Marketing & Sponsorship

Mercedes fears it has lost race-day F1 tyre edge over Ferrari

In the early phase of the season, the Mercedes would have the edge in races because its W14 car was much less harsh on its tyres than the Ferrari SF-23.

However, as Ferrari has made gains in understanding why its 2023 challenger was so hard on its rubber early on, its race pace has improved dramatically.

And with the two teams now locked in a fight for runners-up in the constructors’ championship, the switch in car characteristic could prove critical as their fight plays out over the remaining six races of the campaign.

At the recent Japanese Grand Prix, where tyre degradation was a critical factor in deciding the pace on Sunday, Ferrari showed how on top of things it was as Charles Leclerc finished ahead of the Mercedes lead car of Lewis Hamilton.

This was a result that Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin believed proved that Ferrari was no longer behind with its management of tyre degradation.

Shovlin reckoned that Mercedes’ lack of performance over the Japanese GP weekend was down to a simple lack of downforce.

“I think the performance deficit that was there in qualifying, where we have a bit less performance through the fast corners, it’s the same thing that was costing us in the race,” he said.

“I think really this track is just about how much grip you have got in the fast corners. A lot of that will be downforce. And we do look like we were a little bit behind in that regard.

“Ferrari did bring an updated floor. So maybe they’ve moved forward. But I think if we look at some of our recent tracks, that advantage we have with degradation, it’s not as evident now in the season as it was in the earlier races.”

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