Cannes Lions: Athletes, algorithms and the ascent of women’s sport June 27, 2025 At this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, sport didn’t just show up – it dominated. From athletes turned media moguls to billion-pound plays on women’s leagues, the message was clear: sport is now a strategic asset for marketers hungry for cultural relevance, real life interactions and experiences, and commercial return. The Sport Beach [...]
Bumble: If Test cricket is dead, then why are the grounds full in the UK? June 27, 2025 David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd has hit out at those saying Test cricket is dying, pointing to the packed crowds UK stadiums enjoy week in, week out. It comes after England’s sensational victory over India at Headingley last week, and a full Lord’s for the World Test Championship fixture between Australia and South Africa. Limited tickets for [...]
Women’s football: Why brand is key to building on Lionesses’ success June 27, 2025 With the Women’s Euros approaching the spotlight is bright on the Lionesses, and domestic clubs will be looking to capitalise on the momentum of the tournament by converting national fans into home team supporters. This is where brand comes in. Crucial for building greater connections, a sense of belonging and loyalty, and for attracting the [...]
British and Irish Lions player row doesn’t short-change fans June 27, 2025 Seeing the war of words erupt between the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia this week has given me a bit of a buzz for the tour. This is what the quadrennial series is all about, the niggle of pre-Test series angst. But when push comes to shove it is all bravado and showmanship, [...]
Oisin Murphy: Champion Jockey charged with drink-driving June 26, 2025 Champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been charged with drink-driving after crashing his Mercedes into a tree in April. It is alleged that Murphy, 29, was over the prescribed alcohol limit and failed to cooperate with police when asked to give a preliminary test at the scene. The Irishman, who rode five winners at Royal Ascot [...]
Under-21 Euros: England youngsters chalk up wins for Channel 4 June 26, 2025 Channel 4’s punt on England at the men’s Under-21 Euros has already paid off before Saturday’s final, with strong viewing figures for the Young Lions’ knockout games. England’s semi-final win over the Netherlands on Wednesday evening was the most popular programming on UK TV at the time. The 2-1 victory over the Dutch, secured by [...]
Southampton owner Solak steps up £170m fight with London fund June 26, 2025 Billionaire Southampton FC owner Dragan Solak has escalated a legal battle with London-based private equity fund BC Partners, which he says owes him and his business partners £170m. Solak has asked Dutch authorities to investigate what he calls a “serious governance crisis” at United Group, the telecoms and media business he founded but which is [...]
Padel: 3,200 clubs built in 2024 as racket sport surges in popularity June 26, 2025 Over 3,000 padel clubs were built in 2024, according to a report that suggests padel is further surging in popularity. Around 3,200 clubs were constructed in 2024 along with over 7,000 courts added to the global padel surplus across the last 12 months, according to the Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025. That’s one club every [...]
FA accused of stalling brain damage lawsuit from former players June 26, 2025 Football chiefs have been accused of “deliberately stalling” a landmark lawsuit brought by former players who suffered “life-altering” brain damage as the legal battle resumes today. The Football Association, English Football League and FA of Wales are the defendants in a case brought by 30 former players and their families who say the game’s authorities [...]
CVC Capital Partners hire former EE boss to new sports arm June 26, 2025 CVC SportsCo, a new entity created by private equity giants CVC Capital Partners, has been bolstered by the hire of former mobile phone network EE boss Marc Allera. Allera will take a the role central to the firm’s sporting portfolio, which once owned Formula 1. The current CVC Capital Partners portfolio includes stakes in Premiership [...]