ITTF Signs Exclusive Media Rights Deal With Lagardere Sports

International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) today announced it has signed an exclusive deal with Lagardere Sports brokered by TMS International to sell the media rights to all its events worldwide (excluding China, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan). The multiyear deal will run from 2016 to 2020.

Bringing their knowledge, expertise and vast network to the table, the agreement will see Lagardere Sports sell the media rights to ITTF events including the ITTF World Tour, ITTF World Cup (Men’s, Women’s & Teams), ITTF World Team Championships, ITTF World Championships and the ITTF Junior events.

David WHITE, President – Media, Lagardere Sports said: “We’re delighted to be working with the ITTF once again, and look forward to building our relationship with them over the next four years. There is a great appetite for the media rights to the ITTF’s exciting roster of events across the world, and we’re excited to be able to use our expertise to maximise distribution and give these events the visibility they deserve.”

Thomas WEIKERT, President, ITTF said: “The ITTF is pleased to partner up with one of the big global sports marketing players Largardere. We look forward to working closely with Lagardere to develop ITTF’s TV product and increase our already healthy TV distribution world wide. This will complement our existing successful social & digital strategies to ensure the most number of people are watching table tennis around the world.”

With an experienced Media Sales management team Lagardere Sports is able to service territories around the world and provide solutions to package and monetise rights efficiently and effectively to complement ITTF’s already strong digital media global presence.

Cricket To Make Significant Contribution To Aid Victims Of Vanuatu Disaster #CWC15

Following the recent natural catastrophe which has ravaged the island of Vanuatu, the International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed that in a show of solidarity and support for the wider cricket community, it will be offering its support through the platform of one of its official charity partners, UNICEF, at the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup quarter finals between Australia versus Pakistan in Adelaide and New Zealand versus West Indies in Wellington.

The ICC, alongside the co-hosts of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket, will jointly contribute $200,000 USD to support UNICEF in its aid and recovery programmes in the region.

In addition, the ICC will provide promotional opportunities through LED advertising at these marquee fixtures as a platform to launch an appeal to the international community to lend its support to the Pacific island.

Commenting on the initiative, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “It is hard not to be affected by the horrific images which have emanated from Vanuatu in recent days. Having recently supported the area as part of the ICC’s ongoing Development programme in the Eastern Asian Pacific region, through significant investment in the island’s cricket facilities which have been severely damaged, the ICC has taken these steps to give back to the game and support the people in the region at this challenging time.

“The ICC is appealing to the international community to donate whatever it can to help the people of Vanuatu get back on their feet. Any donation over the coming days and weeks, however large or small, would be gratefully received.”

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland added: “Australian cricket fans have a long tradition going back to the 2005 Tsunami cricket match of showing that cricket cares at times of crisis.

“I hope they can dig deep to show they care about our Vanuatu neighbours as well. Please log on to the online donation address at http://www.unicef.org.au”, he said.

New Zealand Cricket CEO David White encouraged New Zealand fans and World Cup fans in New Zealand to support the fund.

“New Zealanders understand all too well the trauma and shock caused by the effects of natural disaster,” said Mr White.

“This time it’s one of our South Pacific neighbours which needs help, and I’m sure cricket lovers throughout the country will want to join us in offering assistance.”

Dr Norman Gillespie, CEO UNICEF Australia said: “The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 has driven a spirit of sportsmanship through the competition in Australia and New Zealand.

“However, an extraordinary show of sportsmanship is to give a hand up to another in need, and the international cricket community has shown its true colours in responding for communities in Vanuatu and the other island nations affected by Cyclone Pam,”

“We congratulate the ICC and the entire cricket community for its passionate support of UNICEF’s rapid response to the Cyclone Pam emergency. Please donate, and donate now to keep supplies flowing at http://www.unicef.org.au.”