Indian tea brand Brooke Bond Red Label and broadcaster Star Sports "joined forces to bring together Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad and Pakistani cricketer Aamer Sohail to break barriers over a cup of tea." The meeting is the first time the pair have met since a "tense" match in '96 and "was the idea of media agency Mindshare" (THE DRUM, 9/24).
The Rugby Football Union hopes the "white noise" which inspired England's kit for the '18-19 season "can provide a wake-up call" to Manager Eddie Jones' side. The new kit -- which costs £95 ($125) -- will be worn for the first time on Nov. 3 against South Africa, with a statement released by the RFU explaining that "the design of the shirt takes inspiration from 'white noise,' the effect created by the sound of England supporters cheering the team on" (London GUARDIAN, 9/24).
Juventus announced a multi-year global partnership with blockchain-based fan engagement platform Socios.com, with plans to launch the "Juventus Official Fan Token." The token will allow fans to interact through a mobile voting and polling platform. The company aims to release the coin as early as the first quarter of '19 (Juventus).
Premier League side Southampton agreed to a deal with stadium technology specialist ADI to install a new virtual hybrid perimeter LED display. The system integrates AR technology that makes it possible to change the perimeter content seen by different viewing audiences around the world (ADI).
IMG was appointed to provide int'l marketing and full-time management services on a multi-year basis to Royal Golf La Bagnaia, part of the La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort in Tuscany, Italy (IMG).
French homebuilder Maisons Pierre partnered with Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner. The French Gold Medal winner will be the "face of the company" through ’24 (SPORTBUZZ BUSINESS, 9/24).
