“I am working on the Davis Cup 24/7. It is the project of my life” – Gerard Piqué
The first incarnation of the revamped Davis Cup finals is just two months away and Gerard Piqué, the president and founder of sports and media investment group Kosmos Holding, remains bullish that his plans to revive the historic men's team tennis tournament will prove a huge success. Story by Bob Williams.
USA Rugby pins hopes on hosting Rugby World Cup after dodging bankruptcy in 2018
After almost going bankrupt in 2018 following the collapse of for-profit subsidiary Rugby International Marketing (RIM), USA Rugby is pinning its hopes on being awarded the 2027 or 2031 Rugby World Cup. Bob Williams examines how the sport is growing in the States.
Major League Rugby takes slow and steady approach in attempt to crack US market
Bob Williams looks at the development of Major League Rugby in the US, and how the league is looking to avoid the mistakes made by previous organisations' attempts to successfully break the sport in the US market.
NHL leverages Ovechkin’s pulling power to expand footprint in China
In order to develop their presence in China, the NHL have sent Alexander Ovechkin on a one-man ambassadorial trip to Beijing this week. Bob Williams talks to David Proper, executive vice-president of media and international strategy, about how ice hockey's governing body is leveraging its players' star power.
PGA Tour Superstore revolutionizes sports retail sector as Home Depot of golf
Following the decline of a number of US sporting goods chains, Bob Williams talks to Dick Sullivan, president and chief executive of the PGA Tour Superstore, which has expanded from 10 stores in 2010 to 41 locations in 16 states, about what is behind the success of the chain.
Falcons and Rays go cashless to take fan experience ‘to an even higher level’
Cashless deployments in Atlanta, Tampa point the way toward likely broader adoption across the sport industry.
Liverpool goes it alone | Why an ‘independent’ US tour offered the club more than the ICC
Liverpool FC decided to arrange its own tour of the United States this summer, rather than compete in the pre-season International Champions Cup, because the club preferred to be "independent" and have more freedom to arrange opponents, dates and venues.
Ligue 1 stages US games to attract new investors and bridge gap to Serie A and the Bundesliga
As France's Ligue 1 is staging a four-team tournament in Washington DC this week, Bob Williams looks at how it aims to expand its reach into the US and improve overseas media-rights income.
TikTok’s growth pushes platform into key engagement role for sports properties
As TikTok has grown into one of the world's most popular social-media apps during the past year, the short-form video-sharing platform has become an important tool for sports rights-holders to expand and engage their fanbases.
NBA uses Summer League to retain year-round relevance and extend its global footprint
Kim Bohuny, NBA senior vice-president of international basketball operations, spoke to Bob Williams about the Summer League's growing popularity and its increased role in the league's international expansion.
Athletes to benefit as International Swimming League threatens Fina’s hold over sport
A Ukranian billionaire is funding the latest effort to turn swimming into a regular competitive professional sport and not just one of the most popular events at the Summer Olympics.
USTA hosts Fortnite World Cup finals to introduce new audiences to refurbished US Open venue
The United States Tennis Association's successful bid to host the inaugural Fortnite World Cup finals at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, is part of a wider strategy to introduce the refurbished facility to a new and younger audience. Story by Bob Williams.