NEWS ROUND-UP

Media

ITV announced it will not renew its rights deal for the annual Oxford and Cambridge boat race, citing it as a cost-cutting measure whilst the commercial broadcaster pledges its commitment to top-flight football. ITV had snatched the rights to the race from the BBC in a five-year deal which has run since 2005. It is believed the BBC is the most likely broadcaster to bid for the rights from 2010 as it looks to boost its sporting event calendar, following the defection of England internationals and the FA Cup to rival broadcasters ITV and Setanta.

The BBC agreed a six-year deal with UK Athletics (UKA) for the live broadcast rights of major domestic indoor and outdoor events until December 2014, extending an existing deal. The deal includes the British Grand Prix held at Crystal Palace, which has been ratified by the IAAF as a two-day event in 2009. “With 2012 on the horizon, these key events will be an important part of the BBC’s overall commitment to its audience to follow Olympic sport not only on television but across all platforms,” said UKA chief executive Niels de Vos.

The full four-round Women’s British Open will air live in the United States – on US cable sports network ESPN – for the first time beginning in 2010. Tournament organiser the R&A agreed an eight-year contract that includes 12 hours of tournament play over the four days, digital coverage and expanded rights for ESPN International. Coverage had previously been split between US broadcasters TNT and ABC.

Marketing

Rugby teams and the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) denied reports that there could be an elite-end Scottish Premier League-style breakaway in the near future. Leading clubs are believed to be frustrated that there are not greater rewards for success, as at present there is no prize-money for winning any of the leagues including Premiership Division One. The SRU and the Premier One forum – the umbrella group for the top 12 clubs – reacted to speculation by issuing a statement making it clear that there is no potential for a permanent division in the game.

Rugby teams and the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) denied reports that there could be an elite-end Scottish Premier League-style breakaway in the near future. Leading clubs are believed to be frustrated that there are not greater rewards for success, as at present there is no prize-money for winning any of the leagues including Premiership Division One. The SRU and the Premier One forum – the umbrella group for the top 12 clubs – reacted to speculation by issuing a statement making it clear that there is no potential for a permanent division in the game.

New Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis – who takes up the role at the Premier League club in January – is considering renegotiating sponsorship deals with Emirates and Nike, on the understanding that other clubs are getting more out of their deals. Arsenal’s shirt-sponsorship deal with Emirates is worth £6 million-a year scheduled to last until 2014, compared to the £14 million-a-year Manchester United get for their deal with US insurer AIG.

West Ham FC unveiled their new shirt sponsor – Asian betting firm SBOBET – in a deal described as “lucrative” by the club. The Premier League side had been without an official sponsor since the collapse of travel agency XL in September, midway through a £7.5 million three-year contract. The charity logo for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research logo will also appear on kit worn by West Ham academy sides and junior replica shirts.

Sportswear manufacturer Adidas extended its sponsorship deal with UK Athletics (UKA), the sport’s national governing body, for five years until 2013. Under the terms of the deal, Adidas will continue as the official provider of sports apparel for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team, UKA officials and volunteers and will be official sponsor of the UKA’s Major Events Series. “The Adidias deal secures another major part of the commercial legacy for the sport beyond 2012, am I am delighted that such an iconic sporting brand is to continue its successful association with UK Athletics,” said UKA chief executive Niels de Vos.

Events

The man who runs entertainment company AEG – the company who owns more than 100 multi-purpose venues across the world - believes London could be home to a team which competes in a major American sports league by 2011, reported the Observer. Tim Leiweke told the newspaper: “In the next two years, one of the leagues is going to put a team on different soil and it is going to be revolutionary.” He added: “It’s not just about sport being global, it’s about leagues being global.”

Richard Caborn MP, the Prime Minister’s Ambassador for England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup, opened a new £384,000 sports and community facility on Halstead Road in Kirby, Essex after it was destroyed by arsonists five years ago. The money was provided by the Football Foundation (£151,000), an insurance settlement (£116,000), owners of the land Tendring District Council (£110,000), the Frinton and Walton Town Council (£5,000) and the Kirby Playing Field Association (£2,000).

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) confirmed that it was holding talks with Wales and Northern Ireland over the prospect of co-hosting the 2016 European Championships. An SFA spokesman told PA Sport that “tentative” talks had been held with a view to linking up with one of them. European football’s governing body Uefa announced they are increasing the number of finalists from 16 to 24.