Highlight Reel: Could F1 expand team representation to Asia? š
Highlight Reel: Could F1 expand team representation to Asia? š
This week's top stories feature Aston Villa, Vitoria SC, Formula 1, Women's IPL, EA Sports, Premier League, and Tottenham Hotspur
Not yet a subscriber? Join 1000+ sports business leaders from Fnatic to Formula 1 that read Sports Pundit every week to get impactful industry insights.
Happy Friday!
Following the Super Bowl last Sunday, this week has been something of a football frenzy with lots of media attention on viewing figures, Rihannaās chart surge, the best and worst ads, and, of course, the Puppy Bowl.
Thanks to Alex, Paul, Tim, Lenka, Dan, and Alexandra for all liking Tuesdayās newsletter which also took on a Super Bowl theme, concentrating on the NFLās virtual concert in Roblox.
With all that saidā¦ Hereās five (non American Football) stories from across the industry that have made headlines and caught my attention this week š
V Sports become latest multi-club owners with 46% Vitoria stake
Prospective teams bid to expand F1 reach beyond European core
EA Sports spend almost Ā£500m to retain Premier League
Womenās IPL smashes ceilings for female cricketers earning potential
Spurs decline to comment on Ā£3.1 billion MSP takeover bid
V Sports become latest multi-club owners with 46% Vitoria stake ā½ļø
It was reported on Valentineās Day that V Sports, the holding company of Aston Villa, had entered into a sale purchase agreement to buy a 46% stake in Portuguese club Vitoria SC for ā¬5.5m.
The Athletic report that this move āsignals an important step forward in the global expansion of the V Sports portfolio and it means that Villa are set to become part of a multi-club project which encourages the sharing of scouting networks, coaching methodologies and youth development strategies.ā
The Times have since reported that Villa aim to use the tie-up to sign Ibrahima Bamba and there are plans to add new MLS club, Las Vegas Villains, to network.
Prospective teams bid to expand F1 reach beyond European core š
Wednesday (February 15th) was set by FIA as the preliminary date for applications to expand Formula 1 beyond 10 teams.
How many teams they will add is a matter of speculation, however, two or more teams are thought to be willing to pay the more than $200 million it will take, according to Sportico.
Michael Andretti and General Motors announced last month they had teamed up to field an entry. This bid is compelling as it would provide additional American representation (alongside Haas) for the series, a region of significant recent growth.
The other, Panthera Team Asia, would also seek to expand the leagueās fan base beyond its western European core.Ā As the first team based in Asia, they could provide important representation for Formula 1 and Liberty Media.
EA Sports spend almost Ā£500m to retain Premier League š®
It was confirmedĀ back in 2022 that EA Sports and FIFA would be parting ways after FIFA had been looking for "at least double" the ā¬142 million it received annually from EA Sports to use the licence.
On the flipside, EA has signed licensing deals with hundreds of teams and athletes, as well as more than 30 leagues, allowing it to retain real-world names and venues within its new game title, EA Sports FC.
This ramped up further this week as it was reported byĀ Sky SportsĀ that EA have spent an incredible Ā£488 million on a new six-year deal to retain the rights to the Premier League.
Not yet a subscriber? Join 1000+ sports business leaders from Fnatic to Formula 1 that read Sports Pundit every week to get impactful industry insights.
Womenās IPL smashes ceilings for female cricketers earning potential š
The five Women's Premier League franchises went out on a shopping spree on Monday, shelling out big bucks for domestic and international stars at the inaugural player auction.
In the process they have smashed the ceiling for earnings in any women's team sport to date. Mandhana, who becomes the most expensive female cricketer ever, commanded a fee of Ā£340k (3.4 Rs Crore).
To put these fees in perspective, it is reported that Sam Kerr, the best women's footballer in the world, earns around Ā£400k per year. Mandhana will be receiving Ā£340k for just three weeks work!
Spurs decline to comment on Ā£3.1 billion MSP takeover bid šø
Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur are declining to comment on recent reports that they are the subject of a Ā£3.1 billion ($3.72 billion) takeover bid by Iranian-American billionaire Jahm Najafiās MSP Sports Capital Group.
MSPās portfolio currently includes an investment in Formula 1 team McLaren and the X Games, as well as stakes in a number of smaller European football clubs, including FC Augsberg. Najafi is also a minority owner in the NBAās Phoenix Suns
According to the Financial Times, Najafiās MSP are putting up 70% of the proposed price, with investors from Abu Dhabi set to make up the rest of the offer.
Did you enjoy this weekās Highlight Reel? Hit like, forward this email to a colleague, or share on social to show some love š š