[Source: FIFA World Cup 26 Houston ] Visit Sugar Land has announced a trailblazing partnership with the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™ Host Committee, positioning Sugar Land as an Official Supporter of FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™. This significant contribution grants Sugar Land a voice in shaping how the city engages with the event and offers a unique platform to highlight its vibrant community and diverse experiences.
Houston will host seven FIFA World Cup™ matches from June 14 to July 4, 2026, across 21 days, in the summer of 2026, welcoming visitors from around the world to one of the largest sporting events in history. The games are estimated to bring 500,000 fans from around the world to the region, generating a projected $1.5 billion economic impact. As a regional partner, Sugar Land will capture a portion of that impact through tourism, hospitality, and business development, while boosting the city’s visibility throughout the tournament and beyond.
The city of Sugar Land will engage the local community in volunteer and youth development programs, launch targeted marketing campaigns, and activate its world-class venues such as Sugar Land Town Square, First Colony Mall, Smart Financial Centre, Constellation Field, and Sugar Land Regional Airport. Sugar Land’s location in Fort Bend County, one of the most diverse counties in Texas, makes it a prime choice as an Official Supporter of FIFA World Cup 26 Houston™, and will be the only city within a 26-county radius to hold this designation.
Sugar Land’s sponsorship will create a legacy that extends well beyond the tournament itself. The city aims to turn the global spotlight into long-term economic benefits by attracting new visitors, strengthening its reputation as a vibrant destination, fostering opportunities for local businesses to grow and attracting new businesses and residents to become part of Sugar Land’s thriving community.
“This partnership elevates Sugar Land’s profile on a global scale,” said Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon. “Joining the Houston 2026 World Cup Committee as an Official Host City Supporter, we are not only welcoming the world to our community, but also investing in long-term economic growth, enhanced tourism, and strengthening a sense of pride for our residents and businesses.”
Elizabeth Huff, Sugar Land Executive Director of Economic Development said: “Sugar Land’s involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a Host City Supporter directly supports the part of Sugar Land’s Strategic Action Plan aimed at stimulating economic growth. It will not only tell our story on a global stage, but it will also generate significant economic benefits for the city, including increased tourism revenue, support for local businesses, and long-term business attraction. We’re excited to coordinate across the city and region to deliver a world-class experience, from public safety and traffic management and to introduce visitors from around the world to our internationally competitive business environment and signature hospitality.”
“Beyond the excitement of the World Cup matches, this is a strategic investment in Sugar Land’s future,” said Alison Brooks, Assistant Director of Visit Sugar Land. “We’re leveraging this global platform to expand tourism, attract new business, and position Sugar Land as a premier destination for residents, visitors, and companies alike.”
Chris Canetti, President of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee said: “The FIFA World Cup is more than just matches in Houston—it’s a regional celebration that unites our entire community. Sugar Land’s commitment as a Host City Supporter demonstrates how cities across the region are coming together to ensure this event leaves a legacy. Their partnership highlights the power of collaboration in showcasing all that Greater Houston has to offer to the world.”
“As the Official Houston 2026 World Cup Host City Supporter, Sugar Land is helping showcase the strength and unity of our entire region on the world’s stage,” said Ryan Walsh, CEO Harris County Houston Sports Authority. “Their partnership reflects the true spirit of the World Cup — bringing communities together, inspiring future generations, and ensuring that Houston and the surrounding region shine brightly in 2026 and beyond.”
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FIFA World Cup 26 Houston signs Visit Sugar Land as Official Host City Supporter
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Host of 2026 SportAccord Convention announced
[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord, the world’s leading sports business conference, today confirmed that the SportAccord Convention 2026 will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 24-28 May 2026, following the signing of the Host City Agreement.
This landmark agreement was signed today by SportAccord President Prof. Dr. U?ur Erdener with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Youth and Sport, and Baku City Circuit Operations Company.
The SportAccord Convention is a leading global platform that connects key decision-makers and experts from across the global sports industry – from International Federations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), host cities, and rights holders – to discuss and shape the future of sport.
The Baku Convention Center will serve as the hub for cutting-edge panel debates, meetings, exhibitions and networking, while the iconic Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid will host the Opening Ceremony, blending Baku’s modern architecture with its rich cultural heritage.
SportAccord President Prof. Dr. U?ur Erdener commented: “We are thrilled to bring the 19th edition of the world’s most important gathering of sports leaders, the SportAccord Convention, to Baku in 2026.
“Baku has a very strong track record in delivering world-class events, and this will be a significant moment both for SportAccord and the entire global sports industry.
“We are excited to work with our partners from the Ministry of Youth and Sport, and Baku City Circuit Operations Company, to deliver a truly exceptional event.
“Delegates can expect world-class facilities, the warmth of Azerbaijani hospitality, and an environment that fosters new connections and meaningful opportunities for the future of sport.”
The next edition provides a timely opportunity to gather the global sports industry, following the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, at a time when new leadership in the Olympic Movement and shifting priorities are defining the opportunities and challenges facing the future of sport.
Baku is a city which lives and breathes sport, and its renowned expertise in hosting international gatherings provides a perfect setting for the latest chapter in SportAccord’s illustrious history. Its role as Host City is further underlined by its designation as World Capital of Sport 2026 by ACES Europe, recognising its achievements in staging international competitions and investing in modern infrastructure.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, H.E. Farid Gayibov said: “Azerbaijani sports have always been supported with great care and attention by our state leader, His Excellency Ilham Aliyev. Our nation’s sports achievements and our ability to host international events are a direct result of this commitment. Hosting the SportAccord Convention is a fantastic opportunity to further showcase our capabilities and to contribute to the global conversation that will shape the future of our industry. We are incredibly excited to collaborate with SportAccord and are committed to handling this event with great care and responsibility to make it a truly memorable experience for all.”
The vibrant capital of Azerbaijan is situated on the Caspian Sea, and enjoys a rich history fused with striking modern architecture which comprises its impressive cityscape. Baku proudly hosted the inaugural European Games in 2015, and has staged World Championships and European Championships across multiple sports, along with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Formula One since 2017.
Its unwavering commitment to the future of sport was further underlined by the UNESCO Global Sports Conference – MINEPS VII in Baku in June 2023, while in November 2024 global leaders gathered for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in the city.
The 2026 SportAccord Convention in Baku promises to stand at the centre of the global conversation on sport, driving the connections and ideas that will define its future.
Further details, including the Convention’s theme, programme highlights, and registration launch, will be announced in the coming months.
SportAccord continues to engage in productive discussions with other interested host cities for future editions of the SportAccord Convention.
SportAccord President Prof. Dr. U?ur Erdener is speaking at Host City 2025 in Glasgow on 1-3 December. Host City is a longstanding media partner of SportAccord -
India and Nigeria bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games
[Source: Commonwealth Sport] India and Nigeria have submitted formal proposals to host the 2030 centenary Commonwealth Games by the deadline of 31 August 2025. This follows unprecedented, diverse and wide-ranging Expressions of Interest in hosting the Games in 2030 and beyond.
Commonwealth Sport (CS) President Dr Donald Rukare said: “We are delighted to confirm that India and Nigeria have submitted exciting formal proposals to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030. This positive response from two sporting powerhouse nations of the Commonwealth demonstrates the continued significance and legacy potential of the Commonwealth Games and the strength and appeal of our reimagined, sustainable Games model.
“I would like to thank the Commonwealth Games Associations (CGA) of India and Nigeria and their respective Governments for the dynamic and ambitious spirit in which they have engaged in the collaborative dialogue phase. The Commonwealth Sport team has been inspired by the National Sports Policies presented and excited about how the Games can advance national ambitions and create legacy benefits for local communities.
“The 2030 Evaluation Commission now has the important and difficult task of reviewing and evaluating the proposals and recommending a host to the Executive Board and ultimately, the 74 nation and territory members of the Commonwealth Sport Movement.”
Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir CNZM said: “We have made significant progress over the last 12 months, securing Glasgow as host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and announcing Malta as host of the next Commonwealth Youth Games in 2027. I would like to thank all of the member countries who participated in the Expression of Interest process, and of course, to credit Glasgow and Scotland for setting a truly collaborative, flexible and pioneering example with their 2026 model, which is inspiring new, diverse countries to consider hosting the Games in the decades ahead.
“Today’s announcement also sends a strong signal to our athlete community that the Commonwealth Games remains a major milestone in the global sporting calendar and will continue to be an event that attracts the very best athletes.”
Both proposals will now be assessed by an Evaluation Commission appointed by the CS Executive Board, including in-person presentations by the Candidate Hosts at a meeting in London in late September 2025. The Evaluation Commission will report its findings to the CS Executive Board, which will recommend a host to the 74 member nations and territories for approval at the General Assembly in late November 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Evaluation Commission is chaired by CS Vice President Sandra Osborne KC, who also serves as the Federation’s Sports Committee Chair and President of the Barbados Commonwealth Games Association and Olympic Committee. Joining Sandra Osborne on the Commission are:Helen Phillips MBE, CS Executive Board Member and Regional Vice President for Europe
Brendan Williams, CS Athletes’ Advisory Commission Chair
Ian Reid CBE, Vice Chair, Glasgow 2026 Organising Company and Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland
Andrew Ryan MBE, former Executive Director, Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF)
Darren Hall, CS Director of Games & Assurance (non-voting)CS launched a new collaborative host selection process for the Commonwealth Games in January this year, inviting its CGA members to lodge their interest for 2030 and future editions of the Commonwealth Games, with a deadline of the end of March. Following this initial phase, CS worked closely with each interested CGA and their regional representatives to assess hosting feasibility and support the development of detailed proposals. CS extends its sincere thanks to all who participated in these discussions and, in particular, to Commonwealth Sport Canada for its dedication and hard work. While it has decided to postpone its ambitions for hosting to a future Games, its contribution to the process is deeply appreciated.
The CS 2023-2034 ‘Commonwealth United’ Strategic Plan, launched in June 2023, and ‘Games Reset’ allow a move away from a traditional host bidding process. They enable flexibility, offering potential hosts the opportunity to be innovative and work collaboratively through a co-creation process on proposals for delivering the Games, while ensuring that all CS members can meaningfully participate. -
Førde set for compact festival of world-class sport – IWF President
Host City: How are the final preparations going for the upcoming IWF World Championships in Førde?
Mohammed Jalood: In less than a month, on 2 October, the world’s best lifters will gather in Førde, Norway, for the 2025 IWF World Championships. Thanks to a great partnership with the Norwegian Weightlifting Federation and local authorities, we’re in fantastic shape to provide an incredible experience for our athletes and fans. We have no doubt that it will be an amazing experience for everyone involved.
Host City: What will the city of Førde bring to this edition of the IWF World Championships?
Mohammed Jalood: Not only will Førde provide a picturesque backdrop of fjords, mountains, glaciers and forests, but there will be entertainment and activities for fans in the central square, providing a chance for families and weightlifting fans to enjoy a festival-like atmosphere during the competition.
Due to the geographical nature of Førde, these Championships will ensure short distances between venues, hotels, and entertainment for athletes, locals and visiting fans. We hope that will create a real community experience for all involved in the competition, where everyone feels a part of this sporting celebration.
Host City: Given Norway’s recent success in weightlifting, how do you believe hosting these Championships in Førde will further inspire and develop the sport within Norway the region?
Mohammed Jalood: Solfrid Koanda’s incredible success at Paris 2024, entering the record books as the first woman from Norway to win Olympic weightlifting gold and the first European woman to win in a weight category above 80kg, has already inspired a whole new generation of lifters in Norway and throughout Scandinavia. The World Championships in Førde will no doubt build on this momentum, introducing our sport to new fans and increasing our engagement as we continue the exciting journey towards LA28.
Host City: Sustainability is a key focus for Førde and the IWF. Can you tell us more about the IWF’s sustainability strategy?
Mohammed Jalood: We recognise that, even as an indoor sport, we are not immune to the effects of climate change. The health of our planet is vital for our athletes’ training and competitions. Therefore, we are dedicated to addressing this important issue head-on. In March 2024, we collaborated with Sporting Giants, our key partner for our Sustainability Strategy, to develop a comprehensive roadmap. This plan aims to unify our National Federations, our event organisers and the wider weightlifting community in a shared approach to environmental stewardship.
Host City: How is the IWF ensuring that all athletes have the best possible conditions and support to perform their best in Førde?
Mohammed Jalood: As well as providing a high standard of accommodation, we are working with the city to ensure a seamless, athlete-focused experience throughout the World Championships. By providing smooth and efficient transport between venues and hotels, the athletes can remain focused on competing at their best and putting on a world-class performance. As the International Federation with decades of major event experience, we are working hand-in-hand with Førde to ensure that we cater to the needs of all our lifters. -
Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 Organising Committee to utilise innovative fundraising programme for Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Organising Committee announced the programme at its headquarters in Salt Lake City on Monday, with 22 “Founding Captains” and “Founding Donors” of Podium34 recognised. Some of these have remained anonymous, while others have chosen to go public.
There are two tiers of participants. The Founding Captains, who have provided a $20 million contribution, and the Founding Donors, who donated between $1-15 million each. For Founding Captains, there is an opportunity to see their support turned into sport and community initiatives that reflect their missions. These can be in areas such as education, youth sports, mental health, arts and culture and community engagement.
Salt Lake City-Utah’s aim is to raise $300 million through the programme, with Podium34 reportedly already making up over $200 million on the date of its launch. Organisers claim this is the “largest-ever philanthropic campaign in support of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games”.
“The Games have an extraordinary power to unify,” said Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 President and Executive Chair Fraser Bullock. “This is the first time a host for the Olympic and Paralympic Games has seen anything like this. We are deeply grateful to our donors for making it possible. Their leadership is a vital part of our commitment to host financially successful Games.”
Some of these donors include the non-profit foundations linked to Utah corporations. Among them are Ryan Smith, owner of National Basketball Association team Utah Jazz and National Hockey League side Utah Mammoth. Others include convenience store corporation Maverik, and the Daniels Fund – a foundation founded by cable television executive and former sports team owner Bill Daniels.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry sent a message of gratitude to the donors, during the Podium34 press announcement.
“To the Utah families and giving organisations of Podium34, thank you.
“You are the heart of this new chapter. Your belief, your vision, and your leadership are powerful elements of the Utah legacy. As Founding Captains and Donors of Podium34, you’re taking the helm of something unprecedented and you’ve chosen to lead, from the very beginning, to fuel the heart of this movement.
“You are sending a powerful message to the world that sport can inspire, that communities can be lifted, and that, together, we can build something greater than ourselves.”
Salt Lake City-Utah was awarded the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024 and formed their Organising Committee in February of this year. The IOC Future Host Commission nominated Salt Lake City-Utah as its preferred candidate in November 2023, before this was approved at the IOC Session in Paris in July 2024.
The 2034 Winter Olympic Games are set to take place from February 10 to 26 2034, followed by the Paralympic Games from March 10 to 19. -
Event Buyers Live announces British Heart Foundation as new charity partner
Neil Fagg, co-founder of EBL, explained: “Every year, EBL supports a charity and moving forward (after three years supporting Mental Health UK), we have chosen to support the British Heart Foundation.
“It’s a charity and purpose that is too close to the team and me personally, and sadly, the facts and statistics on the BHF website don’t lie. Heart and circulatory diseases cause around a quarter (26 per cent) of all deaths in the UK. I lost a key figure in my world this year because of a Coronary Artery Aneurysm. Out of a dark situation, light can be found and from one loss, another life can be saved through awareness and pushing others to get checked and tested.
“Over the last few months, I have spoken to people I admire and trust who encouraged me to focus on a charity that speaks to you emotionally and for that reason, we’re so, so proud to support BHF.
“We want to raise as much money as possible for the charity and help Team BHF raise awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Why? Because every day, in the UK, 270 people are admitted to hospital after having a heart attack and there are more than 40,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year. Just think, how many of those heart attacks could take place on your event site or office environment?”
Fagg continued: “Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of someone surviving a heart attack by up to ten per cent. If we can educate our audience on the crucial work that BHF does, raise money to support its work, and give our audience an amazing opportunity to learn a life-saving skill than I could not be more proud, and I know my family will be too. Especially my Godfather who also trained others and served more than 25 years with St John Ambulance.”
Team BHF will deliver CPR and defibrillator training at EBL25, which takes place at Carden Park, Cheshire (November 10-12).
Tess Swainson, fundraising manager at BHF, said: “We’re delighted that EBL has chosen to support the British Heart Foundation and the vital work that me and the team carry out on a daily basis. There are more than 7.6 million people in the UK living with CVD and a range of heart conditions so the more people that Team BHF can educate on the amazing work that we do, the better.
“I am looking forward to attending EBL with my colleagues to deliver CPR and defibrillator training and talk to event professionals about common questions we get asked every day, such as what to do if you have to carry out CPR on a woman. We have worked with lots of organisations, delivering support and advice so we can’t wait to help spread the message even further.”
Fagg continued: “We want to support BHF, which is why we would like to raise as much money as possible and fund their amazing work by asking everyone to make any donation possible. For those attending EBL25, there will be a blind and live auction running on-site, but anyone can support our goal and target of raising £10,000 this year via our JustGiving page – www.justgiving.com/page/event-buyers-live-2025
Alternatively, if you wish to apply and attend the event in-person, simply apply via www.eventbuyerslive.com -
Rhona McLeod to present Host City 2025
One of Scotland’s most recognisable sports media professionals, Rhona brings over two decades of experience in broadcasting, presenting, hosting and interviewing across the sporting world. She has reported from six Summer and Winter Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, and will work on her sixth Commonwealth Games at Glasgow 2026. Her career highlights also include Wimbledon, the FIFA World Cup Finals, The Open Championship in golf, European and World Athletics Championships, and the Six Nations rugby.
A former international long jumper for Scotland, Rhona has travelled the globe as a sports journalist, working on every continent except Antarctica. As a proud Scot, she is especially delighted to welcome delegates to her home city of Glasgow for Host City 2025.
Speaking about her appointment, Rhona McLeod said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be hosting Host City 2025. I have lived my professional life in the sports events business, and I cannot speak highly enough of the cultural value of working alongside a diverse and committed workforce of global citizens.
“It’s such an exciting time for the Events world. The return has been vibrant post COVID. I am honoured to be invited to be a part of “Getting on with the Business of Events.”
“I am excited to welcome all delegates to my home city. It’s going to be a fantastic programme of events with the most impressive of international sporting professionals on stage. We have already hosted Spiderman this summer – we are ready to welcome a great deal more Superheroes in December.”
Host City 2025 will gather event owners and organisers, cities and destinations and event suppliers under the theme “Getting on with the Business of Events” and will highlight the opportunities and challenges facing the global events industry in a rapidly evolving world. -
Three nations bid for 2029 Islamic Solidarity Games
[Source: ISSA] The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) will conduct a series of on-site inspection visits to Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Iran, following the official submission of their bids to host the 2029 Islamic Solidarity Games.
The visits represent a key milestone in the continued development of the Islamic Solidarity Games, as ISSA works to strengthen the event’s future and expand opportunities for countries to host major multi-sport events.
They also come as the countdown continues to the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games – Riyadh 2025, which will bring together athletes from 57 countries in a celebration of sport, unity and shared values.
ISSA Secretary General Nasser Majali welcomed the strong interest from the candidate countries, noting that it reflects the growing stature of the Islamic Solidarity Games and their increasing role in advancing sport at both regional and international levels.
“It is extremely encouraging to see three passionate and capable countries come forward to host the next edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games,” said Majali.
“These inspection visits represent a key phase in the evaluation process to ensure the Games are delivered to the highest standards for our athletes and National Olympic Committees, in full partnership with the host country.
“They also reaffirm ISSA’s commitment to enabling more member countries to benefit from hosting major international sports events and contributing to the continued development of sport across all regions.”
Following an initial evaluation process, six member countries submitted formal letters of interest to ISSA to host the next edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games. After further discussions and assessments, Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Iran proceeded to submit their full hosting bids.
The inspection visits are being led by the ISSA Secretary General, accompanied by members of the ISSA Sport Commission, to review the candidate countries’ facilities, infrastructure and organizational plans ahead of the final hosting decision.
The Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games will welcome around 3,500 athletes from 57 countries, competing across 23 sports from 7 to 21 November 2025, marking the event’s return to Saudi Arabia two decades after the inaugural edition in 2005. -
The five factors behind successful mega-event bids
[Source: WePlan] As the world prepares to mark 100 days to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, a new study highlights the recurring factors that determine the outcome of major-event candidatures.
Based on lessons from Expo 2030 Riyadh and Milano Cortina 2026, the analysis points to five decisive elements in winning bids: governance clarity, narrative coherence, stakeholder unity, operational viability, and alignment with long-term development plans.
The findings are set out in the first edition of the WePlan Knowledge Paper series, a collection of publications that will explore different phases in the lifecycle of mega-events.
A key feature of this first paper is the USP Positioning Framework, a methodology designed to help bidders identify and validate their true differentiators. The framework addresses a common weakness in candidatures: the tendency to present local strengths as unique without testing them against the priorities of rights-holders or the positioning of competitors.
“Candidatures are no longer judged only on ambition or technical capacity. They are evaluated on credibility, sustainability, and alignment with wider strategies,” said Roberto Daneo, co-founder of WePlan. “With this Knowledge Paper we want to contribute to a more disciplined, transparent, and legacy-oriented approach to winning bids.”
Giorgio Re, co-founder of WePlan, added: “Expo 2030 Riyadh and Milano Cortina 2026 provide valuable examples of how vision and delivery capacity can come together. Our Knowledge Paper series is designed to make these lessons available to future bidders and stakeholders.”
About the Knowledge Paper series
The WePlan Knowledge Paper series will cover the full lifecycle of mega-events in four publications:Winning Mega-Event Candidatures (October 2025)
Transition and Early Stage Planning (January 2026)
Operational Readiness (April 2026)
Event-time and Dissolution (July 2026)Each edition will draw on WePlan’s experience across multiple international projects and propose structured tools to support cities, regions, and organisers in managing the complexity of world-scale events.
The first Knowledge Paper is available for free download on https://www.we-plan.eu/knowledge-papers. -
JTA launches neo: “a digital offer redefining sports communications”
[Source: JTA] JTA, the world’s leading independent communications and international relations consultancy in sport, today announced the launch of neo, a pioneering digital transformation offer in sport and entertainment, which has already delivered a pilot global campaign that successfully reached over 250 million unique users.
neo combines expertise from across the world’s best digital agencies to form the neo collective. The neo collective comprises specialists with a client portfolio that includes some of the most recognisable global brands, including Marc Jacobs, L’Oréal, Amazon, Lamborghini, the Olympic Games Organising Committee Paris 2024 and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Within the neo collective are JTA Design, a world-leading international design agency; Vagabond, industry experts in full-funnel digital performance; and Sticht, a fan-generated content agency that transforms brand enthusiasts into content creators.
The full list of organisations in the neo collective can be found here.
neo has already delivered significant results on a global stage with the launch of the inaugural World Volleyball Day in July 2025. The campaign reached over 280 million people across social media, generated GBP 1.4 million in earned media value, and drove more than 2 million fan interactions and 826 influencer mentions.
Jon Tibbs, Founder of neo, commented: “The sports communications industry is at a pivotal moment. Its future will be defined not just by storytelling, but by how the digital space transforms the way those stories are shared and experienced. That’s why we’ve launched neo – to give our friends and partners the tools and insight to lead that transformation. After 25 years of helping to shape the global sports narrative, this is the natural next step for JTA: combining our expertise in sport and communications with the limitless possibilities of digital innovation.”
neo’s mission is to help organisations transform how they attract and retain audiences, create value, remain relevant and credible, and lead change.
neo applies a five-stage model that blends creativity, data and technology to deliver measurable impact. The process begins with assessing a client’s digital reality and identifying hidden potential, before the creation of ideas and moments that can move people and brands. These ideas are then activated through campaigns, experiences and social storytelling, amplified through data, AI and performance insight, and continuously evolved through innovation and reinvention.
neo’s Tech Futurist and strategic advisor to many of the neo collective organisations, Andy Evans, commented: “The digital space is evolving faster than ever – audiences expect more, and the landscape shifts daily. What makes neo different is that it’s built as a collective – a network of specialists who each bring something exceptional to the table. That kind of collaboration is rare, and it’s exactly what the industry needs right now: joined-up thinking that provides fresh perspectives and helps brands to drive culture.”
Salva Ramirez, Vision Director of neo and Managing Director of JTA Design, said: “Sport and entertainment don’t wait – they move fast, and digital moves faster. Brands that lead don’t just keep up with culture: they shape it.
“That’s what neo does. It’s in our DNA. We’re built on decades of collective experience. In industries where attention is currency and relevance can be ruthlessly short-lived, neo helps brands to move faster, connect deeper and lead where it matters most.”
TJ Lee, neo’s Digital Pulse Lead and CEO of Vagabond, added: “People want to be part of something that feels real. At Vagabond, we’ve always believed that impact doesn’t come from pushy ads or paid noise, but from creating journeys that audiences actually remember. That’s what neo is all about – an integrated approach that connects creativity and data to build genuine relationships. It’s exciting to be part of the neo collective as we look to redefine how stories are told.”
For more information about neo and how it can transform your digital presence, please visit here.