Tennis: Wimbledon to keep to tradition with Monday start January 31, 2025 Wimbledon have ruled out following the three other Grand Slam tournaments by expanding to 15 days. The US Open confirmed yesterday that the final Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows will run for 15 days this year, with the men’s and women’s singles first rounds beginning on Sunday 24 August and the men’s final [...]
Apple eyes MLS sell-off as even Messi can’t save £2bn deal January 29, 2025 Apple TV is considering selling off some of its international rights to Major League Soccer (MLS) just two years into a 10-year deal. The streaming company is paying $250m (£200m) a year for global MLS rights in a bet that interest in the American domestic league would grow significantly on the back of Lionel Messi’s [...]
Ambani family on course for £100m London Spirit in Hundred auction January 22, 2025 The likely destinations of English cricket’s crown jewels in the Hundred auction are taking shape, with the Ambani family’s determination to buy 49 per cent of the London Spirit in a deal expected to exceed £100m forcing other bidders to look elsewhere. A consortium of Californian investors led by Nikesh Arora, chief executive of Palo [...]
Ahead of the Game: Hundred franchises set to choose their investors January 15, 2025 The eight Hundred franchises have been asked to name and rank at least two preferred bidders from the private investors who have submitted offers for a 49 per cent stake in the third and final round of the auction process which is currently taking place. All of the Hundred teams attracted multiple bids in the [...]
Ahead of the Game: India want rule change to World Test Championship January 8, 2025 India are pushing for an overhaul of the International Cricket Council’s points system for the World Test Championship after missing out on the final for the first time. Australia’s 3-1 Test series win over Rohit Sharma’s side secured their place in the final against South Africa at Lord’s this summer, condemning India to third in [...]
Ahead of the Game: Man United cuts could be copied by other clubs December 30, 2024 Manchester United’s controversial move to slash the funding it provides to its charitable foundation as part of cost-cutting measures introduced by Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be followed by other Premier League clubs. The Manchester United Foundation are set to be the latest victims of Ratcliffe’s drive to cut costs at Old Trafford, with Sky News [...]
Ahead of the Game: Illegal Usyk vs Fury streams dealt heavy blow December 23, 2024 Illegal streaming services appear to be in retreat judging by the collapse of viewing figures for last weekend’s Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury rematch compared to the original world heavyweight title fight between the pair in May. Analysis conducted for City AM by online intelligence platform Yield Sec identified a peak audience of 3.2m illegal [...]
Red Bull: Leeds United minority owner set to increase football investment December 18, 2024 The energy drinks brand already has a minority stake in Leeds but has an option to increase it.
Ahead of the Game: British Horseracing Authority accused of ‘selling out sport’ December 11, 2024 Campaign group Clean Up Gambling has switched horses and is backing racing in the sport’s push to be regulated separately from online casinos and slots. Clean Up Gambling, which is funded by multimillionaire Labour donor Derek Webb and run by former party official Matt Zarb-Cousin, has called for racing to be exempt from affordability checks [...]
Fifa risks legal battle by including Mexican teams in Club World Cup draw December 3, 2024 Fifa will include two Mexican teams with the same owners, Club de Futbol Pachuca and Club Leon, in the draw for the Club World Cup tomorrow despite facing potential legal action over their involvement in next summer’s competition. Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense have sent a formal complaint to Fifa on the basis that [...]
