IMG
IMG extends BBC snooker production contract
The IMG agency has extended a deal with the BBC to continue producing the UK public-service broadcaster’s coverage of snooker.
Centralisation takes back seat as UCI focuses on calendar and production
The Union Cycliste Internationale’s long-standing goal of centralising the media rights to the UCI World Tour looks set to be put on the back burner under new president Brian Cookson in favour of more achievable objectives: creating a coherent calendar and improving cycling as a television product.
IMG and Baylor extend partnership
The IMG agency has extended its multimedia rights partnership with Baylor University in the US.
Big increase but rivals giving up on ousting MP & Silva
Italy’s Lega Serie A and its media adviser Infront Sports & Media can point to a near 60-per-cent increase in the value of the league’s international rights to claim that this month’s sales process was a success, despite drawing only three bids.
‘Aggressive’ long-term plan helps IMG oust Silva
Major League Soccer said it chose the IMG Events & Media agency to handle its media rights because the agency was “aggressive” in its plans, and shared the league’s philosophy about creating a long-term partnership to build the MLS profile globally.
Worsening Russian rights market slows Euroleague growth
Media rights income for Euroleague basketball is likely to be about the same in the 2014-15 season as it was last season, partly due to difficulties in Russia, one of the sport’s key markets.
Gary Stevenson, president and managing director, MLS Business Ventures
Interview with Gary Stevenson, president and managing director of MLS Business Ventures, on the new MLS/SUM eight-year deal with IMG Events & Media.
IMG divests majority share in Enetpulse APS
The IMG agency has divested its majority interest in live sports data provider Enetpulse APS back to the Danish management of the Enetpulse Group as part of a move to consolidate its sports streaming and live data business.
Arizona State terminates IMG College rights contract
The athletics division of US college Arizona State has said it will terminate its multimedia rights deal with IMG College and is claiming more than $5m (€3.9m) in damages from the agency for failing to meet contract obligations.
IMG sees value in burgeoning US soccer market
The IMG agency has agreed a deal to market and distribute the global media rights to Major League Soccer and U.S. Soccer properties for the next eight years.
Bidders unveiled for Serie A international rights
The MP & Silva, IMG and B4 Capital agencies have tabled bids for the international media rights for Serie A, the top division of football in Italy.
European Tour given helping hand by Ryder Cup
Global media interest in last weekend’s Ryder Cup finale confirmed the extent to which the competition has become one of sport’s blue-riband events. Few events have the power to hold the US and Europe in thrall over three days.
Rupert Hampel, managing director, European Tour Productions
Interview with Rupert Hampel, managing director of European Tour Productions, on the importance of the Ryder Cup to European Tour media rights.
Setanta boosts Asian portfolio as Eurosport cools
Pay-television broadcaster Setanta Asia doubled the value of European club rugby in Asia this month, adding the new Champions Cup competition to a strong rugby portfolio.
IMG beats Yes TV to NFL but keeps rival on board
The IMG Events & Media agency beat off strong competition for the Asian rights to the US National Football League earlier this month, including a bid by incumbent rights-holder Yes TV.
Setanta Asia pounces for Rugby Champions Cup rights
Pay-television broadcaster Setanta Asia has acquired rights for rugby union’s new European Rugby Champions Cup club competition.
NFL expands IMG partnership into Asia
American football’s NFL has appointed the IMG agency to distribute media rights in parts of Asia.
Infront gives CAA a second chance
Private equity company Bridgepoint Capital could exploit the global expansion ambitions of the two major US sports marketing companies – WME/IMG and CAA – to secure a price in excess of €1bn ($1.32bn) for the Infront Sports & Media agency, experts say.