EBU grabs rights to Women’s 2021 Euro, futsal and youth competitions
December 10 – The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has acquired the rights to the Women’s Euro 2021 for more than 50 European territories.
Football Marketing
Marathonbet double up on Man City with training kit branding deal
December 9 – Manchester City has built on its partnership with its official betting partner Marathonbet making the online bookmaker the club’s first training kit partner in what is reportedly an eight-figure deal.
UEFA to open tender process for official match ball and equipment for 2021-24 cycle
December 9 – UEFA is set to launch a new tender for official match ball and equipment supplier status for its club competitions. The period covered is the commercial cycle 2021 to 2024.
Man Utd join Alibaba for major content-driven foray into China
December 6 – Manchester United have unveiled a partnership with Alibaba Group that will see club content on Alibaba’s digital platforms for the first time in China.
Lagardere in African limbo as CAF contract dispute heads for Swiss courts
By Osasu Obayiuwana
December 5 – The consequences of the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to terminate its $1 billion, 12-year marketing contract with Lagardere Sports (LS) continue to reverberate at the French company, with staff of its Africa Division uncertain of their future.
Mediapro take UEFA court over TV deal-making with beIN and Canal Plus
December 5 – Spanish TV group Mediapro are taking UEFA to court for allegedly altering submission bids for the Champions League for 2021-2024 in favour of France’s Canal Plus and Middle East broadcasting giant beIN Sports.
Ooredoo connects for local sponsorship of Club World Cup
December 4 – Qatari telecoms company Ooredoo has become a local sponsor of the Club World Cup which kicks off on December 11 in Doha, Qatar.
Juve and Socios.com launch $JUV fan token with a song
December 4 – Juventus fans are being given the opportunity to vote on the new goal celebration song that will be played when their team score at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
Real Madrid break digital ground in Russia with Marathonbet
December 2 – Real Madrid has signed online bookmaker Marathonbest as its first club partner in Russia.
PSG put naming rights of Parc des Princes up for sale seeking $22m
November 28 – Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain have launched the sale of the naming rights of their famous Parc des Princes. The French club has created a digital platform to test the waters, seeking a deal worth $22 million a year.
beIN SPORTS commits to Club World Cup TV despite piracy issues in Saudi
November 28 – Qatar-owned broadcaster beIN Sports has bought the TV rights for the next two editions of the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar.
Italian dash for the Saudi Super Cup cash could cost $500m if beIN drops Serie A rights
November 27 – Serie A’s decision to take its Super Cup to Saudi Arabia could cost the Italian league $500 million in TV rights if beIN Sport follows through on its threat to drop the league from its schedules when the broadcast rights agreement comes up for renewal for the 2021-2024 cycle next year.
Dortmund and Puma in 8-year renewal for €250m
November 27 – Borussia Dortmund and Puma have extended their contract until 2028, believed to be worth a €250 million.
Heineken renews its Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana sponsorships through 2024
November 21 – Having renewed its sponsorship of UEFA’s club competitions, Heineken has followed up with a renewal of its Conmebol deal for South America’s two leading club competitions, with Amstel being the brand partner.
beIN adds free streaming channel in US driven by LaLiga
November 21 – beIN Sports is to add a new free live streaming channel to its US stable with the launch of beIN Sports XTRA which will debut with selected live games from Spain’s La Liga, France’s Ligue 1 and Turkey’s Super Lig.