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MUST READ: LAFC’s connection with renowned Swiss powerhouse forms long-term strategy: Major League Soccer's Los Angeles FC (LAFC), put pen to paper on a strategic partnership between Swiss Super League powerhouse Grasshopper Club Zürich, making them major shareholders of Grasshopper Football Ltd. The two organisations will provide unique platforms for the development of young talent, through a further expansion of LAFC's network which has Austria’s FC Wacker Innsbruck and Germany's FC Bayern München. Having played their first professional season in 2018, LAFC are trailblazers across the MLS, in establishing themselves as a competitive club so early in their existence. Since 2019, The Black and Gold have accumulated a total of seven domestic titles, also including an appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League Final, in which they fell narrowly short to Mexican outfit, Leon. High-quality players including Georgio Chiellini, Carlos Vela and Gareth Bale all shared stints in the City of Angels. The partnership LAFC have entered proposes the idea that the American club are looking to sustain a European feel. Co-President Larry Freedman praised the Zurich-based club. “Grasshopper Club Zürich is an iconic brand in both Swiss and European football, with an incredible tradition of success and a foundation built on developing top-level talent,” he said via media release. “LAFC is honoured to work together on this long-term partnership with the GC Zürich community and all the supporters as we begin our collaboration.” The Grasshoppers are a staple within Switzerland. Founded in 1886, the reign as the longest serving Swiss club across Europe. Throughout their 138 year tenure, the Hoppers hold the most League and Cup Titles respectively, accumulating 51 titles. However, their most recent major trophy success came in the 2012-13 season. Since then, Their decline has been swift. For the first time in 68 years, the club succumbed to relegation in 2019. Although bouncing back out of the second tier two seasons later, the club have not been able to reach their past dominance. Financial hardship, the COVID-19 pandemic, and lack of ambition were the ingredients to the clubs spiral out of form on the pitch. The American acquisition will leave Hoppers fans hopeful. Given the financial freedom the American outfit possesses, the combination of clubs is a benefit to both parties. On one hand, The Grasshoppers are able to rejuvenate their youth system, in which it has bred players the likes of Stephen Lichsteiner, Roman Burki and Yan Sommer. Furthermore, players within their youth academy can gain senior football experience in the MLS, before competing against Switzerland and Europe’s finest. Given the ambition in which LAFC possesses, the partnership between both clubs can ultimately breed a new plethora of Swiss superstars - helping the Hoppers get back to… #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

ICYMI: LAFC’s connection with renowned Swiss powerhouse forms long-term strategy: Major League Soccer's Los Angeles FC (LAFC), put pen to paper on a strategic partnership between Swiss Super League powerhouse Grasshopper Club Zürich, making them major shareholders of Grasshopper Football Ltd. The two organisations will provide unique platforms for the development of young talent, through a further expansion of LAFC's network which has Austria’s FC Wacker Innsbruck and Germany's FC Bayern München. Having played their first professional season in 2018, LAFC are trailblazers across the MLS, in establishing themselves as a competitive club so early in their existence. Since 2019, The Black and Gold have accumulated a total of seven domestic titles, also including an appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League Final, in which they fell narrowly short to Mexican outfit, Leon. High-quality players including Georgio Chiellini, Carlos Vela and Gareth Bale all shared stints in the City of Angels. The partnership LAFC have entered proposes the idea that the American club are looking to sustain a European feel. Co-President Larry Freedman praised the Zurich-based club. “Grasshopper Club Zürich is an iconic brand in both Swiss and European football, with an incredible tradition of success and a foundation built on developing top-level talent,” he said via media release. “LAFC is honoured to work together on this long-term partnership with the GC Zürich community and all the supporters as we begin our collaboration.” The Grasshoppers are a staple within Switzerland. Founded in 1886, the reign as the longest serving Swiss club across Europe. Throughout their 138 year tenure, the Hoppers hold the most League and Cup Titles respectively, accumulating 51 titles. However, their most recent major trophy success came in the 2012-13 season. Since then, Their decline has been swift. For the first time in 68 years, the club succumbed to relegation in 2019. Although bouncing back out of the second tier two seasons later, the club have not been able to reach their past dominance. Financial hardship, the COVID-19 pandemic, and lack of ambition were the ingredients to the clubs spiral out of form on the pitch. The American acquisition will leave Hoppers fans hopeful. Given the financial freedom the American outfit possesses, the combination of clubs is a benefit to both parties. On one hand, The Grasshoppers are able to rejuvenate their youth system, in which it has bred players the likes of Stephen Lichsteiner, Roman Burki and Yan Sommer. Furthermore, players within their youth academy can gain senior football experience in the MLS, before competing against Switzerland and Europe’s finest. Given the ambition in which LAFC possesses, the partnership between both clubs can ultimately breed a new plethora of Swiss superstars - helping the Hoppers get back to… #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

ICYMI: David Davutovic on Preston Lions’ rich history and ambitions for the future: At the recent Preston in Business event, media personality David Davutovic spoke about Preston Lions' storied history, it's incredible impact on football in Australia and the Club's future as one of the eight foundation clubs in the emerging National Second Tier (NST). The Lions are well known for their incredible fanbase, garnered over 77 years of history and have significantly broadened this over many years. This transition means that for the first time since 1993, Preston will be competing on the national stage of Australian football. Davutovic, a special keynote guest, reflected on the Lions’ foundation and their growth to being one of the most popular NPL-based teams. "The club has played a huge role in Australian football. The club had 30 pretty successful years prior to the NSL and there is a truly rich history at the club," said Davutovic, Managing Director of Bruce Media. “The club has been in the top division, in the NSL for 13 years and before that from 1947 onwards there have been some great players come through and represent the country." he said at the event. "More recently, Sasa Ognenovski came through in the post NSL era and was a product of this club. He was voted the best Asian player in 2010 and won an Asian Champions League over in South Korea then went on to play for the Socceroos. "There's no doubt this club is right up there in its contribution to Australian football, and we are all very excited to see what the future holds." The NST has been an attractive idea for many years but with very little action from Football Australia, it never really came to light until recently. Preston Lions were one of the biggest drivers and immediately put their hand up to become one of the foundation clubs. The club's strong performance in critical revenue streams like sponsorship, gameday ticketing and membership have helped the club get into a position to take on this financial hurdle with an opportunity to dream of achieving the impossible. "It's really exciting for the sport and it’s interesting as to how it's all come about,” Davutovic said. “It's a bit like the A-League expansion project of five or six years ago. It happened somewhat organically because there was this groundswell of support, and Preston as a club have (arguably) played the biggest role in kickstarting this momentum that triggered the second division. "When it kicks off next year it's going to be huge. Preston had the courage to step forward and immediately say yes and obviously it's a massive financial commitment for the club but they said 'we're doing it' and credit to the club for that. "The current situation is eight clubs in the second division but my understanding is that they are looking at an expansion to 10 or 12 teams, maybe more from Victoria and they can really grow… #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

David Davutovic on Preston Lions’ rich history and ambitions for the future: At the recent Preston in Business event, media personality David Davutovic spoke about Preston Lions' storied history, it's incredible impact on football in Australia and the Club's future as one of the eight foundation clubs in the emerging National Second Tier (NST). The Lions are well known for their incredible fanbase, garnered over 77 years of history and have significantly broadened this over many years. This transition means that for the first time since 1993, Preston will be competing on the national stage of Australian football. Davutovic, a special keynote guest, reflected on the Lions’ foundation and their growth to being one of the most popular NPL-based teams. "The club has played a huge role in Australian football. The club had 30 pretty successful years prior to the NSL and there is a truly rich history at the club," said Davutovic, Managing Director of Bruce Media. “The club has been in the top division, in the NSL for 13 years and before that from 1947 onwards there have been some great players come through and represent the country." he said at the event. "More recently, Sasa Ognenovski came through in the post NSL era and was a product of this club. He was voted the best Asian player in 2010 and won an Asian Champions League over in South Korea then went on to play for the Socceroos. "There's no doubt this club is right up there in its contribution to Australian football, and we are all very excited to see what the future holds." The NST has been an attractive idea for many years but with very little action from Football Australia, it never really came to light until recently. Preston Lions were one of the biggest drivers and immediately put their hand up to become one of the foundation clubs. The club's strong performance in critical revenue streams like sponsorship, gameday ticketing and membership have helped the club get into a position to take on this financial hurdle with an opportunity to dream of achieving the impossible. "It's really exciting for the sport and it’s interesting as to how it's all come about,” Davutovic said. “It's a bit like the A-League expansion project of five or six years ago. It happened somewhat organically because there was this groundswell of support, and Preston as a club have (arguably) played the biggest role in kickstarting this momentum that triggered the second division. "When it kicks off next year it's going to be huge. Preston had the courage to step forward and immediately say yes and obviously it's a massive financial commitment for the club but they said 'we're doing it' and credit to the club for that. "The current situation is eight clubs in the second division but my understanding is that they are looking at an expansion to 10 or 12 teams, maybe more from Victoria and they can really grow this… #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

MUST READ: David Davutovic on Preston Lions’ rich history and ambitions for the future: At the recent Preston in Business event, media personality David Davutovic spoke about Preston Lions' storied history, it's incredible impact on football in Australia and the Club's future as one of the eight foundation clubs in the emerging National Second Tier (NST). The Lions are well known for their incredible fanbase, garnered over 77 years of history and have significantly broadened this over many years. This transition means that for the first time since 1993, Preston will be competing on the national stage of Australian football. Davutovic, a special keynote guest, reflected on the Lions’ foundation and their growth to being one of the most popular NPL-based teams. "The club has played a huge role in Australian football. The club had 30 pretty successful years prior to the NSL and there is a truly rich history at the club," said Davutovic, Managing Director of Bruce Media. “The club has been in the top division, in the NSL for 13 years and before that from 1947 onwards there have been some great players come through and represent the country." he said at the event. "More recently, Sasa Ognenovski came through in the post NSL era and was a product of this club. He was voted the best Asian player in 2010 and won an Asian Champions League over in South Korea then went on to play for the Socceroos. "There's no doubt this club is right up there in its contribution to Australian football, and we are all very excited to see what the future holds." The NST has been an attractive idea for many years but with very little action from Football Australia, it never really came to light until recently. Preston Lions were one of the biggest drivers and immediately put their hand up to become one of the foundation clubs. The club's strong performance in critical revenue streams like sponsorship, gameday ticketing and membership have helped the club get into a position to take on this financial hurdle with an opportunity to dream of achieving the impossible. "It's really exciting for the sport and it’s interesting as to how it's all come about,” Davutovic said. “It's a bit like the A-League expansion project of five or six years ago. It happened somewhat organically because there was this groundswell of support, and Preston as a club have (arguably) played the biggest role in kickstarting this momentum that triggered the second division. "When it kicks off next year it's going to be huge. Preston had the courage to step forward and immediately say yes and obviously it's a massive financial commitment for the club but they said 'we're doing it' and credit to the club for that. "The current situation is eight clubs in the second division but my understanding is that they are looking at an expansion to 10 or 12 teams, maybe more from Victoria and they can really… #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

ICYMI: Soaring to new heights: Melbourne Victory name new sponsor from 2024/25 season: Melbourne Victory have announced their latest primary sponsor for the upcoming three seasons, with both parties unveiling the newly found agreement at AAMI Park. Turkish Airlines are considered as one of the best flight carriers across the globe, and have garnered a reputation within the Sporting World. Their major sponsors vary across multiple sports, sharing agreements with three different codes involving basketball, golf and football. The airline has quite the portfolio within their rootball sponsorships. Their most significant sponsorship is undeniably their primary agreement with the UEFA Champions League, arguably one of the most coveted prizes within the Sport. Within Turkiye, the Airline are major sponsors of five Turkish clubs, including the likes of Galatasaray, and also sponsor the Turkish National Football Team. This follows on from the airline's venture outside of Europe, with the airline flying directly from Australia to Turkey as of February 2024. The partnership between both enterprises showcases a universal understanding, surrounding the importance of being competitive. Melbourne Victory are arguably one of the best clubs within Australia. 2 Australian Cups, 3 Premierships and 4 Championships across 19 years of operation, the winning mentality surrounding the club made the prosperity of a partnership more lucrative for the Turkish Outfit. The passion intertwined with the club and their fan base, although controversial, is undeniable. Acknowledging the current rivalry shared between Sydney and Melbourne off the field. It has been combatted with a rich history of Football Australia figures having debarcles with Melbourne based footballing figures within Australian football. A prime example rolls back the years to when Socceroo manager, now current Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou, who throughout his time as Australian National Team manager was under constant scrutiny within the media. The largest Melbourne-based club somewhat amplifies that personification. In a way, the grit, determination and club message Melbourne Victory live and breathe, has swayed the interest of a company in whom immerse themselves with athletic achievement. Can the new merger be the catalyst in perhaps, the renaissance of more success, at the Melbourne-based club? The post Soaring to new heights: Melbourne Victory name new sponsor from 2024/25 season appeared first on Soccerscene. #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

Soaring to new heights: Melbourne Victory name new sponsor from 2024/25 season: Melbourne Victory have announced their latest primary sponsor for the upcoming three seasons, with both parties unveiling the newly found agreement at AAMI Park. Turkish Airlines are considered as one of the best flight carriers across the globe, and have garnered a reputation within the Sporting World. Their major sponsors vary across multiple sports, sharing agreements with three different codes involving basketball, golf and football. The airline has quite the portfolio within their rootball sponsorships. Their most significant sponsorship is undeniably their primary agreement with the UEFA Champions League, arguably one of the most coveted prizes within the Sport. Within Turkiye, the Airline are major sponsors of five Turkish clubs, including the likes of Galatasaray, and also sponsor the Turkish National Football Team. This follows on from the airline's venture outside of Europe, with the airline flying directly from Australia to Turkey as of February 2024. The partnership between both enterprises showcases a universal understanding, surrounding the importance of being competitive. Melbourne Victory are arguably one of the best clubs within Australia. 2 Australian Cups, 3 Premierships and 4 Championships across 19 years of operation, the winning mentality surrounding the club made the prosperity of a partnership more lucrative for the Turkish Outfit. The passion intertwined with the club and their fan base, although controversial, is undeniable. Acknowledging the current rivalry shared between Sydney and Melbourne off the field. It has been combatted with a rich history of Football Australia figures having debarcles with Melbourne based footballing figures within Australian football. A prime example rolls back the years to when Socceroo manager, now current Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou, who throughout his time as Australian National Team manager was under constant scrutiny within the media. The largest Melbourne-based club somewhat amplifies that personification. In a way, the grit, determination and club message Melbourne Victory live and breathe, has swayed the interest of a company in whom immerse themselves with athletic achievement. Can the new merger be the catalyst in perhaps, the renaissance of more success, at the Melbourne-based club? The post Soaring to new heights: Melbourne Victory name new sponsor from 2024/25 season appeared first on Soccerscene. #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

Sydney’s “feast of footy” fixtures involving three separate codes this weekend is set to generate at least $21 million in economic activity for the city but there is concern a rail dispute could hamper the much needed economic boost. Our Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said the city’s sport-connected economy would make a valuable contribution to its economic recovery. “However, I am concerned that the impact of the ‘footy feast’ will be hurt because a dispute involving the rail union could disrupt public transport. We don’t want to see fans having difficulty getting to the fixtures or home again. “Sydney and its business community are otherwise blessed to have multiple football codes reaching the pointy end of their respective competitions. “All three codes, Rugby League, Rugby Union and Australian Rules, are capable of drawing big crowds and the level of excitement at this time of year with semi finals, preliminary finals and a Test is palpable. “Hotels, clubs, restaurants and point-to-point transport operators will be among the beneficiaries of the $21 million sporting bonanza. “Sydney, let’s turn out to see our favourite teams in action, but if you can’t be there watch them on the big screens at your favourite pubs, clubs and other venues and add to the economic boost.” This weekend’s high profile fixtures include: Australian Rules — Sydney Swans vs Port Adelaide at the SCG (Friday) NRL — Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium Moore Park. (Friday) NRL — Roosters vs Manly Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium Moore Park (Saturday) Rugby Union — Wallabies vs All Blacks Test at Accor Stadium Homebush (Saturday) AFLW — Sydney Swans vs GWS Giants at Henson Park Marrickville (Sunday) “Sydneysiders love their sport and at Business Sydney we love how it lights an economic fire for the business community,” Paul said. “Small businesses have been doing it tough in a year when there have been relatively few major events on the calendar. “So, in many respects Sydney’s weekend of sport starting on Friday night is filling the gap. “And that’s why it is so disappointing that a rail dispute could hamper what should be a great opportunity.” Nerida Pearson Jason Tattershall Sherman Chan Peter May Ben English Madeleine Bower Bevan Shields Michael Koziol David Jones

⚽️ Morning Snapshot 👔 Newcastle United Football Club have named Paul Mitchell as their new sporting director. 👔 TSG Hoffenheim Fußball-Spielbetriebs GmbH have appointed Markus Schütz as the chairman of their management board. 👔 Borussia VfL 1900 Mönchengladbach GmbH and sports director Nils Schmadtke have mutually agreed to part ways. 👔 Kristian Baumgärtner is resigning as president of TSG Hoffenheim Fußball-Spielbetriebs GmbH due to health concerns. 🤝 Juventus Football Club and WTW have extended their partnership until 2029. 🤝 AS Monaco and APM Monaco have agreed to extend their collaboration for an additional two seasons. 🤝 Real Betis Balompié have secured a sponsorship deal with Trainline until 2026. 🤝 Hertha BSC GmbH & Co. KGaA have unveiled WTG as their new sleeve partner. 🤝 Udinese Calcio have introduced Banca 360 fvg as their new co-sponsor. 🤝 Watford Football Club have partnered with The University of Hertfordshire, which will feature on the sleeves of their official kit for the 2024/25 season, while ASUS will be displayed on the back of the club’s shorts. 🤝 RSC Anderlecht have signed a four-season partnership with Napoleon Sports & Casino, making them the club’s sleeve sponsor. 🤝 Millwall Football Club have announced MyGuava as their new front-of-shirt sponsor on a long-term deal. 🤝 C.A. Osasuna have entered into a sponsorship agreement with Toyota Tauro Motor and Lexus Pamplona for the next three seasons. #Partnership #Broadcasting #SportsBusiness #Commercial #Sponsorship #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #People #Data #Tech #Intelligence #Investment

Following a hard-fought 2:0 win over Tottenham on Tuesday, #ManchesterCity are just one home win against #WestHam away from winning a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title. No club in the English top flight has ever won four championships in a row before and the fact that it would be City's sixth title in seven years speaks volumes of the club's recent dominance. Ahead of Tuesday's clash with #Tottenham, City manager #PepGuardiola raised some eyebrows when he denied suggestions that City's success was boring or just about the money. "It's not boring," he said, "it's difficult. Before, it was the money. For that reason, #ManchesterUnited should have won all the titles, #Chelsea - all the titles, #Arsenal - all the titles." And while he was right in his claim that these clubs spent as much money in the last five years as City - in fact, all three clubs significantly outspent City in terms of net #transferspending since the 2019/20 season - he conveniently ignored the fact that the foundation of City's latest success was laid before that. Players like #KevinDeBruyne, #KyleWalker, #JohnStones, #BernardoSilva or #Ederson - all integral parts of City's squad - all joined the club more than five years ago. Just looking at the past five years is arbitrary at best and intentionally misleading at worst, when in fact no other club has spent more money to assemble its squad than City has since changing ownership in 2008. Since the #AbuDhabiUnitedInvestmentGroup acquired Manchester City in 2008, the club’s new leadership under chairman #KhaldoonAlMubarak has transformed the club from mid-table mediocracy to a global #footballing powerhouse, winning seven #PremierLeague titles since their maiden win in 2011/12. City’s success has always been eyed with suspicion though, as it wouldn’t have been possible without the financial muscle of its #Emirati owners. According to Transfermarkt. com, a German website specializing on #football #transfers, Manchester City’s net transfer spending (transfer spending minus transfer proceeds) since 2008 amounts to roughly €1.59 billion ($1.73 billion), outspending local rival Manchester United by almost €200 million and formerly Russian- and now American-owned Chelsea by more than €250 million. City also faces more than 100 Premier League charges for allegedly breaching financial regulations, further clouding its latest triumphs. That is not to belittle the club's accomplishments on the pitch. After all, "money doesn't score goals" as German coaching legend #OttoRehagel famously said in 1995. Looking across town at the other Manchester club is enough to illustrate that money alone doesn't guarantee success. Ever since #SirAlexFerguson retired in 2013, Manchester United has struggled to live up to its name, despite spending nearly as much as its local rival.