Features

When I interviewed WPP’s ebullient chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell a couple of years ago, the head of the world’s biggest advertising group was keen to give a positive perspective on the sprawling operation’s relationship with sport.

Andrey Kryukov (2022 Bid Vice-Chairman): Almaty 2022’s slogan is ‘Keeping it Real’ and so to put it simply, we are determined to provide the Olympic Movement with a new concept for the winter Games: one that is sensible, affordable and sustainable.

The contest to host the 2022 winter Olympic Games may be a two-horse race, but promises to be one of the most fascinating ever. Kevin Roberts explains why, examining the background to the bidding battle and detailing each candidate through the eyes of its bid leader.

Late last month industry veteran John Kristick saw four years of hard work come to fruition when ESP Properties, WPP’s new sports vehicle, fired a shot across the bows at established players in the agency space. He spoke to Matt Cutler.

CSM Sport & Entertainment is looking to invest in Major League Soccer (MLS) franchises through its newly-launched CSM Soccer subsidiary. Kevin Roberts spoke to the brains behind the operation.

Owen Evans spoke to the FIFA presidential race’s inner circle – ex-members, lobbyists and national association chairmen – to see whether anyone can actually oust Sepp Blatter from his FIFA throne.

Sport’s major rights-holders will be watching closely this month as the European Commission (EC) unveils its attack against thegeo-blocking of media content. Owen Evans finds out what it could mean for the sale of broadcast rights going forward.

Charly Classen, ESPN’s boss for EMEA, told Elisha Chauhan why recent acquisitions for ESPN Player illustrate its successful approach to broadcasting non-premium sports content.

SportBusiness International asks Brett Yormark, CEO of NBA (National Basketball Association) franchise the Brooklyn Nets and its Barclays Center home, about criticisms around his marketing strategy for the Nets and new Barclays Center tenant the New York Islanders.

Britain’s high-end athletic stars have teamed up with a German supermarket known for rock-bottom prices. Matthew Glendinning and Owen Evans look at whether it is a match made in heaven or double trouble for the British Olympic Association (BOA).

Do leaders of sport’s not-for-profit organisations justify their superstar salaries? 

If it does not happen this month, experts predict FIFA President Sepp Blatter will have to finally relinquish his throne in four years’ time. Owen Evans looks at the possible candidates were that to happen.

Ahead of May 29’s vote at the FIFA Congress in Zurich, Owen Evans spoke to the president’s three challengers – Prince Ali of Jordan, Luis Figo and Michael van Praag – about their vision for the world’s most popular sport, and what needs to be done to oust red-hot favourite Sepp Blatter.

Michael Downey, the Canadian businessman in charge of reviving British tennis as CEO of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), on taking on the old guard and why his organisation is not having an identity crisis.

Zak Brown founded JMI in 1995, selling the motor sport agency to Chime Communications in October 2013. This March he was made Group CEO of Chime’s sports marketing division, CSM Sport & Entertainment.

How do you successfully market a sports event with no history to fans in both the host market and across an entire continent? Elisha Chauhan asked Baku 2015 European Games Head of Marketing Rob Smyth.