Marketing & Sponsorship

Audi Sport to End Factory-Supported GT3 Programs

Automobile company, sport outfit, Audi Sport customer racing will shutter its factory-supported GT3 activities and eliminate its works driver pool at the end of the year as part of a major restructuring from the German manufacturer.

Confirmed in a memo sent to its customer teams on Tuesday, Audi Sport customer racing is set to end its ‘strategic operations’ while also halting new sales of its GT2, GT3, GT4 and TCR models “after Q1 2024.”

The homologations of these cars, which are still available for order, will be extended by at least one cycle, with on-site customer support service set to continue for the foreseeable future.

Speaking with Sportscar365, Head of Audi Sport customer racing Chris Reinke explained that a decision from the board was made on Monday, with Audi Sport managing director Rolf Michl deciding to inform its partners and customers today of the developments.

“In short notice, we had the possibility today, all day, to first talk to the employees, the drivers, to the team bosses to our satellite [offices] overseas, and so on, to share our plans,” Reinke said.

“On top of that we sent out [a memo] to our clients to explain what’s going on, because at the end, it’s a transformation of our main business scope.

“But as it’s the most important out of my perspective, it is the confirmation of Audi Sport customer racing’s future.

“All of the cars which are in the hands of customers, we will provide engineering support, we will re-homologate. We have an engineering team who will bug fix, if bugs come up and all that.

“We will continue to give 100 percent support to all those cars in the hands of customers, also for the future. It’s not the end of Audi Sport customer racing.”

Reinke said its strategic programs in Fanatec GT World Challenge and DTM will continue through the end of this year prior to a refocusing entirely on customer racing beginning in 2024.

Among the factory drivers affected in Audi Sport’s 14-driver pool are Christopher Mies, Frederic Vervisch, Christopher Haase, Markus Winkelhock, Mattia Drudi, Ricardo Feller and Patric Niederhauser.

A number of others, including Rene Rast, Kelvin van der Linde, Dries Vanthoor and Robin Frijns, had departed the German manufacturer prior to this year.

“We have informed [them] today that we won’t have the possibility to run them in the pro environment, which is the base of the lineup today,” Reinke said.

“We will now get into one-by-one dialogue and see how we can support and depart with the best manner and see how we can respectfully find a solution for each single one of them.”

Reinke said the reason behind the restructuring was two-fold, directly influenced by the end of production for the R8 road car as well as Audi’s newly announced venture into Formula 1 beginning in 2026.

With Audi Sport’s strategic operations mostly focused on the European market, following its earlier withdrawal from Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli, Reinke said the changes will not have a significant impact on customers in other regions.

He indicated that the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II, for example, could theoretically be eligible to race until 2032, per the FIA’s rule that allows cars to be homologated for up to eight years after the end of its road car production.

Additionally, Audi’s customer support network will remain unchanged.

“Audi Sport customer racing will be out there,” Reinke said. “It will be the same people, the same staff.

“They will continue on the customer management side, the race track engineers, the spare part trucks, the complete parts logistics will be run, as before unchanged, out of Neuburg.”

Reinke said a total of 600 cars have been sold to approximately 200 operators worldwide, which he foresees to be largely unaffected.

“If I look into Australia, into China, into the U.S., they have now guaranteed support, which we never put into question, but if they have the desire for a confirmation, now they have it,” he said.

“The far majority run independent efforts and will have all of the possibilities from our end to keep running independent [programs] also for the future.”

Future Projects Undecided at Audi Sport Customer Racing

Reinke added that Audi has not ruled out future projects in the sports car racing world, although none have been decided as of now.

“From my perspective, there are quite a few very interesting projects at the moment up in the air for decision,” he said. “It’s my absolute hope that we get those decided very soon. But as long as they’re not decided, they’re not to be communicated.

“I really hope, also to keep the team together at Audi Sport customer racing, that we can use the potential and capability and talent within our operation for future projects.”

Marketing & Sponsorship

Soft2Bet Secures Divisionsforeningen Deal, Expands In Denmark

Online Malta-based bookmaker Soft2Bet has agreed a two-year deal with Denmark’s Divisionsforeningenin to sponsor the second, third and fourth tiers Danish football.

Soft2Bet will activate the sponsorship via its brands Betinia and CampoBet. The top flight will be rebranded Betinia Liga, while the second and third divisions will named CampoBet 2 Division and CampoBet 3.

No value was given for the sponsorship.

Betinia launched in Denmark in 2023 while the CampoBet brand debuted last year. Soft2Bet has expanded in the Scandinavian market having also launched in Sweden.

Oksana Tsyhankova, CMO of Soft2Bet, said: “With a strong focus on localised, responsible experiences through Betinia and CampoBet, we support both the growth of the game and the communities behind it.”

Soft2Bet will support local football initiatives, with a focus on talent development, fan engagement and youth participation.

Claus Thomsen, Director of the Divisionsforeningen, said: “The fact that there will now also be a name sponsor for the third and fourth best tiers is a tribute to all the work the clubs have done to deliver a fantastic product, create ever better conditions and increase awareness of the tier.”

Online casino and sports betting revenue in 2024 reached DKK7.27 billion (£811.2 million), according to SBC. Sports betting accounted for DKK2.21bn.

Insideworldfootbal.com

Marketing & Sponsorship

NLO, NTA Partner For Live Playoff Broadcasts

In a landmark move aimed at strengthening grassroots football development, the Nationwide League One (NLO) has announced a strategic broadcast partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to air its ongoing playoff matches live across the country.

The initiative, unveiled by NLO Chief Operating Officer Mr. Sola Ogunnowo, underscores the league’s commitment to expanding national access to the exciting action within Nigeria’s third-tier football structure.

With this deal, fans from all corners of the country will be able to witness the raw talent and fierce competition that define the NLO playoffs.

> “This live broadcast partnership with NTA is a major step toward deepening the reach and appeal of grassroots football,” Ogunnowo said. “The NLO playoffs represent the passion and raw talent we have across Nigeria, and we’re excited to share that with the entire nation.”

Full NTA Broadcast Schedule for NLO Playoffs:

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Na Royal vs. House of Prayer — 1 PM, LIVE from Bwari Stadium

JNR Danburan vs. Kano Ambassadors — 3 PM, LIVE from Gumel Stadium

Friday, June 20, 2025

Vet Rovers vs. Family Worship — 11 AM, LIVE from ABS Stadium, Kaduna

Kaduna United vs. DMD — Delayed transmission from Jos Stadium

Sunday, June 22, 2025

JNR Danburan vs. Clever Warriors — 1 PM, LIVE from Gumel Stadium

Zeal Minds vs. House of Prayer — 3 PM, LIVE from Bwari Stadium

Ogunnowo highlighted that the league’s partnership with NTA forms part of a broader vision to elevate the profile of emerging clubs and provide greater visibility for talented players aiming to climb Nigeria’s football hierarchy.

> “We’re not just organizing matches — we’re building a future for Nigerian football,” he said. “By enhancing fan experience through live broadcasts and working closely with our local organizing committees and media partners, we’re ensuring that our playoffs are delivered with top-tier professionalism.”

The NLO playoffs have become a vital showcase for spotting future football stars and offering clubs a stepping stone toward higher divisions in Nigeria’s football pyramid. This televised coverage is expected to amplify support for participating teams and attract potential investors and scouts to the grassroots game.

With nationwide viewership now guaranteed, the NLO playoffs are not just a tournament — they’re a celebration of Nigerian football’s next generation.

Sports247.ng

Marketing & Sponsorship

Atlético Madrid Opens ‘Casa Atléti’ In Tinseltown

Atlético Madrid have pitched up in the City of Angels with “Casa Atleti,” a multi-day brand circus that’s part retail therapy, part fan festival, and cleverly designed to separate Americans from their hard-earned dollars while competing in the FIFA Club World Cup.

The timing is no accident. With the 2026 World Cup looming and every European giant scrambling for their slice of the American football pie, Los Angeles represents the perfect storm of Latino heritage, celebrity culture, and disposable income.

“Casa Atleti” isn’t just your average pop-up shop. There’s an official merchandise store, watch parties, meet-and-greets with club legends, and cultural events.

The programme reads like a festival lineup: daily coaching symposiums led by Atlético’s technical staff, live music, and food experiences. Several events, including watch parties for the matches, have already sold out according to the club’s official channels.

This isn’t just about shifting some shirts and signing up a few new Instagram followers. “Casa Atleti” is Atlético Madrid’s latest play in what’s becoming an increasingly crowded field – and of course competing with Real Madrid who have already cracked the U.S. market.

Whether “Casa Atleti” becomes a genuine foothold in the American market or just another expensive marketing exercise remains to be seen. But in a city built on selling dreams, Atlético Madrid are certainly speaking the right language.

Insideworldfootball.com