive marketing expertise to support sports, clients, athletes, and brands in achieving global success. Long-term partnerships and sponsorships will be vital in fostering deeper connections and building brand loyalty. Our goal is to bring a fresh level of innovation and strategic thinking to sports marketing and management, ensuring our clients stay competitive in this fast-paced environment. I am thrilled about this new role and grateful to Tribes for trusting me to lead this business unit.”

  • Tech Mahindra Global Chess League to live stream on JioCinema from 3 October

    Tech Mahindra Global Chess League to live stream on JioCinema from 3 October

    MUMBAI: Chess lovers can rub their hands in glee. For all those who missed watching the Indian grandmasters and international masters take India to a record win at the FIDE Chess Olympiad, here’s a chance to make up for that lost opportunity. 

    The Global Chess League (featuring five-time world champion, Viswanathan Anand, current world No 1 and five times world champion Magnus Carlsen), which is a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE , is to be streamed live on Jio Cinema between 3 and 12 October. 

    “We are delighted to continue our association with the world’s largest franchise chess league. Indian chess is at an exciting juncture, and we believe GCL will play a part in fuelling the growth of the sport furthermore,” says Viacom18 Sports Head of Strategy, Acquisitions & Partnerships Hursh Shrivastava. “JioCinema will enable the league to reach a wider audience. We remain steadfast in our endeavour to innovate and engage sporting fans.”

    Adds Global Chess League CEO Sameer Pathak:, “We are delighted to have JioCinema onboard once again. Their support in the past season as streaming partners was tremendous and it allowed us to accomplish our mission of reaching the masses. We are delighted to extend our association with them in the second season as we continue our mission to spread chess across the world and set new standards for fan engagement.”

    The league is being held at Friends House in London and features six teams with six players in each team. Among the franchises figure: Triveni Continental Kings, Alpine SG Pipers, Ganges Grandmasters, PBG Alaskan Knights, American Gambits and UpGrad Mumba Masters. Each team – having two superstar women, an icon, two superstar male players and a player born in 2003 or later (prodigy)- necessarily have to play 10 matches since the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League is a double round-robin tournament between six teams. 

    An icon will play on board no 1, two male players on board no 2 and 3, two female players on board no 4 and 5, and one player born in 2003 or later will play on board no 6. All players of a particular team will play with the same color which the team gets. In the first match between the teams, this shall be determined by a drawing of lots or similar method of chance held 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. In the second match between the teams, the teams shall play with the other colour.

    Teams will also play in a fixed board order which cannot be changed after the draw of lots. The time control will be 20 minutes with no increment. Instead of simultaneous start of all six games, it will be staggered start – two games will start after the interval of every two minutes. 

    Game points (GP) are awarded in the following way: four GP for a game won with black (including forfeit wins); three GP for a game won with white (including forfeit wins); one GP for drawn game and  zero GP for a lost game. Match points (MP) are awarded in the following way: three MP for the team that scores more GP than their opposing team;  one MP for a team that scores the same GP as their opposing team and zero MP for the team that scores fewer GP than their opposing team.

    The Ganges Grandmasters has opted for Viswanathan Anand as its icon player; Alpine SG Pipers for Magnus Carlsen; UpGrad Mumba Masters for Maxime Vachier-Lagrave; Triveni Continental for Alireza Firouzja; American Gambits for Hikaru Nakamura and PBG Alaskan Knights for Anish Giri.

    The teams are as follows:

    Alpine SG Pipers has GM Magnus Carlsen, GM R Praggnanandhaa, GM Richard Rapport, GM Yifan Hou, GM Kateryna Lagno and GM Daniel Dardha on their squad.

    The Triveni Continental Kings has GM Wei Yi, GM Firouzja Alireza, GM Radjabov Teimour, GM Kosteniuk Alexandra, GM Gunina Valentina and  GM Sindarov Javokhir.

    PBG Alaskan Knights has world rapid 2019 champion GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov and world rapid women 2022 champion, GM Zhongyi Tan,  GM Anish Giri, GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, IM Alina Kashlinskaya and GM Nihal Sarin.

    American Gambits, a new team in the league replacing Chingari Gulf Titans, has ‘speed king’ GM Hikaru Nakamura, FIDE world cup 2021 winner GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda, GM Yangyi Yu, two-time consecutive world blitz women’s champion, IM Bibisara Assaubayeva, GM Elisabeth Paehtz and GM Jonas Buhl Bjerre.

    Upgrad Mumba Masters features  GM Vidit Gujrathi, GM Koneru Humpy, GM Harika Dronavalli, GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, GM Peter Svidler and GM Raunak Sadhwani.

    Finally, Ganges Grandmasters has  GM Viswanathan Anand, GM Arjun Erigaisi, GM Parham Maghsoodloo, GM R Vaishali, IM Nurgyul Salimova and GM Volodar Murzin.

    The opening ceremony was held on 2 October, with the first round commencing on 3 October at 1:15 pm London time (5:45 pm  IST). The second match starts at 3:55 pm LT  (8:25 pm IST) and  the third at 5:15 pm LT  (9:45 pm IST).  While the same schedule will be followed on all days, there will be an additional game on 4,5,6 October at 2:30 pm LT (9:30 pm IST).  The final is scheduled to be played on 12 October with the first game at 1:15 pm LT (5:45 pm IST) and the second one at 2:35 pm LT (7:05 pm IST).

    The Global Chess League also is looking to set benchmarks for tech innovations in the sport as Tech Mahindra will explore unique fan engagements to promote the game, particularly across London and the UK by leveraging next-gen technologies such as AI, metaverse, AR/VR, among others.
     

  • GMR Global set to acquire UK-based Hampshire Sport

    GMR Global set to acquire UK-based Hampshire Sport

    MUMBAI: This is one cross-border planned acquisition – and that too relating to the most important sport in India: cricket. GMR Global Pte Ltd (GGPL) has signed and exchanged definitive agreements with Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Ltd (HS&LHL), owner of the Utilita Bowl site and Hampshire Cricket, marking the start of a significant strategic partnership.

    The agreement outlines the phased acquisition of HS&LHL’s entire issued share capital by GGPL, and an initial reduction of the former’s debt, setting the stage for long-term growth and financial sustainability.

    As part of the agreement, GGPL will initially acquire a majority stake in HSL&HL, with the completed acquisition of 100 per cent ownership expected within the next 24 months. This transaction represents GGPL’s broader vision of investing in global sports assets through its overseas platform under the GMR group.

    GGPL is part of the GMR group, a multi-diversified Indian conglomerate founded in 1978, headquartered in New Delhi, India, with a global presence. GMR group operates across various sectors, including infrastructure, airports, power, and sports, and has contributed towards corporate social responsibility through initiatives in rural development, education, health, and skill development.

    This acquisition is designed to strengthen HS&LHL’s financial position, including Hampshire Cricket, and will include a material injection of capital to reduce the leveraging of the group. 

    GGPL has committed to furthering the development of Hampshire’s cricket teams and pathways, as well as enhancing the multi-sports and leisure facilities at the Utilita Bowl, including the stadium, hotel, and golf course. The company has emphasised the importance of respecting the traditions and culture of the game in England and Wales.

    The principal terms and conditions of this agreement were formally agreed upon by the parties a year ago, with the enterprise value set at a fair market valuation. This valuation included all existing assets as well as providing incentives for HS&LHL shareholders by way of additional consideration for possible future assets.

    Under the new ownership structure, Hampshire’s existing leadership team will remain in place. Rod Bransgrove will continue as group chairman until at least 30 September 2026, and David Mann will retain his role as group CEO. Together, they will work with GGPL to develop short, medium, and long-term strategies for the consistent growth of the club and its operations.

    Both organisations view this acquisition as a landmark partnership, one that will drive the expansion of HS&LHL’s sports infrastructure and community engagement. The collaboration promises to bolster the relationship between India and the UK, while also enhancing opportunities for growth within Hampshire’s cricket community and beyond.

    In particular, the agreement provides an opportunity to execute the masterplan for the Utilita Bowl site development, leveraging GMR’s global expertise and manpower. The goal is to foster the growth of both brands while maintaining financial stability and a shared belief in mutual success.

    The GMR group, a leading global infrastructure company, has significantly impacted the sports industry. Established in 2008, the sports business of GMR launched the Delhi Daredevils, the first IPL franchise from India’s capital. Currently,  it holds a 50 per cent stake in the Delhi Capitals (IPL and WPL), the Dubai Capitals (ILT20) and the Pretoria Capitals (SA20). The sports division has expanded its portfolio to include franchises in the Pro Kabaddi League and Ultimate Kho Kho League, promoting indigenous sports in India. Additionally, the sports division of GMR has invested in the Seattle Orcas team in the US Major League Cricket.

  • Zee to go the whole hog with DP World ILT20 cricket league in 2025

    Zee to go the whole hog with DP World ILT20 cricket league in 2025

    MUMBAI: Sports is what it had let go of more than a decade or so ago. Now Zee Entertainment is making a big-bang entry back into it. The entertainment giant announced today that it will be telecasting the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) on 15 of its channels, on Zee5 and on its syndicate partners’ TV and digital networks across the world from 11 January 2025 for the month long cricket fiesta. 

    Among the channels it will be telecasting the matches include: &Pictures SD, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema 2, Zee Action, Zee Biskope, Zee Zest SD, Zee Cinemalu HD, Zee Telugu HD, Zee Thirai, Zee Tamil HD, Zee Kannada HD, Zee Zest HD, &Flix SD, &Flix HD. The DPL ILT20 tournament will also be free to view on one of India’s leading OTT platforms – Zee5. 

    A press release issued by the network states that the idea is to capture a viewership of 230 million just from India. What will help it get there is the fact that the tournament will be shown on its southern language channels as well, expanding its reach exponentially. 

    The matches will take place at three iconic UAE locations – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah – starting from 11 January  to 9 February 2025.

    “Zee is delighted to present third season of DP World ILT20 to cricket fans in India and across the globe, offering an electrifying experience across our 15 linear TV channels and OTT platform, Zee5,” says Zee chief growth officer-digital & broadcast revenue. “With some of the finest players, iconic stadiums and top sporting franchises, we aim to elevate the cricket carnival experience, building on last year’s success and cementing the league’s status as the second most watched T20 cricket league globally.” 

    DP World ILT20, in its second season, drew 200,000 attendees over 34 games. The league is the second most-watched T20 cricket league globally, with a total of 348 million unique viewers from around the world, including a staggering 221 million viewers from India. With a notable 46 per cent share of female viewership and 55 per cent share of youth viewership, the league’s broad appeal in India underscores its status as household entertainment, says the press release.

    “The difference between DPL World ILT20 and IPLT20 is that each of the franchises can have more international players on the teams in our league. The IPL has by its construct more Indian players in each team,” Sehgal had told news channel Wion during an interview earlier this week. 

    The existing roster continues to be strong with the presence of players like David Warner, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Lockie Ferguson, Wanindu Hasaranga and Jake Fraser McGurk among others.

    The franchise-style tournament DP World ILT20 comprises six teams: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Knight Riders Group), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR Group), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriorz (Capri Global).

    The previous edition was won by MI Emirates.

  • Brands, India’s monumental chess Olympiad24 win, TV channels & OTTs

    Brands, India’s monumental chess Olympiad24 win, TV channels & OTTs

    MUMBAI: Did Indian TV sports channels, streamers and brands miss out on a great branding and monetisation opportunity last week during India’s monumental victory at the 45th Chess Olympiad 2024?  

    Some such as former sports broadcaster and an ardent chess player Harish Thawani think so. Said he on linkedin: “Nothing in the history of Indian sports/games achievement will come close to this. Indian women and men BOTH win gold at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024. Corporate India slept on associating with this opportunity, whether out of indifference to chess or because of advisors that are only cricket focused, I can’t say.” 

    Agreed Essar chief digital officer Vinod Sivaram Krishnan: “Cliff hangers of boards, accompanied by the right production values and expert commentary would have ensured that the edge-of-the-seat action could be converted into a significant marketing opportunity.”

    According to Thawani, 10 per cent  of the global population play chess – that is about 700 million.  “India has an estimated 85 million people that play chess. That’s more people than any other sport in India except cricket. So, there is an audience, it just is not being addressed,” he pointed out on linkedin.  

    He could well be right as according to online analytics, chess.com’s second largest traffic comes from India, accounting for some 15.4 million users. Then chessbaseIndia, chess.com and gothamchess have  1.92 million,  2.05 million subs, 5.43 million active subs respectively on youtube.

    Krishnan revealed that, like millions of others, he was glued to the matches online and on Youtube. But he added that “the poor quality of coverage of the event in the mainstream media was underwhelming. I realized that the opportunity was very significant.”

     Thawani explained that the feat by both the men and the women chess players as a team was “staggering, unbelievable, a mind-bending accomplishment. To win both golds with almost 200nations participating. It’s akin to a country winning the 100/200 meters and marathon in both men’s and women’s at Olympics. Anyone who has played competitive chess even at local level will tell you that this was impossible. Until today.” 

    Echoing  many a sports broadcasting acquisition executive, who complain of low viewership for any sports apart from cricket LabIndia Instruments regional sales manager Seshu Ramakrishnan Suri said: “Chess is not an audience sport and unless one knows the game they cannot enjoy. If it is not a mass sport why will a corporate get involved as they look at reward coming out of it.” 

    To this Thawani had a sharp reply: “..audience size is not the only reason to sponsor a sport/game – quality of audience, level of involvement, national pride, brand values synergy (remember IBM and Intel’s involvement with chess?) and more.” 

    Krishnan highlighted that chess has legs as seen in the current generation of chess players who displayed “fearless play from all 10 of them in the face of the best that the world has to offer meant that the result was just the icing on the cake. Knowing that there are several other strong players waiting in the wings for each one playing today gives the same feeling of bench strength that one gets in cricket. It was so heartening to see our young stalwarts take on veterans without a shred of nervousness!”

    But all is not lost as former sports broadcast executive Deep Drona said on linkedin: “It’s time to broaden the chatter beyond the popular or most obvious in the space of sports.”

    Are the sports streamers, broadcasters and brands listening?

    Will they rise and put their might behind chess as they have done with kabaddi and football?

    (For the uninitiated, India’s men and women’s chess teams consisting of  Gukesh Dommaraju – more commonly known as Gukesh D , Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi and Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev won the gold each in the men’s and women’s event respectively. Gukesh, Erigaisi, Deshmukh and Agrawal bagged individual gold medals on their respective boards.)

  • ICC unveils official song ‘Whatever It Takes’ for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

    ICC unveils official song ‘Whatever It Takes’ for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

    Mumbai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the official event song for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, titled ‘Whatever It Takes.’ The soundtrack is a collaboration between the vibrant all-girl pop group W.i.S.H., acclaimed music director Mikey McCleary, composer Parth Parekh, and produced by Bay Music House. The single is now available for download and streaming on major platforms worldwide.

    The official music video was also launched alongside the soundtrack, offering a cinematic preview of the tournament. It features highlight reels of iconic moments in women’s cricket and the choreography portrays the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 as the must-watch event of the year.

    The song for the ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup embraces a global pop sound, blending excitement and energy to resonate with international audiences and connect with younger fans.

    W.i.S.H., the all-girl pop sensation, brings youthful energy and modern flair to the track, celebrating empowered women in sport through Mikey McCleary’s visionary composition. The campaign slogan for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup – “Whatever It Takes,” embodies the journey of elite cricketers who dedicate themselves to achieving excellence in their sport. The song echoes this sentiment, celebrating the commitment and pursuit of excellence that characterises champions.

    ICC general manager – marketing and communications, Claire Furlong said: “The ICC is committed to make the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 the best possible stage for world class players to shine. Women’s cricket is firmly established on the global stage, and our vision is to further enhance its recognition with the launch of the official event song. This soundtrack is not only a prelude of the extraordinary talent that will be displayed on the field of play, but also the vehicle to inspiring a new generation of heroes to women’s cricket’s ever-growing, worldwide fanbase.”

    Building on the success of the 2023 edition in South Africa, which recorded over 190 million global viewing hours – a remarkable 44% increase from the 2020 tournament – the 2024 event is expected to elevate the sport even further, attracting new audiences and increasing engagement worldwide.

    The action is set to begin at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, on 3 October 2024, where each of the 10 participating nations will undoubtedly do ‘Whatever It Takes’ to lift the trophy at the conclusion of the Final at Dubai International Stadium on 20 October.

    W.i.S.H. shared their excitement at the launch of the song, “We are incredibly proud to share that as an all-girl group, we’ve created the official event song for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup! Cricket is a powerful force that unites people across our country and around the world, and it’s an honour to contribute to such a special occasion. As huge fans of Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana, we can’t wait for them to do the hook step from the music video and of course the other players from all the participating nations!”

    Speaking about the song, music director, Mikey McCleary said, – “I feel we have captured the vibe and the energy of a T20 cricket world cup in this song and can’t wait for cricket fans all over the world to listen to it.”

  • South United FC partners with Sprentzo for on-site PUMA sports gear store

    South United FC partners with Sprentzo for on-site PUMA sports gear store

    Mumbai: South United Football Club (SUFC) partners with Sprentzo, a sports equipment rental platform, to open an on-site PUMA store at SUFC’s Ulsoor facility in Bengaluru. This partnership enhances the athlete experience by offering premium sports gear for rent and purchase directly at the club.

    As SUFC’s sports equipment rental partner, Sprentzo will provide easy access to PUMA products, ensuring athletes and visitors can rent or try out gear before purchase. The store aims to deliver quality and convenience for players, offering hygienic, top-tier sports equipment right on the grounds.

    SUFC’s CEO Pranav Trehan stated, “At South United, we are always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our players and fans. This partnership with Sprentzo reflects our commitment to providing not only the best facilities but also the best gear right on-site. By offering the latest PUMA products and sports equipment on rent through Sprentzo, we ensure that everyone who steps onto our grounds is equipped to perform at their best. This initiative is a significant step forward in creating a holistic sports environment where convenience meets quality, right at the heart of our Club.”

    Sprentzo’s co-founder, Piyush Jain added, “We’re thrilled to announce this collaboration between SUFC and Sprentzo, bringing together the best infrastructure and top-tier sports gear under one roof. The partnership offers unparalleled convenience for every athlete and sports enthusiast. Whether you’ve forgotten your boots or want to try them before you buy, simply book your game at SUFC and head to our new experience centre. We’ll take care of the rest!”

    Sprentzo’s co-founder Pravruth B.H emphasised the convenience and quality of the new store, saying, “South United FC has set new standards for top-tier sports facilities, raising the bar in every way. By partnering with Sprentzo, we’re bringing this excellence to an even wider audience. This partnership will allow people to try premium products before purchasing and will facilitate convenient rentals of top-quality and hygienic gear at the facility. Our first-of-its-kind rental and experience store will also feature a curated section of the best PUMA products, enhancing the overall experience within the venue.”

    This partnership between SUFC and Sprentzo promises to elevate the sports culture at the club, offering unparalleled access to the best sports gear and fostering a stronger community.

     

  • Disney Star launches #She4HerGlory campaign

    Disney Star launches #She4HerGlory campaign

    Mumbai: In the run-up to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2024, Disney Star has launched the #She4HerGlory campaign, a unique initiative designed to empower and celebrate women in cricket. The campaign has united women leaders from across industries to rally behind the Indian Women’s Cricket Team while also shining a spotlight on the growing prominence of women’s cricket.

    The #She4HerGlory campaign adopted a creative approach, featuring each leader highlighting unique facts about women’s cricket. Not many people know that the first ever double century in limited overs cricket was scored by Australian woman cricketer, Belinda Clark and not Sachin Tendulkar. Fewer still know that the first Women’s Cricket World Cup was held before the Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1973. This approach not only celebrates the sport but also educates and inspires viewers about the rich history and future potential of women’s cricket.

    For the first time ever, close to 40 prominent voices echoed these sentiments, including Anupriya Acharya (CEO, Publicis Groupe – South Asia), Anita Kotwani (CEO, Dentsu Media South Asia), Sheran Mehra (Chief Brand Officer, Tata Digital), Anjali Madan (Director, Consumer Experience, Mondelez India Poulomi Roy (CMO, Joy Personal Care), Rathi Gangappa (CEO, Starcom India), Hema Malik (Chief Investment Officer, IPL Mediabrands India), Anisha Iyer (CEO, OMD India), Vaishali Verma (CEO, Initiative India), Sumeet Singh (CMO, Info Edge India Ltd), Kanika Kalra (Regional Marketing Director – Health, Reckitt, South Asia) and Richa Singh (Managing Director India & Middle East at Natural Diamond Council). These leaders shared their thoughts on the importance of women’s cricket and its increasing significance, not just in sports but also across industries.

    In culmination to the event, Disney Star hosted a vibrant gathering of CEOs, CMOs, and senior executives from the media and marketing fraternity on 18 September, all driven by a shared commitment to advancing women in sports. The event was graced by former Indian women’s team captain Mithali Raj as she enamoured the audiences with inspiring stories from her journey as a cricketer. Renowned sports presenter Mayanti Langer Binny was the host for the evening, bringing energy to the gathering.

    Shubhra Sethi, Head of Product and Revenue Strategy at Star Sports set the tone for the event as she spoke about #She4HerGlory being collective celebration of women’s cricket led by prominent women leaders from media and marketing with the aim to harness the influence of these leaders to champion the growth and success of the sport. She also spoke about Disney Star’s commitment to championing women’s cricket and fostering a strong community of supporters as we approach the much-anticipated ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

    Following this Kingshuk Mitra, Head of Ad Sales at Star Sports and Dhruv Dhawan, Head of Ads at Disney+ Hotstar, India engaged in a fireside chat with Mayanti Langer Binny as they addressed the plethora of opportunities for advertisers during the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on both platforms and the distinct benefits for brands by associating with the megaevent.

    The event was attended by leaders such as Sam Balsara (Chairman, Madison World), Lara Balsara (Executive Director at Madison World), Praveena Rai (COO at NPCI), Ajay Dang (President, Head Marketing at Ultra Tech Cement), Vikram Sakhuja (Group CEO, Madison Media and OOH), Prasenjit Basu (CMO at Voltas Beko), Omer Aydin (CFO at Voltas Beko), Moupriya Das (AGM, Marketing at Audi India), Kavita Jagtiani (CMO, L&T Finance) and Vikash Anand (Deputy Vice President, Marketing at Angel One) among others.

    The success of the #She4HerGlory event underscores Disney Star commitment to driving visibility for women’s cricket. The event’s impact ensures that the voices of women leaders across industries will be heard as India gears up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, starting on October 3.

  • Sony Sports Network sets new benchmark for football broadcasting in India

    Sony Sports Network sets new benchmark for football broadcasting in India

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network has set new benchmarks in the Indian sports broadcasting landscape, showcasing the immense growth of football viewership across diverse demographics. The growing popularity of European football in India is undeniable, with an increasing fan base eagerly following international tournaments like the Euros. This trend reflects a broader shift in sports preferences among Indian audiences, presenting Sony Sports Network with opportunities to expand its influence in the sports broadcasting landscape.

    From August 2023 to July 2024, the network has delivered an impressive 2,177 hours of live football coverage, the highest among all sports broadcasters in India. Likewise, Sony Sports has also recorded the most viewership for football on Pay Sports channels in India with 63.3 GRPs and an overall reach of 85.7 million among pay sports channels for all Live + Non-Live SOCCER (BARC) for the period from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024. (TG: BARC, All India Male 15+ ABC, SOCCER). It also has the highest reach among pay sports channels for all Live + Non-Live SOCCER (BARC) for the period from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024 (TG: BARC, All India CS 2+, SOCCER). This staggering amount of airtime showcases the network’s commitment to bringing the beautiful game to millions of fans across the country.

    Sony Sports Network is the exclusive home to a wide array of prestigious football properties. This includes the highly anticipated UEFA EURO 2028, one of the most celebrated tournaments in international football. Similarly, they hold broadcasting rights for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, and UEFA Nations League, among others.

    The network also covers the European Qualifiers, UEFA Youth League, international friendlies, the Emirates FA Cup, Bundesliga, Roshn Saudi League, and the DFB Pokal. This vast array of football content ensures that viewers have access to a comprehensive and diverse range of football action, from elite European club competitions to global international fixtures.

    Starting from the 2024/25 season, the UEFA Champions League will adopt a new format that includes 36 clubs competing in a Swiss league system. This change introduces four additional teams, providing more opportunities for clubs to face Europe’s elite.

    Fans can look forward to a continuous flow of European club football from August to May, as the tournament will no longer have a January break. The revamped format will see a remarkable 51 per cent increase in matches, adding over 125 games to the schedule.

    To cater to Indian audiences, the number of early kickoff matches will nearly double, featuring up to 38 such matches per season. The duration for early kickoff slots has also expanded from 12 to 22 days, ensuring both Group and Knockout stages include these popular times.

    For Indian viewers, matches will start at 10:15 PM until Daylight Savings Time, after which they will begin at 11:15 PM. This evolution in the competition promises to enhance the viewing experience and further grow the sport’s popularity.

    Speaking of an oldest football tournament particularly in Asia, the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup has gained its legacy as one of India’s premier tournaments, led by the armed forces. Over the past two years, Sony Sports Network has collaborated closely with the Durand Organizing Committee to elevate the event to new heights. Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan spearheaded the campaign, while former national team captain Sunil Chhetri, who recently retired, also featured prominently in the promotional film. In a historic moment, the Indian president Droupadi Murmuru, unveiled the trophies and launched the trophy tour, marking the first presidential involvement in 36 years.

    Additionally, Sony Sports Network’s effective marketing strategies, like the appointment of Aaryan as the brand ambassador for the “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign, aims to engage a younger, more affluent audience, expanding the sport’s reach beyond traditional markets like Northeast India, Goa, Kerala, and West Bengal. In this campaign, Aaryan dons the avatar of an alien to symbolize the universal appeal and excitement surrounding the event, emphasizing that UEFA Euro 2024 is not just a football tournament but a global festival that transcends boundaries. His involvement adds a touch of entertainment and relatability, ensuring the campaign resonates with fans across the country.

    The integration of OTT platforms ensures that matches are accessible both on television and online, catering to the evolving consumption habits of modern viewers who prefer streaming content. Although many industry experts have delved that TV is by any day a preferred destination, as viewing sports on a large screen is highly beneficial and entertaining to the viewers especially when watching with family. In addition to high-definition broadcasts, Sony Sports Network has significantly expanded its multilingual commentary offerings. Recognising the diverse linguistic landscape of India, the network provides commentary in multiple regional languages,for marquee tournaments and matches including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali to resonate with a broader audience and make them feel included in the excitement.

    If we talk about one particular challenge that stands out, it would definitely be cricket’s dominant viewership. Cricket receives extensive media coverage across all platforms, including television, print, and digital media. Major cricket events dominate sports news and attract a significant portion of advertising revenue, often leaving little room for other sports. With cricket’s extensive reach and established fan base, football often competes for limited viewing slots and advertising revenue. This competition makes it difficult for football events to secure the same level of attention and financial backing.

    Despite these shortcomings, the viewership figures are a clear indicator of the increasing appetite for football in India, transcending traditional boundaries and attracting a wide range of viewers. The network’s ability to captivate such a large audience highlights the effectiveness of its content strategy and its understanding of the evolving sports preferences of Indian audiences. By offering the maximum number of live football hours, boasting the largest bouquet of football properties and achieving the highest cumulative reach, it is no doubt that Sony Sports Network has set a new standard for sports broadcasting in India.