Weekly Newsletter 5/17
Sign up below to stay up to date on the sports stories changing our industry
INNOVATION IN ACTION
LAYING THE FOUNDATION OF GLOBAL EXPANSION
At its annual meeting in Dublin, the World Rugby Council unanimously approved the staging of the Rugby World Cup in the following countries: England to host Rugby World Cup 2025 (women’s), Australia to host Rugby World Cup 2027 (men’s) and 2029 (women’s), and USA to host Rugby World Cup 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s). The Council also approved a new model that will see World Rugby form partnerships with national unions and governments to establish a local delivery structure in each nation. The new partnership approach is in line with the ‘game-changer’ objectives of World Rugby’s strategic plan to provide hosting certainty for the Rugby World Cup and stimulate the dynamic development of rugby globally by engaging with more fans and unlocking new revenue streams for increased investment in the sport. This includes a roadmap to accelerate the sport’s advancement in the USA and increased investment in the women’s game.
Sports Innovation Lab Events
EXECUTIVES COMING TOGETHER TO INNOVATE FOR THE FAN
On May 26 tune in to the Digital Ascendant conference to hear Heidi Browning, CMO, NHL, Andy Kauffman, SVP, Marketing Strategy & Science, NFL, Barbara McHugh, SVP, Audience Development, MLB, and Angela Ruggiero, CEO & Co-Founder, Sports Innovation Lab discuss how the industry can keep fickle fans engaged year-round with exceptional content, personalization, and the newest tech integrations. In just two years, mobile sports experiences have gone from ancillary to a primary focus as the pandemic necessitated new routes in order to connect with fans. From watching the game safely at home to augmenting the on-site experience with real-time personalized offerings, sports and event marketers stand at the bleeding edge of experience.
The Fan Project Spotlight
FORMER HOCKEY MINDS CREATING THE NEW STANDARD
Olympic gold medalist Kacey Bellamy has been named a scout and player relations liaison for the Premier Hockey Federation. Bellamy is a former U.S. women’s national team standout, helping the team win gold at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games and earning eight gold medals in nine appearances at the IIHF Women’s World Championship. She also won Olympic silver medals in 2010 and 2014. She is the latest appointment to the PHF front office, which in January announced a landmark investment in the league and in April announced Reagan Carey as the replacement for Tyler Tumminia. The future appears to be bright with a strong female leadership group of great hockey minds moving the PHF forward.