Alessio Santosuosso, Giulia Carnevale
Apr 7, 2025
Key people and transactions shaping the Sports industry
Welcome to our April 7, 2025 edition of the TOP 5 Sports Business News, according to CUBOPRO - your premier source for the latest developments in the sports industry. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of sports business, we are committed to providing you with short while insightful analysis of the most impactful events shaping our sector.
Here are the TOP 5 news of the week according to us:
1. Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia reportedly preparing joint bid for Rugby World Cup
The Gulf nations of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia are reportedly exploring a joint bid to host the Rugby World Cup in either 2035 or 2039.
This would mark a historic milestone as the first Rugby World Cup hosted in the Middle East, aligning with the region’s broader efforts to diversify its sports portfolio and showcase its capability to host global events.
The bid reflects a growing interest in rugby across these nations and builds on their successful hosting of other major sporting events like FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar and Formula 1 races across the region.
2. GSIQ presents global report revealing new trends in sports tourism
Global Sports Intelligence Quarterly (GSIQ) has unveiled its latest report highlighting emerging trends in sports tourism.
Key findings include a surge in demand for experiential travel tied to major sporting events, with fans increasingly seeking immersive experiences beyond just attending games.
The report also notes significant growth in esports-related tourism and increased interest in destinations that combine adventure sports with cultural exploration.
This data underscores the expanding economic impact of sports tourism and its potential as a key driver for global travel recovery post-pandemic.
3. NFL adds UAE to Global Markets Program, eyes regular season game in Abu Dhabi
The National Football League (NFL) has officially added the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to its Global Markets Program, signaling its intent to further expand American football’s presence in the Middle East.
As part of this initiative, discussions are underway about hosting a regular-season game in Abu Dhabi, following successful international games in London, Munich, and Mexico City.
The move aligns with the NFL’s strategy to grow its fan base globally and tap into new markets with strong commercial potential.
4. UFC announces comprehensive multiyear partnership with Meta
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has entered into a groundbreaking multiyear partnership with Meta Platforms Inc., leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance fan engagement.
The collaboration includes integrating virtual reality (VR) experiences through Meta’s Quest headsets, allowing fans to experience live UFC events from an immersive first-person perspective.
Additionally, Meta will work with UFC on augmented reality (AR) activations and exclusive digital content for social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
This partnership exemplifies how sports organizations are embracing tech innovations to deepen connections with their audiences.
5. Coco Gauff launches own management firm with WME
Tennis star Coco Gauff has announced the launch of her own management firm in collaboration with talent agency William Morris Endeavor (WME).
The venture aims to provide Gauff greater control over her brand while exploring opportunities beyond tennis, including endorsements, media projects, and philanthropic initiatives.
At just 21 years old, Gauff continues to break barriers both on and off the court, setting an example for athletes looking to take ownership of their careers early on.
These developments represent significant shifts in the sports business ecosystem, each with the potential to create new opportunities and challenges. We encourage our clients to consider the strategic implications of these trends on their portfolios and long-term business strategies.
As always, our team stands ready to provide in-depth analysis and tailored advice to help you navigate these exciting changes in the sports business landscape.
If you have questions or would like to discuss about this issue of the newsletter, please feel free to reach out at connect@cubopro.com.
We thank you for reading today.
If you want to stay updated on the key people and transactions shaping the Sports industry, sign up for free below!
Best,
Team CUBOPRO