Treasury ignored DCMS gambling tax hike concerns before Budget raid March 6, 2026 Whitehall raised questions about the amount of money a gambling levy could raise before Chancellor Rachel Reeves pushed ahead with tax hikes in the Autumn Budget. A Freedom of Information request seen by City AM shows analysis by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in response to proposals by the Social Market Foundation and [...]
Italy Six Nations revival a lesson for Wales as England challenge awaits March 6, 2026 In 2019 rugby in Italy was staring down the barrel of extinction: three home Six Nations matches at their 70,500-capacity Stadio Olimpico drew crowds of just 38,500 versus Wales, 49,700 against Ireland and 48,800 for their match against France. Fast forward to 2026, however, having just beaten Scotland in front of 68,200 fans Italy will [...]
Formula 1 presents creativity conundrum for brands and sponsors March 6, 2026 They know how to make noise in Formula 1. This week, motorsport’s premier championship explodes back into life across its ever-expanding media universe. Twenty-four high-glamour race weekends, driving peerless broadcast innovation. A mould-breaking, news-making Netflix docuseries. An official film starring Brad Pitt, the highest-grossing sports movie ever made and an Oscar nominee to boot. More [...]
Premier League + ‘could hurt fan acquisition if rolled out globally’ March 5, 2026 The Premier League is “smart” to be experimenting with showing games on its own dedicated app but may find it harder to attract new fans if it leaves broadcasters and streaming platforms altogether, says a leading figure at Dazn. Premier League + will launch in Singapore next season and show all 380 matches live as [...]
Harry Kane-endorsed Skechers to sponsor Tom Brady-backed cricket team March 5, 2026 Harry Kane-endorsed footwear brand Skechers is expanding into cricket as the main sponsor of the Tom Brady-backed Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix. Skechers will replace Butterkist in the prime front-of-shirt position for the men’s and women’s Birmingham Phoenix teams as The Hundred enters a new era this year. Following the acquisition of stakes in all eight [...]
Championship play-offs: More clubs to get shot at football’s richest game March 5, 2026 English clubs have been given an extra chance to win the richest game in football after teams in the EFL approved a change to the format of the Championship play-offs. From next season, the play-offs will expand from four teams to six – meaning clubs will only have to finish in the top eight of [...]
Formula 1 signs first ever official betting operator in multi-year deal March 5, 2026 Betway has announced a deal with Formula 1 in a move that will see the motorsport agree its first ever betting operator sponsorship. The move, which is not a global sponsor, spans Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as Canada and Mexico and sees Formula 1 enter the betting market. Betway platforms will [...]
Littler and Humphries set for Silverstone showdown at F1 British Grand Prix March 5, 2026 Luke Littler and Luke Humphries will compete at the British Grand Prix this year, with Silverstone today set to confirm a darts tournament as part of the Formula 1 weekend. World champion Littler, as well as Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Fallon Sherrock, will throw at Silverstone’s trackside Boxpark in “A Night at the Darts” [...]
English rugby is on brink of seismic change. It mustn’t fumble at the try line March 5, 2026 Ed Warner was part of the group that has recommended major changes to the way English rugby is governed. He explains why this is a generational opportunity. This is news overload time for English rugby. The men’s national team wilting twice in the Six Nations under weighty expectations, debate about the possible impact of head [...]
Exclusive: ‘Punchy’ £2.5m crowdfund to value Kane-backed Reflo at £25m March 5, 2026 A “punchy” £2.5m crowdfunding round launched by Reflo, the apparel brand backed by footballers Harry Kane and Phil Jones, will value the sustainable sportswear firm at £25m, co-founder Rory MacFadyen has told City AM. The brand, which boasts the likes of England striker Kane and Formula 1 team Williams within its client roster, has announced [...]