partnerships
Southampton FC scouting sports tech startups for Future of Football challenge
The Future of Football challenge is open to innovative companies ready to shape and test their solutions for updated football experiences in either the football development or fan engagement space. In spirit with its values of innovation and doing things differently, Southampton FC will offer a 4-week virtual programme — powered by Sport Republic and Yolo Group — to create opportunities and break away from conventional methods.
The challenge welcomes Web3 and sports tech startups and scaleups with novel solutions to:
- Football development (scouting, training, recovery, game analytics etc.)
- Fan engagement (gamification, loyalty programmes, matchday experiences, global fan engagement etc.)
Selected teams will rapidly test and pilot their solutions, participate in tailored workshops, and have regular and direct access to Southampton FC, Sport Republic, and Yolo Group decision-makers. At the St. Mary’s finale, teams will pitch for a commercial relationship with SFC and a £100k discretionary prize pool for post-programme solution development.
“Southampton FC’s commitment to innovating and creating a positive impact is central to the way we operate and make decisions. We’re excited to see programme participants create the future of football” said Sarah Batters, Director of Marketing and Partnerships as SFC.
Sport Republic, the owner of Southampton Football Club is a London-based investment firm in the sports and entertainment industry. Founded by Henrik Kraft and Rasmus Ankersen and backed by Lead Investor Dragan Šolak, Sport Republic’s vision is to grow high potential sports businesses and sports tech companies.
“Sport Republic are really looking forward to being part of the Future of Football challenge to power innovation in sports tech. We are continuously seeking the most innovative sports tech companies to join our portfolio and leveraging our clubs to drive growth and achieve digital transformation. ” said Henrik Kraft, Sport Republic and SFC Chairman.
Yolo Group is the managing partner for the Future of Football challenge. Yolo Group is a leader at the cross section of gaming, fintech, and blockchain, and operates the Sportsbet.io brand. Sportsbet.io is Southampton FC’s Main Club Partner.
“This programme is designed to push boundaries, to bring together a spectrum of solutions from startups around the globe. It’s a chance to create truly unique approaches — and test them. We’re driven by innovation; so, we’re looking forward to seeing the results,” said Tim Heath, GP at Yolo Investments, and founder of Yolo Group. The application deadline is 23 February 2023. Find more information and apply here: https://www.southamptonfc.com/saints-partners/future-of-football-challenge
Following the success of its installation at Winpot Puebla, Zitro strengthens its partnership with the Mexican operator by launching its innovative line of CONCEPT cabinets at Winpot Boca del Río.
CONCEPT arrives with Zitro’s perfect game combo: Legendary Sword and King Fu Frog. Thanks to their high-quality graphics and innovative mechanics, both titles are designed to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience. The machines feature the Magic Lighting system, which synchronizes lights and sounds with the game, in addition to their modern Screen Deck, providing greater comfort and functionality for players and the operations team, among many other features that make it a worldwide success.
Anuar Haua, Operations Director of Winpot, commented: “After our success with the CONCEPT cabinets in our Puebla venue, it was natural to bring this experience to the Boca del Río public. The response from our players has been incredible, and with this new installation, we reaffirm our commitment to offering the best of the market, hand in hand with Zitro.”
Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, added: “We are proud to see how CONCEPT continues to gain ground in Mexico, now also at Winpot Boca del Río. This collaboration reflects the mutual commitment we share with Winpot to elevate the player experience through technology, design, and innovation.”
The post ZITRO’S PERFECT GAME COMBO NOW AT WINPOT BOCA DEL RÍO appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
LEON Esports, the international esports division of Leon.bet, has officially become the international partner of SAW, one of the leading Counter-Strike 2 teams in Europe.
Based in Portugal, SAW is currently ranked #24 in the global CS2 rankings (HLTV) and maintains a strong position within the Top 30. The team is recognized for its competitive consistency, professional structure, and growing fanbase across Europe.
This partnership marks the second major esports collaboration for LEON Esports, following its ongoing cooperation with FlyQuest. The agreement with SAW reflects LEON’s continued commitment to the development of the global esports ecosystem and its support for high-performing international teams.
The cooperation will include a range of joint initiatives, such as exclusive content creation, community activations, and brand integrations designed to strengthen the connection between the team and its audience.
With this new partnership, LEON Esports continues to expand its presence in international esports and invest in teams that demonstrate both potential and performance on the world stage.
The post LEON Esports announces partnership with Portuguese CS2 Team SAW appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Game On
PlayVS to Launch Hockey Gaming Initiative Pilot with the Support of the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund
PlayVS, the leading amateur esports platform, announced the launch of a new pilot program Game On: an NHL/NHLPA Scholastic Gaming Initiative, designed to inspire the next generation of hockey fans through competitive esports and skill-building activities in three key NHL Club markets–home to the New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings, and Detroit Red Wings as well as in a national, virtual EA SPORTS NHL 25 tournament.
The initiative, funded by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund (IGF), is designed to promote access, inclusion, and connection through gaming, while giving young players the chance to engage with their local NHL teams in exciting, interactive ways.
As part of the pilot, players between 13-21 years old will not only be able to participate in the competition, but will also engage in positive, structured gameplay that promotes leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking skills that are crucial both on and off the virtual rink. The program’s focus on healthy competition, social connection, and digital literacy is aimed at helping players build essential life skills while fostering a sense of community through gaming.
High schools will also take part in club-specific activations throughout the Spring season, including in-person events and student engagement experiences with the NHL franchises. The first activation took place on March 20 with the New Jersey Devils as part of the team’s Devils Gaming Group Theme Night, where 40 students and coaches were hosted at the Devils Gaming Group Lounge at Prudential Center to play EA SPORTS NHL 25 including special guest appearances by New Jersey Devils Executives, Devils Alumni and Mascot NJ Devil.
To cap off the season, PlayVS will host a virtual national EA SPORTS NHL 25 tournament from June 13-15, offering players in the US the chance to compete for top honors and connect with peers across the country. Registration for the tournament will open through PlayVS’ Stadium platform in mid-May.
“Gaming has the power to bring today’s young players together in ways that are both meaningful and lasting. Through this partnership with the NHL/NHLPA’s Industry Growth Fund, we’re not only creating new opportunities for players to engage with their favorite sport, but also helping them develop critical life skills–like leadership, communication, and resilience–through healthy competition. We’re excited to continue expanding access to competitive gaming and making esports and gaming a core part of the school experience,” said Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS.
The post PlayVS to Launch Hockey Gaming Initiative Pilot with the Support of the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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