Sports Ticker #117: Padel Cup, Cadillac enters F1 and AI rugby developments

In a fortnight which saw Premier League clubs approve changes to the Associated Party Transaction rules and Thom Browne prevail against Adidas in its long running dispute concerning striped trade marks (further analysis in the next Ticker!), we bring you updates on the newly anticipated global rugby competition, MotoGP's broadcast agreement with TNT Sports and an ex-footballer's professional tennis debut.

As always, if there are any issues on which you'd like more information (or if you have any questions or feedback), please do let us know or get in touch with your usual contact at RPC.

Kickoff for a global rugby competition? 

An unprecedented global rugby franchise competition is apparently in the early stages of development. The idea is said to be inspired by F1 and aims to have more than 200 players travelling the world to participate in the league which would look to feature concerts and other entertainment. According to reports, the new competition could consist of eight men's rugby franchises plus a professional women's competition and last for 14 weeks, with each round taking place in a different major city. Some sources state that the project has secured initial backing from investors in the UK and US. However, with estimates that at least £500 million would be required to get the idea off the ground, there is still a long way to go (not least given the role of the Unions and the leading domestic competitions). 

Calling all Padel Pros

The International Padel Federation (FIP) has announced plans to launch its own inter-continental cup competition next year, dubbed the "Ryder Cup and Laver Cup of Padel". The yet to be named tournament, which is set to take place every other year, will showcase the best pro-Padellers that Europe and the Americas have to offer. Padel, which originates from Mexico, has gained enormous popularity in recent years and has been described by the Lawn Tennis Association as the "fastest-growing sport in the world". The FIP has committed a prize purse of €700,000 to the inaugural event, to be split evenly across the men's and women's teams. Luigi Carraro, President of the FIP, hopes the tournament will continue to boost the ever-growing profile of the sport and ultimately pave the way to seeing professional Padel "form part of the Olympic Movement as soon as possible"

Cadillac to cross the finish line in 2026

Cadillac has officially become the 11th General Motors-backed team to join the F1 grid in 2026 despite Michael Andretti's application initially being refused in January. F1 issued a letter explaining that granting the request "would bring value to the Andretti brand rather than the other way around" and that Andretti would struggle to be competitive. It concluded by stating that it would look differently on the application for entry of a team "with a GM power unit", which prompted an investigation by the Department of Justice amidst anti-trust concerns. However, Andretti stepped down in September and an agreement has now been reached between F1, GM and TWG Global for a Cadillac team to join the future line-up. This represents a key development in the sport as it will be the first team to join F1 since 2016 and the first time that the grid has hosted more than 10 teams since 2014. It also adds to the list of novel events taking place in F1 over recent weeks given the announcement of "F1 75 Live" which is set to take place in February 2025 at London's O2 Arena to celebrate the sport's seventy-fifth anniversary and launch the 2025 season.

AI takeover: first Wimbledon line judges, now rugby referees?

A rechargeable microchip capable of detecting rugby ball movement has been developed by Sportable and presented by Sage in partnership with Gilbert and Steeden. Raphael Brandon, director of performance science at Sportable, explained the complex mechanics behind the technology which essentially involves AI conducting path detection to generate both pass and kick flight. This allows various graphics to be created based on the height, revolutions and speed of the ball, which has a plethora of potential benefits for the sport. For example, players can assess their performance to determine the most effective techniques, coaches can use the datasets to tailor their training plans and commentators are afforded with additional information and objectivity. Brandon also hinted that there are "a lot of officiating options sitting behind the scenes, waiting for World Rugby or Six Nations to deploy them".

MotoGP agrees multi-year broadcast extension with TNT Sports

MotoGP, home to the World Championship of motorcycle racing, has extended its multi-year broadcasting deal with Warner Bros Discovery (WBD)-owned TNT Sports. The partnership, which first began in 2014, grants TNT Sports and Discovery+ with live broadcasting rights to all practices, qualifying sessions and races across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 in the UK and Ireland. All sprint races (a short format, more intense alternative to the main race) will also be broadcast for free on WBD-subsidiary Quest, in addition to the British Grand Prix and one other main race per season. The decision has been well-received by many in the sport, which has struggled to retain its viewership since parting ways with the BBC in 2013. The extensions follow MotoGP's acquisition by Formula 1 owner Liberty Media in April, and the recent unveiling of a new logo, artwork, motion graphics and typefaces.

Extra time...

…and finally, ex Manchester United striker Diego Forlán turned his eyes to a smaller green last week after making his professional tennis debut at the Uruguay Open at age 45. Unfortunately the Premier League, Copa América and two-time European Golden Boot winner lost in straight sets alongside doubles partner Federico Coria to Bolivians Boris Arias and Federico Zeballos after just 49 minutes on court (6-1, 6-2). However, the former Atlético Madrid striker has pledged not to let the defeat hold him back, setting his sights on future competitions organised under the International Tennis Federation's +45 category, albeit with the rather more relaxed emphasis on friends and family "traveling and enjoying ourselves". First stop, Montevideo. Next stop, Wimbledon…?