Red Bull Elevates SailGP Partnership to Global Scale

SailGP has announced a landmark global partnership with Red Bull, commencing ahead of the 2026 season. Building upon Red Bull’s existing role as title partner of the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, this expanded collaboration aims to amplify fan experiences both at race venues and through enhanced hospitality offerings.

Charlie Dewhurst, Chief Commercial Officer of SailGP, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re thrilled to partner with a world-renowned brand as we launch the Rolex SailGP Championship’s 2026 Season. Red Bull’s energy, innovation and deep connection to high-performance sport will elevate both the league and the fan experience around the world, building on its existing commitment to SailGP through our national teams. This partnership further reinforces SailGP’s incredible platform for brands that want to engage with our passionate fans around the world, and to develop innovative and authentic partnerships that genuinely deliver.”

Jimmy Spithill, CEO, Founder, and Co-owner of Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, added, “Red Bull joining SailGP as a global supplier is a big moment for the league. Red Bull doesn’t just support teams, it elevates sport, and we’ve felt that impact first-hand as our Title Partner. To now see that same energy and innovation embedded across the championship is incredibly exciting and will only make the racing and the overall experience even better.”

Did You Know? Red Bull’s involvement in SailGP extends beyond financial support, encompassing athlete development programs and cutting-edge performance analysis.

DAZN Secures Global Broadcast Rights for FIFA Women’s Champions Cup

In a move to broaden the reach of women’s football, sports streaming platform DAZN has acquired the broadcast rights for the final stages of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026. The tournament will be available free-to-view on DAZN’s platform globally, excluding Brazil, China, Morocco, the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, with limited coverage in the US (semi-finals only). This deal underscores DAZN’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of women’s sports content.

Jill Ellis, Chief Football Officer at FIFA, commented, “With world-class players, iconic clubs and a truly global stage, the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup marks a defining moment for women’s club football. We’re delighted to partner with premium broadcasters who’ll play a vital role in showcasing the final stage of this new tournament – which is visionary, ambitious, impactful and deeply connected to fans and communities everywhere – to the world.”

Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group, stated, “DAZN and FIFA share a vision to make football accessible and inclusive for fans everywhere. The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup is a landmark event for global football, and by offering free access to the tournament, DAZN is breaking down barriers and ensuring that the best of women’s football reaches the widest possible audience. This is another step forward in our mission to grow the game and celebrate its incredible players.”

This agreement is part of a larger, long-term partnership between DAZN and FIFA, including the relaunch of the FIFA+ platform.

Manchester to Host 2027 World Climbing Series

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and World Climbing have jointly announced that Manchester, England, will host the 2027 World Climbing Series. The event, scheduled for June 2027, will encompass both Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, marking the first major international climbing competition in the UK since the IFSC Lead World Cup in Edinburgh in September 2022.

The successful bid was a collaborative effort involving Manchester City Council, World Climbing, the Manchester Accommodation BID, and UK Sport. Strategically positioned a year before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the series provides a crucial opportunity for Great Britain’s climbing athletes to compete on home soil during the lead-up to the next Olympic cycle.

Marco Scolaris, President of World Climbing, remarked, “Great Britain has a rich history in organising world class events and we are thrilled to be back with our World Climbing Series in 2027, in a city synonymous with sport. The timing is also perfect with the strength of the British athletes on the world stage, the climbers and the BMC have helped grow the climbing community in Britain. Since Toby Roberts capped a strong British Olympic performance with a gold medal at Paris 2024, everything has gone up another level.”

He continued, “I’m excited to visit Manchester and see the reaction of the crowd not only to the British athletes, but all of our climbers. The British public always comes out to support sport, and now we will get to experience that amazing support firsthand.”

The announcement coincides with the launch of the BMC’s new Route to Adventure strategy, aimed at leveraging major events to foster the long-term growth of climbing across England and Wales. The BMC hopes to inspire a new generation of climbers.

What impact will hosting the World Climbing Series have on the development of climbing in the UK? And how will this event contribute to the broader sporting landscape of Manchester?

Ariat Sponsors Senior British Novice Championships

British Showjumping has secured a sponsorship agreement with Ariat, designating the performance equestrian footwear and apparel brand as the official sponsor of the Senior British Novice Championships for 2026. This partnership extends Ariat’s existing relationship with British Showjumping, solidifying its commitment to supporting emerging riders.

The Senior British Novice Championship is a cornerstone event designed to facilitate the progression of horses and riders at the early stages of their competitive careers. Open to adult, associate, or junior riders with horses possessing less than 125 points, the championship will be held at the British Showjumping National Championships at Stoneleigh in August.

Iain Graham, Chief Executive of British Showjumping, stated, “We are delighted that Ariat has chosen to extend their involvement with British Showjumping by sponsoring the Senior British Novice Championships in 2026. Their support of the sport and understanding of the importance of developing riders and horses at grassroots and early competitive levels makes them an ideal partner for this championship.”

The Growing Trend of Strategic Partnerships in Sports

These recent announcements reflect a broader trend of strategic partnerships becoming increasingly vital in the sports industry. Brands are recognizing the value of aligning themselves with sporting events and organizations to reach passionate fan bases and enhance brand visibility. This trend is driven by the evolving media landscape and the need for innovative ways to engage with consumers.

The increasing investment in women’s sports, as exemplified by DAZN’s commitment to the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, highlights the growing recognition of the commercial potential of this sector. As viewership and participation in women’s sports continue to rise, brands are eager to capitalize on this expanding market.

Furthermore, the selection of Manchester as the host city for the 2027 World Climbing Series demonstrates the importance of leveraging major sporting events to drive economic growth and promote tourism. Host cities benefit from increased visitor spending, job creation, and enhanced international recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions About These Sports Partnerships