Charlie Weir

⚽️ [Sports Biz News]🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Hibernian FC strengthens marketing strategy with new SBK deal🚀 Scottish Premiership club Hibernian FC has announced a new sleeve sponsorship deal with UK-based sports betting company SBK until the summer of 2026. This partnership provides SBK with exclusive exposure on the Men's First Team kits and significant branding at Easter Road Stadium. The collaboration aims to leverage SBK's market recognition to enhance the club's brand value while expanding SBK's reach among sports enthusiasts, highlighting the potential for growth and development for both parties. SBK, a part of the innovative sports betting company Smarkets, was established in 2020 to redefine the betting market by providing the best odds and bridging the gap between bookmakers and customers. Murray Milligen, Commercial Director at Hibernian FC, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are extremely pleased to have the support of SBK. This partnership is significant for the club, and we look forward to the exciting journey ahead over the next two years." Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, also shared his thoughts: "We are honored to begin this partnership with Hibernian FC. Being associated with one of the Scottish Premiership's major clubs is a tremendous opportunity for us. We look forward to offering Hibs fans market-leading odds throughout the season and spreading our mission of focusing on price and product without any casino distractions." This strategic partnership between Hibernian FC and SBK is expected to be mutually beneficial. Hibernian FC will benefit from SBK's market presence, potentially boosting their brand value and securing financial stability for team improvements. SBK, on the other hand, will gain extensive exposure and the opportunity to connect with a dedicated fanbase, enhancing its brand visibility. The branding at Easter Road Stadium will not only reach local fans but also a global audience through televised and online broadcasts, further extending SBK's international presence. This partnership exemplifies how sports marketing can create a win-win situation for both clubs and sponsors, driving growth and success through collaboration. With the combined efforts of Hibernian FC and SBK, this partnership promises to set a new standard in sports marketing and sponsorship, demonstrating the powerful synergy between sports and business. The next two years will undoubtedly be a period of exciting developments and mutual growth for both entities. #glocalsportsnews #sportsmarketing #sportsnews #sportsbusiness #marketing #branding #pr #brandingstrategy #marketingstrategy #prstrategy #businessstrategy #advertising #hibernianfc #spfl #football #scotland #sportsbetting #sbk #footballfan

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Our Chairman Nick Hawker explaining how Fan Engagement is so key to what we do! It is also how we have been named number 1 when compared with all 92 league clubs! 🏆⚽️ Working with Exeter City Football Club in any capacity is a great way to promote your brand/business whilst also contributing to a genuine community cause... 👍 With a social media audience over 500,000 and the new Sky Sports deal our exposure is huge! 💪 #devonbusiness #exeter #exeterbusiness #northdevon #business #football #entertainment #hospitality #digitalmarketing #marketing #socialmedia #branding #advertisingandmarketing

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I am always surprised by the amounts businesses pay for marketing and advertising... and sponsorship or advertising with a football club has never been a consideration! Even a club like ours, we can deliver an audience in the millions for what is on paper a very small investment! Sport is often either not thought about when choosing a method or too expensive, as it is only the the "big" clubs who can deliver the audience required! We have a video on TikTok which gained over 3million views! #devonbusiness #exeter #exeterbusiness #northdevon #business #football #entertainment #hospitality #digitalmarketing #marketing #socialmedia #branding #advertisingandmarketing

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TEAMcard and Silverstone Circuit agree new expanded venue-wide partnership Silverstone Circuit, the home of British motorsport and host venue to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix has renewed with TEAMcard in an expanded agreement that will cover access control, accreditation, visitor management and verification services for the entire 155-acre site. Silverstone partnered with TEAMcard for venue access control in 2021, setting the foundations for a successful partnership that saw two record-breaking summers for racing fans entering the circuit. Matthew Evans, Business Systems Manager at Silverstone, said: "Working with TEAMcard has been a real game-changer for us. We have a whole host of different events that take place across the year attracting all sizes of crowds, from domestic race meetings to major events like Silverstone Festival, MotoGP and Formula 1. Regardless of the event size, the TEAMcard access control solution works seamlessly every time – we know we can really trust it." Now moving towards a third year in partnership, Silverstone have expanded their relationship with TEAMcard by activating the use of additional modules in the TEAMcard product stack – Accreditation, Visitor Management and Verification. These new modules will allow Silverstone to organise, manage and record the movements of every person arriving at the circuit, 365 days a year from a single system. Mike McEachern, Head of IT at Silverstone, said: "Working closely with everyone at TEAMcard has allowed us to better understand the wider product stack, and how their other solutions could work alongside access control to benefit our whole business. Stacking other modules like accreditation, visitor management and verification is allowing us to streamline more processes, collect better data and create better customer experiences across the board." For the full story, go to: https://lnkd.in/ervmHCmi #accesscontrol #accreditation #eventindustry #eventsindustry #eventmanagement #formula1 #f1 #sportbiz #sportsbiz #sportsindustry #Silverstone Daniel Huson Lee Howkins James Holifield Stephane Bazire Ben Phillips Robert Byrne Victor Leitch Josh Whittaker-Vyse Jean-Francoys Brousseau #sportsvenuebusiness #sportsvenuebiz #svblive Sports Venue Business SVB LIVE Cassandra Calleja

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Fhitting Room has closed 3 clubs, citing “aggressive third-party” booking companies - with ClassPass being the main player in this category Very sad to see this as Fhitting Room was one of my favourite New York brands 😞 Their Flatiron club scored five stars in The Fit Guide's evaluation process and we had some great conversations with the team there Like us, they were enthusiastic and excited about the fitness industry learning from hospitality Their team even recommended Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara which became one of my fav business reads! Conditions have certainly been tough in New York... The city got absolutely battered during closures Landlords were notoriously tough And our friends on the ground have said that some New Yorkers' habits had permanently shifted Fhitting Room keeps its Upper West Side studio, so do check them out if you're in New York! 💪🏼 This presents an important question... As the industry evolves, what role is ClassPass playing in the industry? Is their presence, along with other third-party booking companies such as Wellhub, having a positive or negative effect on the industry and your business? I did a podcast on this a while ago. As the industry evolves and shifts, it's a crucial conversation to keep having. Source: Athletech News #thefitguide #fhittingroom #classpass #fitnessindustry #newyork

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Check out JMP's latest case study in collaboration with EA SPORTS and That's Football. This video series not only generated impressive social media performance but was an enjoyable project for the entire team. For more details, check out the link in the comments!

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My thoughts (in short) on Ligue 1 going #D2C with an #OTT proposition in the UK as recorded for the StreamTime pod 📺 To summarise: 1) It's not an ideal outcome, but potentially they come out the other side of this with a better understanding of fans and an improved fan relationship in that market. They'll also come out of this cycle with a greater ability to predict revenues longer term then being at the mercy of fluctuating market competition. 2) I would also expect the other top football leagues to follow this move as a fast follower in markets where their rights deals aren't the level they hoped. This is a shift in mindset of the past few years where if they were close they'd stick with the incumbent model. We always see the industry jump on a trend once someone takes the bullet of innovation in a new approach, and I believe this could be the catalyst for more to follow - but important to add this would be gradually and not overnight! Anyone think similar? More on the podcast: https://lnkd.in/e-kKbsQa

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NORTH EAST SPORTS BETTING BRAND ACQUIRED // “This is a huge success story for a North East business and is another example of the region’s impressive output in the technology and gaming sectors.” Digital sports media group Better Collective has purchased North East sports betting brand AceOdds in a €42m (£36m) deal, as it looks to expand its foothold in the UK and capitalise on growing international interest in the AceOdds platform. Having been founded in 2008 and based at the Dissington Hall business centre near Dalton in Northumberland, AceOdds is a multi-language sports betting media brand that offers a comprehensive range of betting tools, odds, reviews and streaming schedules through its web and app based platforms. Mark Adams and Ben Jackson (pictured) of the corporate team at North East law firm Hay & Kilner advised the AceOdds’ shareholders on the deal, with Mark saying, “This deal, and Better Collective’s strategy of scaling their brand globally via local expertise across numerous regions, aligns perfectly with AceOdds’ vision of expanding its influence outside the UK.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eni8yfrj Ian Bowden Dissington Hall Enterprise Hub #NET #northeasttimes #businessnews #AceOdds #BetterCollective #acquisition #businessgrowth #northeastbusiness #drivingconversations #makingconnections

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EQUITY is a very important value in my life (more than EQUALITY, but that’s another post for another day). At last night’s Denver Barbarians Rugby Club training, we had a scrimmage against our “sister” rugby club, Colorado Gray Wolves. I used to coach a women's team back in New York, and many of my current players have played in co-ed touch rugby teams, but this was the first time any of us had played in a men vs women game. Specific aspects were adapted and controlled to maintain safety and security, but otherwise it was a regular scrimmage. In our sport, soft skills such as rugby IQ, spatial awareness, and communication are no less important than hard “skills” such as strength, physicality, and aggression, and under last night’s controlled conditions, the soft skills in my players were thoroughly tested. The result was a highly competitive, highly skillful, and highly equitable game of rugby where both teams adapted, learned, and had fun, three key tenets of my coaching (and leadership) philosophy. Moral of the story: “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”. This is true in sport and in business, and to achieve equity we must recognize these inequalities, make adjustments, and adapt. But here’s the rub: blindly putting our thumb on the scale to engineer equity, is the absolute antithesis of equity. #passion #purpose #performance #equity #leadership #coaching #timrhutchins

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Hands up, who had this on their bingo card for the week - How WWE and their marketing strategies can help golf clubs market themselves going forward. WWE’s marketing strategies are unique and highly effective, and there are several ways these strategies could be adapted to benefit golf clubs, especially in the UK. Let's take a deeper dive into how WWE’s approach can be translated into the world of golf: 1. Storytelling and Character Development WWE’s success is largely built on its ability to tell captivating stories and develop engaging characters. Each wrestler has a backstory, personality, and ongoing narrative that keeps fans invested. Application to Golf Clubs: Member Spotlights: Highlight the personal stories of club members and staff. Share their journeys, achievements, and unique experiences through interviews and feature articles. 2. Creating Spectacle and Memorable Moments WWE events are more than just matches; they are full-scale entertainment spectacles with dramatic entrances, music, and pyrotechnics. Application to Golf Clubs: Themed Events: Host themed tournaments and events that offer more than just golf. Incorporate entertainment elements such as live music, food festivals, and family-friendly activities. 3. Fan Engagement and Interaction WWE excels at engaging with its fans through social media, live events, and interactive content. Application to Golf Clubs: Social Media Presence: Increase social media activity by posting regular updates, live-streaming events, and encouraging members to share their experiences online. 4. Merchandising and Branding WWE generates significant revenue through merchandise sales, with fans proudly wearing branded apparel and accessories. Application to Golf Clubs: Branded Merchandise: Develop a line of branded merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and equipment. This not only generates revenue but also builds a sense of community and loyalty among members. 5. Leveraging Multiple Platforms WWE uses a variety of platforms to reach its audience, from TV broadcasts to online streaming and social media. Application to Golf Clubs: Content Creation: Produce a variety of content, such as instructional videos, member spotlights, and club history documentaries. Share this content across multiple platforms to reach a wider audience. 6. Building and Leveraging Brand Loyalty WWE has an incredibly loyal fanbase, built through consistent engagement and emotional connections. Application to Golf Clubs: Community Building: Foster a strong sense of community through regular communication, member events, and opportunities for members to contribute to club initiatives. The great thing about all these strategies is that they are possible and can be created by all golf clubs in the UK, this in turn will help create a more dynamic and engaging environment that appeals to a broader audience. In the process helping demystify Golf to people, thereby making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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Elevating Talent Development at Breidablik 🇮🇸 Reykjavik’s footballing powerhouse, Breidablik UBL, is taking player development to the next level with Eyeball. Here’s how: 🎥 Tailored Video Insights: Coaches create personalised, one-minute clips for players, highlighting key strengths and areas for growth. 📊 Performance Metrics for Players: Through the Eyeball app, players track stats like pass completion rates, sparking self-improvement and healthy competition. 🌍 Global Scouting Simplified: In Iceland’s remote football scene, Eyeball connects players to international scouts without the need for travel. Breidablik’s innovative use of Eyeball ensures no talent goes unnoticed—locally or globally. Read full story here: https://lnkd.in/eD6jUFnK

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I’ve had multiple discussions with Premier League and EFL clubs recently, and one recurring topic is the need to address certain cultural aspects to better align with performance. One major issue that’s come up is the increasing use of Snus. A joint study by Loughborough University and the PFA found that: * 18% of surveyed male players and 22% of female players currently use Snus or nicotine pouches. * 42% of male and 39% of female respondents have used it at least once. * Over 50% of male users want to quit. * More than half of male users and nearly 75% of female users reported nicotine dependence. Snus, a smokeless tobacco product from Sweden, is becoming popular among footballers. Unlike smoking, Snus is placed under the upper lip, delivering nicotine without inhaling smoke. However, this trend raises serious concerns about health and performance. Impact on Sleep and Recovery Nicotine, the active compound in Snus, is a potent stimulant that can interfere with sleep, increasing the time it takes to fall asleep and reducing overall sleep duration. It disrupts sleep architecture, leading to less restorative deep sleep, which is crucial for recovery and optimal performance. Poor sleep quality can impair reaction times, decision-making, and physical endurance, leading to a decline in performance and an increased risk of injury. Dependence and Withdrawal Regular Snus use can lead to nicotine dependence, with withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating, which further disrupts sleep and performance. This cycle can also affect a player's mental health, adding complexity to their overall well-being. Cardiovascular Concerns Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can stress the heart, especially during intense physical activity, and contribute to long-term health risks, including cardiovascular disease. Despite these growing concerns, there seems to be a reluctance to question and address this cultural trend, even as its prevalence rises. This is an issue that needs to be tackled with the urgency it deserves to protect the health and performance of our athletes.

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The mind boggles when you have a think as to how many roles there are within the sports industry. So many athletes are interested in remaining in sport and helping them understand what those potential roles are is one task we are working on at FutureProof Pro It amazes me though how sports clubs and brands don’t recruit from their own. A huge number of businesses are advertising roles on a daily basis across various platforms, including LinkedIn. Sports people are a perfect fit for many of them. I understand the argument of not recruiting people from the same sport so that fresh ideas can be generated, but it’s crazy how few are looking outside of the industry they occupy. Thinking slightly outside the box (its not really but seems that it is) would make a massive difference to not only the athletes but the businesses too. Have a think about where your sports club, brand or agency can add athletes to your team. We’ve got athletes ready to go and who would be a great fit for any sports business, you just need to back those that are right under your nose. #talent #recruitment #roles #search #sport #sportsjobs #careers #careersinsport #transition

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The average cost of running a Premier League Category 1 academy is around £8m a year. The very best academies are rumoured to cost nearer to £15m-20m. A lot of money? However, the average PL player now costs £25m to buy and (with wages) costs £50m over 5 years. So a single player costs, on an annual basis, the same as a full year of a top class academy. Any academy producing a first-team-ready player every few years provides good value for money. The question is can academies scale up? Does adding more money lead to more players being produced? Can you build satellite academies to feed into your main site? Can academies be built and run around the world? If they can the maths supports putting the money into producing players over buying them. But this only works if the ownership understands that (1) this is worth doing (2) there will be a lag between setting things up and players being produced. Will any of the football staff asked to set it up still be in place to benefit from it? If not, will it be seen through or canceled as an easy cut when savings are next needed? I wrote about this in 2020 and still think the case is really strong. https://lnkd.in/ejd38d3

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Like every English Premier League fan, I'm super excited for the start of the season. So I can only imagine many are in the same boat as me, having checked the first round of fixtures only to find my team Arsenal F.C are playing their first game against Wolves during the dreaded 3pm Saturday blackout. This means even though I've got every available #UK sports #subscription in the book, I wont legally be able to watch the game live, what a downer! This results in #EPL fans, dare I say customers, only option is to turn to illegal streams to access their favorite team's matches live. In basic #economic terms, this motivation is fueling the #supply and proliferation of pirated streams to satisfy #demand of #consumers who, in many cases, would likely pay for it given the choice. #Piracy in turn is an existential threat for the sustainability of media rights growth, especially among the younger digital savvy audience, who see no reason to pay. It all feels a bit self #defeating and #dysfunctional. The #EPL of course are not stupid, their success over the last 3 decades has been driven by growth in its media rights revenue which in turn is underpinned by the UK #domestic rights deal. My take on this is, the threat from piracy is a calculated risk for the EPL and by slowly releasing game inventory covered by the 3pm blackout (as they did during the recent #domestic rights round) over the next couple of rounds, they are betting that they will appease their respective club owners appetite for more money. This will maintain a semblance of gross revenue growth in the UK, while understanding revenue per match will likely fall. In turn, they expect to drive faster #media growth from #international rights deals while developing innovative digital monetisation to keep the EPL cash machine rolling. In the meantime, its only the honest #fan that suffers! #SportEconomics #FootballFinance #SupplyandDemand #MediaRights Sky Discovery Inc TNT Sports U.S. BBC Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios CNBC DAZN ITV

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The growing role of the coach analyst... ⚽️ 💻 📈 Here's a short clip from my recent podcast episode with Tom Corden where we speak a little about the role we are seeing much more of in football. Why is it needed and what does it entail? (Link to full episode in the comments)

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If you're into the big business behind Formula One, you'll want to tune into this! In addition to swooning over our favourite F1 livery era, we look into the brands that partner with the sport and the complexities big companies face when operating in Formula One. Link below to the full episode with 2 partnership pros!

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