Sports Business Review: January 2025
Welcome to the January edition of the monthly news digest of BEYOND THE MATCH - the SPORTFIVE Magazine.
As we kick off 2025, this edition focuses on key developments shaping the sports industry and explores the evolving dynamics of sports marketing. Our goal is to provide you with valuable insights to keep you informed and inspired as the year begins.
This month, I’m thrilled to spotlight the IHF Men’s World Handball Championship that began earlier this month. With electrifying matches, world-class talent, and unforgettable moments this tournament has already delivered and it promises to have an exciting conclusion this weekend. At SPORTFIVE, we’re proud to play a pivotal role in elevating the Championships, as part of our role as the exclusive marketer of the global media and marketing rights to all IHF World Championships until 2031.
I hope you find this edition engaging and insightful. Let’s connect on LinkedIn to discuss your thoughts, explore ideas, or talk about the latest trends in sports marketing.
Best regards,
David
Vice President, Marketing Communications at SPORTFIVE
Before we take a look at the latest industry news and updates from the world of SPORTFIVE, here are some of the sporting highlights from January.
Sinner and Keys reign supreme in Melbourne
The first Grand Slam of 2025 took place down under with Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys emerging victorious in the Men’s and Women’s tournaments respectively. SPORTFIVE client Alexander Zverev reached his third Slam final but world number one Sinner secured his second successive Australian Open title. Meanwhile Madison Keys took home her first ever Grand Slam title after defeating the reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka.
World Handball Championship nears thrilling conclusion
The IHF World Men’s Handball Championship got underway in January with matches entertaining crowds in Norway, Denmark and Croatia. The final four is made up of France, Croatia, Denmark and Croatia with the final set to be played on Sunday 2nd February in Oslo.
Harris English returns to the winners circle
SPORTFIVE golf client Harris English claimed his fifth PGA Tour title after winning the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego. The SPORTFIVE team also played their part in delivering another unforgettable edition of The American Express in California. Meanwhile, the TGL presented by SoFi, a high-tech golf league featuring PGA TOUR stars, began this month with fast-paced, two-hour primetime matches.
Chiefs and Eagles to meet at Super Bowl LIX
The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are on their way to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX after winning their respective Conference Championship games. The Chiefs are chasing an unprecedented ‘three-peat’ of Super Bowl crowns when the game arrives on the 9th February.
Liverpool finish League Phase at the summit in the UCL
The newly introduced league phase format of the UEFA Champions League came to an end this month with Premier League side Liverpool finishing at the top of the standings. They were joined by Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Aston Villa in the Round of 16 draw, while 16 other teams qualified for the play-off knockout round.
Chelsea continue to dominate in the WSL
Chelsea remain at the summit of the Women’s Super League, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season with 11 wins from 12. Meanwhile in the Premier League it’s Liverpool who hold a six-point lead over their nearest challengers Arsenal.
Presenting the Becker Petkovic Podcast
A new podcast with SPORTFIVE client Boris Becker and Andrea Petkovic, produced by Podstars by OMR, launched this month. The podcast offers tennis fans exclusive insights, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories from every major tournament with the first episode airing ahead of the Australian Open.
INSIGHTS
SPOBIS Conference 2025: Central Hub for the International Sports Business Industry
Europe’s largest sports business event, returns to Hamburg on February 5th and 6th, 2025.
How Western Brands Can Break into ASEAN Markets Through Sports Partnerships
In ASEAN Markets, with over 660 million consumers, sports partnerships are a key driver for market entry and brand building.
Unlocking Growth: How Asian and Homegrown ASEAN Brands Can Use Sports Partnerships
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The rise of ASEAN football is on pace with the region’s economic growth together with digital penetration and user adoption.
ROBLOX: Opportunity For Brands
How to reach Gen Z and Alpha - Top Brands like DFL leverage Roblox’s immersive platform to boost awareness, engage authentically, and convert players into customers.
SPORTFIVE BUSINESS
Swimming Australia and Nine Announce Multi-Year, Multi-Platform Media Rights Sponsorship Deal
LinkedIn Becomes Official Partner of the IHF Men’s and Women’s World Championships 2025
Groupe OPNR Becomes Official Partner of Olympique Lyonnais
SPORTFIVE Hungary Signs Two-Year Strategic Partnership With Husqvarna
Ant Group Alipay Becomes Official Strategic Partner Of The Identity V League
SPORTFIVE Joins Forces With Marc Kosicke To Expand Athletes & Personality Representation Services
SUCCESS STORIES
UEFA EURO 2024™ - Record-Breaking Hospitality Services Marketing
Explore the entire story how history was made with the marketing of UEFA EURO 2024™.
Building the Future of Sports, Business, and Entertainment | Aspiring Global Consultant | Championing Talent and Innovation.
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