On 21-22 October, the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on the tropical island of Barbados will be the venue of the Soccerex Americas Forum. The event promises to connect the leading administrators and business figures within the Americas with their global counterparts.  

The confederation has plans for a Caribbean Premier League to emulate the success of Mexico's Liga MX, which recorded the fourth highest average attendance of any professional league in the world, and the MLS, which is set to add four new franchises over the next three years.

 “We are proud and privileged to be the host location for this year’s Soccerex Americas Forum,” said Petra Roach, interim president and CEO, Barbados Tourism Authority. 

“As a nation of sporting enthusiasts, we take football very seriously, and thus are delighted to be able to facilitate an event whereby the beautiful game is at the core of the discourse.”

Major events will be an important focus of the conference programme, with the 2016 Copa America and a potential CONCACAF 2026 World Cup bid high on the agenda. 

Sport tourism will also figure prominently, due to the region’s attractive climate and rich sporting culture. The conference programme will also cover league development and player development and retention.

The event will also feature a review of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, with a number of footballing legends appearing.

Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie said: “I am delighted that our first Americas Forum will be held in Barbados, a country with a huge sporting passion. It will provide a great location to start our time in the region and to continue our efforts of strengthening football business within the Americas.  With all the beautiful island has to offer, there isn’t a better backdrop to do business.”

For further details about the Soccerex Americas Forum, please contact Soccerex on +44 208 987 5522 or email us on enquiry@soccerex.com. 

[Source: PR Newswire] Bally's Corporation, a leading U.S. provider of land-based gaming and interactive entertainment, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Monkey Knife Fight (MKF), the award-winning, fastest-growing[1] gaming platform and third-largest daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator in North America. The all-stock transaction makes Bally's just the third sports betting company in the U.S. to have a fantasy sports segment. In 2020, MKF, which offers its loyal users a dynamic and creative slate of daily sports and e-sports contests, was ranked by SponsorUnited as the sixth most-searched and tenth fastest-growing brand in sports and entertainment.

Bally's acquisition of MKF is the latest step in the company's long-term growth and diversification strategy to become the first truly vertically integrated sports betting and iGaming company in the U.S. with a B2B2C business model. Importantly, it complements Bally's recent media partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group and its pending acquisition of Bet.Works, including its proprietary technology stack.

"With this acquisition, we are pleased to enter into the high-growth DFS market. Monkey Knife Fight is a unique asset that we look forward to incorporating into Bally's constantly growing omnichannel portfolio of land-based casinos and iGaming platforms," said George Papanier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bally's Corporation. "As with all of the properties and services that fall under the iconic Bally's brand, we are committed to providing a best-in-class DFS platform to sports fans around the country."

With approximately 180,000 registered users and 80,000 depositing players, MKF's distinctive, user-friendly gaming platform will become an integral component of the "Bally's Interactive" division, as well as contribute to Bally's growing player database. MKF will support Bally's plans to develop a potential sports bettors database in states such as California, Florida and Texas, which are expected to account for 20-25% of U.S. sports betting revenues (according to Wall Street analyst research estimates). It will also enable Bally's to build a player database in Canada, a market that is expected to authorize sports betting in the near future. In addition, the acquisition will lead to Bally's developing new and engaging content with MKF for its customers.

Papanier continued, "The MKF acquisition will allow Bally's to leverage both its current customer database as well as DFS's collection of depositing players. These assets will also provide Bally's with a significant advantage in launching its own B2C sports betting operations."

Additionally, Bally's intends to combine MKF's expansive geographic presence, which spans 37 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, with Sinclair's significant media footprint, including its portfolio of 21 regional sports networks, to engage sports fans across the U.S by providing unique DFS offerings.

"Since our inception, we have distinguished ourselves from competitors by providing the best experiences for our valued players, forming strategic partnerships with teams, ownership groups and players unions, and acquiring strategic assets to bolster our position in the market," said Bill Asher, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Monkey Knife Fight. "I am immensely proud of all we have accomplished over the past three years at MKF and am confident that the talented Bally's team has what it takes to continue to grow and develop what is already a great business."

As part of the acquisition, MKF is set to receive immediately exercisable penny warrants to purchase up to approximately $50 million in Bally's common shares (subject to adjustment) at closing, and (2) contingent penny warrants to purchase up to approximately $20 million in additional Bally's common shares on each of the first and second anniversaries of closing, for a possible total of up to approximately $40 million. The contingency relates to MKF's continued operations in jurisdictions in which it operates at closing. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is pleased to confirm CNN as the Top Media Partner for SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2020 in Beijing, China, and the inaugural Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

CNN Worldwide is the most honoured brand in cable news, reaching more individuals on television, the web and mobile devices than any other cable news organization in the US. Globally, CNN International is the most widely distributed news channel, reaching over 380 million households. CNN en Español is the No.1 news network in Latin America and is regularly named as the most trusted news source in the region by the syndicated study TGI Latin America.

SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2020 will take place at the China National Convention Center from 19-24 April 2020. The annual World Sport & Business Summit is a six-day event attended by leaders of the global sports community. It is the only global sports business event attended by all the international sport federations and their stakeholders, who host their Annual General Assemblies during SportAccord.

Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 will bring together the Pan American, Olympic and international sport federation communities in one location, with the inaugural event set to attract sports commissions, regional, national and international governing bodies, sports ministries, rights-holders, cities and regions, commercial entities and agencies. It will be held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center from 10-12 December 2019.

Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations) said: “This is a most welcome development for this inaugural staging of Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019. The creation of this new Pan-American gathering is an opportunity for the sports ecosystem across the region to come together, and the addition of CNN’s reach and standing only solidifies the status of this new event.”   

Corinna Keller, Vice President, CNN International Commercial, said: “CNN is delighted to be the Top Media Partner for these SportAccord events. As the world’s leading news network, we value the opportunity to be associated with two major dates on the global sporting calendar. CNN is looking forward to our involvement in this inaugural Regional SportAccord Pan America event and welcoming the world of sport to the region.

“Sport and its governance throughout the Americas will undoubtedly benefit from this new event, where important topics such as social responsibility, the protection of athletes and esports will be discussed. CNN is proud to share in the conversation as we strive to grow our connectivity between sport and our audiences.”

Welcoming the partnership, Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord, said: “SportAccord is delighted to announce CNN as Top Media Partner for our forthcoming events. The involvement of the world’s most recognised news organisation is very encouraging for SportAccord, and a further signal of the importance of our new Pan-American event for sport across the region. CNN’s standing and reach in the Americas and beyond is unparalleled and will enable us to further engage with key decision-makers inside and outside of sport.”

Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 will feature networking opportunities, an exhibition and a conference with a theme of ‘A United Approach to the International Sport Landscape in the Americas’. Leading sports administrators, business executives and iconic names from the sporting world will participate in panel sessions, keynote addresses, fireside chats and workshops. Those already confirmed include Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF, and Jason Jenkins, Senior Vice President, Communications and Community Affairs, Miami Dolphins.

Registration is open for the event, hosted by SportAccord in partnership with Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sports Foundation, International Sports & Health Associates and MGO.

For information about becoming an Exhibitor or Partner, request a brochure or contact the sales team via info@regionalsportaccord.sport or +1 954 204 3081.

Follow Regional SportAccord via Twitter @sportaccord using #RSA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.       

[Source: SportAccord] Strong support from international sport federations keen to explore opportunities in the Americas have signed up for the inaugural Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 from 10-12 December in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

International sport federations from the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, as well as ambitious international sport federations that are seeking Olympic recognition, will converge on the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center to connect with cities and regions, sports commissions, sports ministries, rights-holders, commercial entities and agencies.

Among the high-profile Olympic international sport federations to have confirmed their attendance are the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF), International Curling Federation (WCF), International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), International Judo Federation (IJF), International Ski Federation (FIS), International Tennis Federation (ITF), International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and World Rugby.

Numerous members and representatives of ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations) will be present, as well as AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), ARISF (Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations), AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport), GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations) and Associate Members.

Raffaele Chiulli, President, ARISF, GAISF and SportAccord, said: “For any proactive sports commissions, cities, regions and national organisations in North, South and Central America that have ambitions of hosting international events and developing their sport at an international scale. It is clear that Regional SportAccord will be a must-attend event, as there is simply no other gathering that will bring together so many stakeholders of the international sporting community with representatives of the business of sport in the Americas.”

Attendees will also include the international sport federations of Aikido (IAF), Amateur Sports (CSIT), American Football (IFAF), Armwrestling (WAF), Association (WAKO), Basque Pelota (FIPV), Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), Boules (CMSB), Bowling (World Bowling), Bridge (WBF), Cheer (ICU), Chess (FIDE), Cricket (ICC), Dodgeball (WDA), Dragon Boat (IDBF), Fistball (IFA), Floorball (IFF), Flying Disc (WFDF), Footgolf (FIFG), Ju-Jitsu (JJIF), Kettlebell Lifting (IUKL), Lacrosse (World Lacrosse), Life Saving (ILS), Masters Games (IMGA), Match Poker (IFMP), Military Sports (CISM), Minigolf (WMF), Muaythai (IFMA), Netball (INF), Orienteering (IOF), Powerboating (UIM), Racquetball (IRF), Sambo (FIAS), Sleddog (IFSS), Sport Chiropractic (FICS), Sport Climbing (IFSC), Sport Fishing (CIPS), Squash (WSF), Table Soccer (ITSF), Waterski & Wakeboard (IWWF) and World Olympians (WOA) with more to follow.

Jim Scherr, Chief Executive, World Lacrosse, added: “Lacrosse already has a firm foothold in the Americas, but we are always keen to investigate new openings for expansion in this exciting region, which is home to one billion-plus inhabitants, and we are looking forward to connecting with like-minded organisations in Florida.

“The fact that so many stakeholders of the international sporting community have committed to this ground-breaking event with three months still to go underlines the significant interest from international sports federations and sports organisations in exploring this gateway to the Americas.”

Numerous executives and officials from international sports federations will also participate in the event’s conference programme, with esports, governance and rebranding strategies, protecting athletes and social responsibility among the key topics under a theme of ‘A United Approach to the International Sport Landscape in the Americas’.

Click here to register for the event, hosted by SportAccord in partnership with Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sports Foundation, International Sports & Health Associates and MGO. For information about becoming an Exhibitor or Partner, request a brochure or contact the sales team via info@regionalsportaccord.sport or +1 954 204 3081.

Follow Regional SportAccord via Twitter @sportaccord using #RSA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

[Source: SportAccord] The 3-day event will enable international sports federations to gather with key players and stakeholders from the Pan American region to further develop their sport. The event will run from 10-12 December 2019 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, USA.

Stacy Ritter, President and CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau said:

“It is a privilege and honor to be the host destination of the inaugural Regional SportAccord Pan America conference to be held on the sunny shores of Greater Fort Lauderdale.

“It is an invaluable opportunity to provide an educational platform for the Americas continent with a business, professional, governmental and altruistic interest in how Olympic and non-Olympic sports function at the international level; while providing marketing opportunities to the future growth of sports in the Americas.”

Regional SportAccord Pan America is aimed at cities and regions, sports commissions, as well as industry sectors involved in marketing and sponsorship, media rights, finance, education and sports equipment manufacturers to name a few – represented at the highest levels.

Speaking about the new regional event, Francesco Ricci Bitti, Executive Committee Member of SportAccord and President of ASOIF said:

“The Regional SportAccord will bring a variety of prominent leaders in the world of sport together to form a platform that will enable Pan American delegates to gain a global perspective from the Olympic and non-Olympic movement.”

“Regional SportAccord provides the ideal platform to exchange practical ideas and helps to shape the future of sport. Being able to discuss challenges with leading experts, meet and network with key players, have direct access to conference presenters and get a deeper understanding of the trends that will affect sport in the years to come - all under one roof.”

Regional SportAccord Pan America will stage a conference and 2-day exhibition and host a variety of social events giving delegates many occasions to network and build relationships in one location.

Exclusive commercial partnerships are available for organisations who want to raise their visibility and presence at this inaugural event.

Stephan Fox, President of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) and Vice President of GAISF said:

“The concept is a fantastic opportunity for international sports federations to grow their sport at national and grassroots levels, in regions that they may not be familiar with.

“This high-level gathering helps the international sports federations to link-up with key-players in Pan America who want to further develop the business of sport in the region and host international events. This is an exciting time for sport and these ambitions provide new opportunities and experiences for the sports community and Pan American citizens.”

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and Soccerex announced today a partnership to support Soccerex’s return to the U.S. for the second time since its founding, which will convene the international soccer community in Miami, Florida on November 15-16 to exchange strategies, insights and a vision of the world of football.

The partnership is an extension of an institutional supporter agreement that Concacaf signed in 2017 with Soccerex to provide further opportunities to engage with the global football community – and one of the sport’s most important regions in North and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. Under the collaboration framework for Soccerex USA, the Confederation will have a key role in the convention activities, including presentations of senior executives on the organization’s evolution and leading industry trends. All the 41 Member Associations from the region and key decision makers will be invited to the event. 

In a new initiative for Soccerex USA this year, Soccerex have gathered an executive advisory board of regional experts and industry leaders, consisting of Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio and representatives from both the U.S. Soccer Federation and Major League Soccer. The advisory board will ensure the conference programming and structure provides valuable and relevant insights to meet the needs of different sectors in the rapidly growing soccer market.

Philippe Moggio, who acts as the chief executive officer of the Confederation, has helped usher in a new era for the organization, pushing its vision and business operations to new levels of growth and professionalism. He brings to the board his global vision providing core advice through many years of experience at Concacaf and within the sports industry.

This is a crucial time for the Confederation following the historic win of Canada, Mexico and the United States to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026. In addition to the culmination of years of reforms and streamlined governance, the announcement of a new organizational identity – along with the expansion of clubs and national teams competitions.

“As a proud organization based in Miami, FL, Concacaf is thrilled to welcome Soccerex USA to a first-class sports and tourism destination. Hosting this industry platform on ‘home soil’ will draw key stakeholders and experts for a productive discussion on the business of football and to explore core areas to our ONE Concacaf Vision including the access to more opportunities to grow the game within our region and throughout the world,” said Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio. “We look forward to working with the Soccerex team and its advisory board in supporting a successful edition of Soccerex USA.”

“It is a real pleasure to be working with Philippe and all the team at Concacaf. For us, to do an event in this region, it is essential we work with the right people and I am sure that with Concacaf’s support, we can deliver a vital business and development platform for Concacaf and all the nations they represent,” said Soccerex COO, Rita Revie.

Soccerex USA is sponsored by the London Football Exchange, the world’s first fully integrated soccer club stock exchange and marketplace and hosted in partnership with General American Capital Partners. The two-day event will take place at Miami’s iconic Marlin’s Park and will comprise an exhibition showcasing the latest soccer business, performance and technology innovations. It will include a program of structured and informal networking events to connect delegates from across the USA and the rest of the world and it will feature a market leading conference agenda, with international experts tacking topics such as league expansion, women’s soccer, youth development, eSports, stadia technology and investment.

In addition to Philippe Moggio, other members of the Advisory Board include Oscar Mayo, International Development Director, LaLiga, Mayi Cruz Blanco, former Head of Women’s Football Development, FIFA and David Dein, founding member of the English Premier League.

For more information on Soccerex USA, please go to www.soccerex.com/usa