Elite women's sport revenue to top $2 billion: Deloitte

Global revenues for women's elite sport are on track to top $2 billion in 2025, with commercial appeal at an all-time high, according to financial experts Deloitte.The company said Tuesday that the combination of matchday, commercial and broadcast income would push revenues to $2.35 billion (2.15 billion euros) worldwide, up from $1.88 billion in 2024.That would represent a 240 percent rise in four years. Deloitte valued the 2022 market at $692 million.Jennifer Haskel of the Deloitte Sports Business Group said: "The commercial appeal of women's sports and its athletes has never been higher, as the sector continues to shine on the global stage."She added: "The growth of women's sport has continued to exceed expectations as various competitions, leagues, clubs and athletes generate significant returns despite limited resources."Crucially, the industry is moving beyond short-sighted metrics to focus on evolving structures and legacy programmes through enhanced investment and bold action."The two highest revenue-generating sports are basketball and football.Deloitte said the 2025 Women's...

Read More........ → March 27, 2025

World no.1 Sinner accepts three-month tennis ban to resolve doping charge

LAUSANNE - Jannik Sinner's long doping saga came to an end on Saturday after he agreed to a three-month ban from tennis, the world number one admitting "partial responsibility" for team mistakes which led to him twice testing positive for traces of clostebol in March last year.The 9 February to 4 May suspension means Sinner will be free to play in the French Open, the second Grand Slam of the season, which begins on 25 May at Roland Garros.In a statement, Sinner said that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accepted that he "had no intent and did not derive any competitive advantage from the two positive tests" of the banned substance.Australian Open champion Sinner has always said that clostebol entered his system when his physiotherapist used a spray containing it to treat a cut before providing a massage and sports therapy."This case had been hanging over me now for nearly a year and the process still had a long time to run with a decision maybe only at the end of the year," Sinner said."I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realise WADA's strict rules are...

Read More........ → February 21, 2025

Sinner doping hearing at sports court fixed for April: CAS

LAUSANNE - World number one Jannik Sinner will have his hearing into allegations of doping at the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 16-17 April, the Lausanne-based body said on Friday.The World Anti-Doping Agency appealed after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared Sinner after he tested positive twice for the banned steroid clostebol in March last year."No parties requested a public hearing and it will be conducted behind closed doors," CAS said in a statement.The ITIA accepted defending Australian Open champion Sinner's explanation that the drug entered his system when his physio used a spray containing it to treat a cut, then provided massage and sports therapy to the player.Asked on the eve of the Australian Open if he knew when a verdict was due, the 23-year-old said: "I know exactly as much as you guys know."We are in a stage where we don't know many, many things."Sinner, who faces a stern first-round test at Melbourne Park against big-hitting Chilean Nicolas Jarry, admitted the scandal continued to play on his mind."You think about this, of course," he said....

Read More........ → February 03, 2025

Hamilton 'excited for year ahead' after Ferrari switch

Lewis Hamilton said Friday he "could not be more excited for the year ahead" as the seven-times world champion prepares for his first Formula One season with Ferrari.Hamilton has joined the Italian giants from Mercedes, with whom he won six of his drivers' world titles.But the lure of racing for Ferrari, arguably the most celebrated team in Grand Prix history, proved too strong, with Hamilton hoping his move inspires others to seize new opportunities."I could not be more excited for the year ahead," Hamilton wrote on LinkedIn. "Moving to Scuderia Ferrari, there's a lot to reflect on.The Englishman, who turns 40 on Tuesday, added: "To anyone considering their next move in 2025: embrace the change. Whether you're switching industries, learning a new skill, or even just taking on new challenges, remember that reinvention is powerful. Your next opportunity is always within reach."Here's to 2025 -- a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry, and driving forward with purpose. Let's make it one to remember. Andiamo (Let's go)."Hamilton ended his post with the hashtag, "new job",...

Read More........ → January 31, 2025

Former world heavyweight champion Fury retires from boxing again

LONDON - Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury said Monday he had retired from boxing just weeks after suffering a second straight defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk."I'm going to make this short and sweet," the British fighter said in a social media post. "I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing."It's been a blast, I've loved every single minute of it," added Fury, who has, however, previously performed a number of U-turns over his future in the ring.The "Gypsy King", 36, last fought on December 21 when he lost his rematch against Usyk in Riyadh.Asked after the fight whether the public would see him fight again, Fury said: "You might do, you might not do. Who knows?"Fury enjoyed two stints as heavyweight champion and retires with a record of 34 wins, two defeats and one draw.He announced he was quitting after beating Dillian Whyte in April 2022 but returned to action later that year.Frank Warren, who promotes Fury, told the BBC he had not spoken to the boxer prior to his retirement announcement."I've said all along that there is no way I will be trying in any way to...

Read More........ → January 30, 2025

In a globalised world, the football World Cup is a force for good

Steve Georgakis, University of SydneyFIFA, world football’s governing body, is not a perfect multinational corporation. It would be quite naïve to envisage that the World Cup should have the capacity to bring world peace, fix global inequality, stamp out racism and overcome other issues espoused by various academic, media and public commentators in recent weeks. On balance, however, the World Cup as an institution is a force for global good – for a number of reasons. First, the tournament brings the world together. FIFA has 209 national football associations affiliated to it that compete in the various competitions it organises. These members also aim to qualify for the World Cup finals every four years. While only 32 countries compete in the World Cup finals, over the years many countries have qualified. In 2014, Bosnia and Herzegovina became the 77th country to take part in the World Cup. This high level of global participation is unprecedented among sporting events and provides many opportunities for international contact and soft diplomacy. Second, football is played in all...

Read More........ → January 17, 2025

Formula 1 extends Chinese Grand Prix contract until 2030

Shanghai, (IANS): Formula 1 has announced a five-year extension of the Chinese Grand Prix, ensuring the iconic Shanghai International Circuit will remain on the calendar through the 2030 season.The announcement follows Formula 1’s successful return to Shanghai in 2024 after a five-year hiatus. The event attracted a staggering 200,000 fans and witnessed Max Verstappen dominate the Sprint and the main Grand Prix, cementing the race as one of the season’s highlights.Since its inaugural race in 2004, won by Rubens Barrichello, the 5.45km Shanghai International Circuit has been celebrated for its unique layout and technical challenges, its distinct corners, such as the tightening sequence of Turns 1 and 2 and the high-speed, high-g Turns 7 and 8, are loved by drivers and deliver thrilling on-track action.The circuit has produced 10 different winners over the years, with Lewis Hamilton’s six victories and Fernando Alonso’s two being standout performances among current drivers.The contract extension comes as Formula 1 enjoys unprecedented growth in China. The fanbase has soared to over 150...

Read More........ → December 11, 2024

Messi to kick off new Club World Cup, Neymar to face Real

MIAMI - Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will kick off FIFA's new 32-team Club World Cup when the Major League Soccer side take on Egypt's Al Ahly in the June 15 opener, the draw for the tournament revealed on Thursday.Brazilian team Palmeiras and Portugal's Porto complete Group A alongside Argentina World Cup winner Messi, whose Miami team were handed a spot by FIFA after finishing top of the regular season standings in MLS.Messi's former Barcelona team-mate, Brazilian Neymar, will have a reunion with La Liga rivals and European champions Real Madrid in Group H.Twelve European clubs will feature in the tournament with Manchester City facing Juventus in Group G of a tournament which FIFA president Gianni Infantino said would "start a new era in club football".Paris Saint-Germain were drawn in a tough group with Atletico Madrid, Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo of Brazil and Seattle Sounders.FIFA has had to deal with some scepticism over the need for the tournament and the chances of it capturing the imagination of fans but there was plenty of support for the competition among those at...

Read More........ → December 10, 2024

Hamilton to race final three grands prix of Mercedes career

Lewis Hamilton will race the final three grands prix of his Mercedes career after the seven-time world champion raised doubts about his immediate future in Brazil earlier this month.The British driver, who is moving to Ferrari next season, is understood to have been in Mercedes' factory preparing on the simulator as usual ahead of Saturday's Las Vegas Grand Prix.The team confirmed the 39-year-old will also address the media, in line with his regular pre-race commitments, on Wednesday.Hamilton endured one of the worst performances of his glittering career at the Brazilian Grand Prix, crossing the line in 10th."That was a disaster of a weekend, guys," he said on the radio. "The worst the car has ever been. Thank you for contributing to try and great job to all the guys at the pit-stop."If this is the last time I get to perform it was a shame it wasn't great but (I am) grateful for you."The cryptic message led some to believe that Hamilton was ready to call a premature end to his Mercedes career with three rounds to come.But in a Mercedes press release ahead of this weekend's race in the...

Read More........ → December 09, 2024

As 2026 World Cup planning kicks off, smooth border crossings are a goal

An influx of soccer fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup could exacerbate the typical summer backups at the Canadian border. Ideas for smoother crossings are getting kicked around that could last beyond the tournament. (Photo by Tom Banse)This article was first published by the Salish Current.Legions of soccer fans will descend on the Pacific Northwest in peak summer 2026 for the men’s FIFA World Cup. It seems like a long time away, but not if you’re a transportation or travel planner.The Pacific Northwest will host 13 World Cup matches — split between Seattle and Vancouver. The potential for monumental backups at the U.S.-Canada border as superfans ping-pong between the host cities is one factor causing a range of local figures to raise yellow flags. Event organizers have already passed the ball to the Washington Legislature and Congress with requests for assistance totaling millions of dollars.“What are we, 597 days out? Not that we’re counting,” said April Putney, barely missing a beat to recall numbers during a late October interview. Putney is the chief strategy officer with...

Read More........ → December 04, 2024

Sharapova, Bryan brothers elected to Tennis Hall of Fame

NEW YORK - Former world number one Maria Sharapova and the US doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan were announced as 2025 inductees to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion, is among only 10 women to have achieved a career singles Grand Slam. She was atop the world rankings five times in a WTA career that spanned from 2001-2020.The Bryan brothers teamed to win 16 major doubles titles and became the ATP's most successful duo, with a record 438 weeks atop the ATP doubles rankings.Induction ceremonies will be conducted at the Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, on August 21-23 -- just ahead of the start of next year's US Open.Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004, the US Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008 and the French Open in 2012 and 2014."In retirement, you very seldomly get to reflect on your past, because you move on so quickly with life's responsibilities," Sharapova said."This is an incredible recognition. Thank you so much. I'm so grateful to the Hall of Fame and grateful to the voters."Hall of Fame members, historians, journalists...

Read More........ → November 27, 2024

Japan wants to host 2031 World Cup to fire up women's football

TOKYO - Japan wants to host the Women's World Cup in 2031 to ignite the domestic game and cut the gap on Europe and North America, the country's football chief told AFP.In 2011 Japan won the competition but they have since been overtaken, with women's football booming in Europe in recent years."We would like to raise the value of women's football here," Japan Football Association president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said in an interview at JFA headquarters in Tokyo, in front of a giant photo of Japan's World Cup-winning team.Miyamoto was captain of the Japan men's team when they co-hosted the World Cup with South Korea in 2002, a tournament that helped spark huge interest in football among the Japanese public.Now 47, he took over as JFA chief this year and has similar hopes for the 2031 Women's World Cup. The country has never hosted the event.Japan is likely to face stiff competition for hosting rights however with a joint bid from the United States and Mexico expected. England and China are also reportedly interested."We have the WE League, and it has been struggling to gather an audience,"...

Read More........ → November 26, 2024

Sinner recieves the 'most special' ATP Year-End No. 1 trophy in Turin

Turin, (IANS): Jannik Sinner was awarded Year-End No. 1 honours trophy at the ATP Finals in front of a raucous Inalpi Arena crowd.The ceremony coincided with the launch of the pioneering ‘ATP No. 1 Club’, unveiled by former World No. 1 Boris Becker and ATP Chairman, which was created to celebrate ATP players past and present who have reached the pinnacle of the sport.On 10 June, Sinner became the first man or woman from his country to reach World No. 1 in singles since computerised rankings were introduced in 1973. He has not relinquished his place since.The 23-year-old is the 19th player to earn year-end No. 1 honours and just the fourth active player to do so after Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, ATP reports.Sinner’s tennis team and family, including his parents, were in the crowd. The people of Turin roared with approval as the home favourite displayed the trophy for the fans."I just heard that my mom was crying, which is something very cute. Only they know from my early age and stages, when I was around 13, how many sacrifices we made as a family"Now I’m standing...

Read More........ → November 19, 2024

IPL 2025 mega auction to be held in Jeddah on November 24-25

Mumbai, (IANS) The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is scheduled to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This year's auction marks the second consecutive year that the event will be held overseas, following the 2024 auction in Dubai.Notably, the timing of the auction coincides with the third and fourth days of the first Test between India and Australia in Perth.Unlike the regular player auctions held annually, the mega auction is a grand event that occurs every three years, spanning two days instead of the usual single day. The ten IPL franchises strategise to build their squads for the upcoming three seasons from 2025 to 2027.A remarkable total of 1,574 players have registered for the auction, comprising 1,165 Indian players and 409 overseas talents, said BCCI. This diverse pool of players includes participants from various countries, including Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Scotland, the USA, and the UAE, although Full Member nations excluding Pakistan are represented.The auction will take place at the Abady Al Johar Arena, also known as the Benchmark...

Read More........ → November 06, 2024

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to begin on 4th Oct

India will open their campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on October 4 in Dubai against New Zealand and then take on arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on October 6. India’s third match is scheduled to take place on October 9 against Sri Lanka in Dubai again, and the Women in Blue will finish the group stage with a high-voltage match against defending champions Australia in Sharjah on October 13. The upcoming edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup was scheduled to take place in Bangladesh, but it was shifted to the United Arab Emirates a couple of weeks ago. The two semifinals of the tournament will be played in Dubai and Sharjah on October 17 and 18, and the final will take place on October 20 in Dubai., ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to begin on 4th O...

Read More........ → September 23, 2024

Aryna Sabalenka Secures Maiden US Open Title

At the US Open, second seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus outclassed home favourite Jessica Pegula in straight sets to claim her maiden US Open title. With this win, Sabalenka clinched her third Grand Slam title, following her back-to-back triumphs at Australian Open.The Belarusian secured the win in a high-stakes, 1-hour-and-53-minute clash, defeating Pegula 7-5, 7-5 last night at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Last year, Sabalenka had lost in the final to American Coco Gauff, but this time she redeemed herself with an emphatic win.Earlier, Australia’s Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson won the 2024 US Open men’s doubles title, defeating Germany’s Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets. The duo became the first all-Australian team to secure the men’s doubles title at Flushing Meadows since Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde in 1996.In men’s singles, Taylor Fritz will face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner of Italy in the final tonight. Fritz, a home favourite, will be playing in his first Grand Slam final, while Sinner will be aiming for his second Grand Slam title. Aryna Sabalenka Secures...

Read More........ → September 09, 2024

US Open: Djokovic, Swiatek to lead charge at year’s last Grand Slam

New Delhi, (IANS): The US Open 2024 is set to kick off on August 26 as tennis fans worldwide prepare for the final Grand Slam of the year. The stage is set for an electrifying showcase of talent and determination.Italy’s Jannik Sinner won the Australian Open 2024 while Carlos Alcaraz of Spain became the youngest player to win Grand Slam titles on two different surfaces by claiming the French Open and Wimbledon titles.Here’s a look into the top contenders who are poised to make their mark and vie for the ultimate glory on the hard courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium.Men’s section:Novak Djokovic: The Serbian superstar returns to defend his title, having clinched victory at the US Open last year. Despite a year without Grand Slam success so far, Djokovic’s resume speaks volumes: 24 Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a career that has seen him dominate across all surfaces. As he eyes his 25th career Grand Slam, Djokovic’s quest for redemption and resilience will be on full display.Carlos Alcaraz: At just 21, the Spanish prodigy is making waves with his exceptional performance this...

Read More........ → August 23, 2024

CAS postpones verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against disqualification from Olympics final to August 16

The Court of Arbitration for Sports, CAS’s ad-hoc division has once again postponed its ruling on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Olympic finals. The new date for the decision is now set for 9:30 PM India time on the 16th of August. Earlier, the CAS verdict was scheduled to be announced last night. The Indian wrestler, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified in the just concluded Olympic games in Paris, as she was found overweight by 100 grams on the morning of the gold medal bout. Phogat had appealed to the CAS against her disqualification and requested for a shared silver medal. CAS postpones verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against disqualification from Olympics final to August ...

Read More........ → August 14, 2024

Messi hopeful of quick return from injury

Miami, (IANS) Argentina captain Lionel Messi expressed hope that he would recover quickly from an ankle sprain sustained during his team's 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final.The 37-year-old was forced off the pitch in the 66th minute of the match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, after rolling his ankle while chasing a Colombian opponent, reports Xinhua."I'm fine, thankfully, and I hope I can soon be on the pitch again doing what I most enjoy," the forward said in a social media post.Messi paid tribute to his teammates - including retiring star Angel Di Maria - after the Albiceleste became the first team to successfully defend the Copa America crown while also holding the World Cup trophy."I'm very happy, especially because we achieved the goal we had and Fide [Di Maria] leaves us, but with another trophy," the No. 10 said."The older players like him, Ota [Nicolas Otamendi] or me, we live it [the title] with special excitement. We are a team and also a family, a spectacular group."Despite participating in Argentina's victory celebrations, the former Barcelona...

Read More........ → July 31, 2024

Why does the Olympics have an ‘AI agenda’ and what does it mean for the future of sport?

Dotshock / Shutterstock Tom Hartley, University of Tasmania and Vaughan Cruickshank, University of Tasmania The 2024 Summer Olympics, kicking off in Paris on July 26, will be novel for more than just the first inclusion of breakdancing. The event will also be the first instalment of the quadrennial sportsfest since the International Olympic Committee (IOC) unveiled its Olympic AI Agenda. You might be wondering why the Olympics – founded in 1896 in imitation of the famous athletic contest of ancient Greece – needs an “AI agenda”. What can computers do to help the human body’s quest to reach higher, faster and stronger? The answer, according to the IOC, is quite a lot. The committee’s far-reaching agenda envisions a world in which AI systems aid athletes in reaching their peak performance, help to ensure fair play, optimise event operations, and transform the spectator experience. The goal, according to IOC president Thomas Bach, is “to set the course for the AI future of sport with responsible leadership by embracing the change while preserving the Olympic values”. Spotting...

Read More........ → July 24, 2024