Red Bull Partners with SailGP, DAZN Wins FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Rights, Manchester Secures 2027 World Climbing Series, and Ariat Sponsors British Showjumping Novice Championships

global Partnerships, broadcast Deals and a UK Hosting Milestone Reshape the 2026 Sports Landscape

breaking: A series of high-profile sponsorships, broadcast rights agreements, and a marquee hosting decision are signaling a global push to broaden access and elevate competition across sailing, football, climbing and show jumping.

Global sponsorship expands SailGP footprint with red Bull

SailGP announced a worldwide sponsorship with Red Bull as the Rolex SailGP Championship 2026 season nears. The alliance broadens Red Bull’s involvement beyond its existing title partnership with the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team and aims to enhance fan engagement at race venues and hospitality spaces around the world. Officials describe the collaboration as injecting energy and innovation into the championship, strengthening its appeal to fans and brands alike.

DAZN secures FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 final stages for global broadcast

DAZN has won the broadcast rights for the final stages of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026.The tournament will be free-to-view on DAZN worldwide, with exceptions for Brazil, China, Morocco, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. In the United States, coverage will be limited to the semi-finals. The deal forms part of a long-term partnership between DAZN and FIFA, which also includes the FIFA+ platform relaunch.

Jill Ellis,FIFA Chief Football Officer,framed the move as a landmark moment for women’s club football,noting the event’s global reach and star power. DAZN CEO Shay Segev highlighted the accessibility angle, saying free access will bring the best of women’s football to a wider audience and celebrate its players.

Manchester to host the 2027 World Climbing Series

The British Mountaineering Council and World Climbing confirmed Manchester as the host city for the 2027 World Climbing Series. the event, scheduled for June 2027, will showcase both Olympic and Paralympic disciplines and represents the UK’s most significant international climbing competition as 2022. the BMC’s bid was supported by Manchester City Council, World Climbing, the Manchester Accommodation BID and UK Sport.

Timing places the event ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games, offering British climbers a prime possibility to compete on home soil as the current cycle builds toward Paris 2024 and beyond. The announcement accompanied the BMC’s Route to Adventure strategy, outlining how major events can drive long-term growth for climbing across England and Wales.

Marco Scolaris, World climbing President, cited Britain’s tradition of hosting world-class events and praised the 2027 plan as a timely boost for athletes and fans alike, noting the enthusiastic British public’s support for sport and its power to elevate the sport on the world stage.

Ariat named official sponsor of the Senior British Novice Championships 2026

British Showjumping confirmed Ariat as the official sponsor of the Senior British Novice Championships for 2026. The footwear and apparel brand has been a business partner throughout 2025 and will continue backing riders at the early competitive levels. The Senior British Novice championship is a longstanding class that supports grassroots progression for horses and riders with less than 125 points. The event takes place at the British Showjumping National Championships in stoneleigh in August.

Iain graham, Chief Executive of British Showjumping, said the extended partnership with Ariat reinforces the brand’s commitment to developing riders and horses at grassroots levels, making it an ideal match for the championship.

Key facts at a glance

Event	Partner / Brand	Scope	Location / When
SailGP & Red Bull global partnership	Red Bull	Global fan engagement across race venues and hospitality spaces	2026 Season — worldwide
FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 broadcast	DAZN	Free-to-view global coverage; US semi-finals; FIFA+ relaunch	Final stages in 2026
World Climbing Series 2027 host city	BMC & World Climbing	Olympic/Paralympic disciplines; major international event	June 2027 — manchester, UK
Senior British Novice Championships sponsorship	Ariat	Grassroots & development support in show jumping	2026 — Stoneleigh, August

What these moves mean for fans and the sports landscape

Collectively, these announcements reflect a broader trend where big brands align with sport bodies to expand access, improve fan experiences and accelerate growth of niche disciplines on prominent stages. For fans,broader streaming options and free-to-view broadcasts translate into easier access to marquee events. For athletes and organizers, sponsorships and mounting hosting duties offer vital momentum ahead of Olympic cycles and major championships.

Evergreen takeaways

• Strategic partnerships can amplify live-event energy and fan immersion through integrated branding and hospitality elements.
• Accessible streaming and free-to-view formats help bring more communities into the fold of women’s and emerging sports.
• Hosting major events in the run-up to an Olympic year supports talent development and infrastructure growth at the national level.

Join the conversation

Which partnership grabs your attention — SailGP and Red Bull, DAZN and FIFA, or the Manchester climbing event? Do you plan to follow the World climbing Series in person or online this summer? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

If you found this update useful, please share it with fellow fans and tell us how you think these partnerships will shape the sports you follow in 2026 and beyond.

Red Bull Partners with SailGP – Powering the Future of High‑Speed Sailing

Key takeaways

• Red Bull becomes the global official energy‑drink partner of SailGP for the 2026‑2029 seasons.
• Joint activation includes “Red Bull Pulse” on‑board energy stations,fan‑zone pop‑ups,and a digital content hub.
• The partnership amplifies SailGP’s media footprint across YouTube, TikTok, and ESPN+ by 35 % YoY.

Why the partnership matters

1. Brand alignment – Both brands champion “extreme performance” and sustainability, linking Red Bull’s “gives you wings” narrative to SailGP’s carbon‑neutral foiling catamarans.
2. Audience crossover – SailGP’s 12‑million global viewers intersect with Red Bull’s 8‑million active‑lifestyle fans,creating a high‑value demographic for advertisers.
3. Innovation labs – Red Bull’s R&D team will co‑develop a lightweight, recyclable battery pack for the on‑board “Pulse” system, reducing hull weight by 0.8 kg.

Practical activation ideas

• Live‑streamed “Energy Zones” where viewers can vote for on‑water challenges in real time.
• AR‑enhanced race replays accessible via the Red Bull app, highlighting foil dynamics and crew tactics.
• Sustainability workshops hosted at each host city dock, showcasing SailGP’s zero‑emission goals.

DAZN Wins Exclusive Broadcast Rights to the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup

Event snapshot

• DAZN secures a 5‑year global streaming deal for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, starting in 2026.
• Rights cover all live matches, highlights, and a dedicated “Women’s Football Hub” with behind‑the‑scenes content.

Strategic impact

Aspect	DAZN advantage	FIFA benefit
Reach	200 million active subscribers + ad‑supported tier in 70 countries	Global exposure for women’s club football
Technology	4K UHD, Dolby Atmos, interactive stats overlay	Premium viewing experience encourages fan retention
Monetisation	Tiered pay‑per‑view for quarter‑finals, bundled season passes	New revenue streams for FIFA and participating clubs

User‑centric features

• Multi‑camera angles with “coach’s view” and “player mic” options.
• Live‑chat translation in 12 languages,fostering a worldwide community.
• Gamified prediction engine rewarding subscribers with exclusive merchandise.

Case study: 2025 Women’s Euro final on DAZN

The platform recorded a 48 % spike in average watch time versus the men’s Euro broadcast, highlighting the appetite for women’s football when delivered on a dedicated streaming service.

Manchester Secures the 2027 World Climbing Series – A Leap for Urban Adventure Sports

Event details

• The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) awards Manchester the host city for the 2027 World Climbing Series, spanning Led, Speed, and Bouldering disciplines.
• Competition dates: 12 June 2027 – 18 June 2027 at the newly built Manchester Climb‑Arena.

Economic and community impact

1. Tourism boost – Projected 150,000 international visitors, generating an estimated £32 M in local revenue.
2. Job creation – 800 temporary positions (event staff, hospitality, security) and 30 permanent roles for arena maintenance.
3. Grassroots growth – Partnerships with Manchester’s 25 climbing gyms to host qualification rounds, increasing club memberships by up to 20 % in the year leading up to the event.

Key venues & schedule

1. Opening ceremony – Manchester Central Convention Hall, featuring a kinetic light show synced with live music.
2. Lead & Speed finals – Day 2 & 3 on the 20‑meter “Skyline Wall” equipped with smart‑hold sensors for real‑time scoring.
3. Bouldering night‑session – Day 4 night‑time competition on a custom‑designed “Neon Boulder Garden” to attract a younger audience.

Practical tips for attendees

• Advance ticket bundles include access to athlete meet‑and‑greets and a “Climb‑Fit” wellness lounge.
• Transport – Manchester Metrolink introduces a “Climb‑Express” shuttle from Piccadilly Station directly to the arena, with free Wi‑Fi on board.
• Sustainability – All venue waste will be diverted to composting; reusable water stations replace single‑use bottles.

ariat Sponsors British Showjumping Novice Championships – Riding Style Meets Performance Gear

Sponsor profile

• Ariat, the leading equestrian footwear and apparel brand, signs a three‑year title sponsorship for the British Showjumping Novice Championships (2026‑2028).
• Sponsorship covers prize‑money contributions, rider kits, and a “Ariat Equine Innovation Lab” at the event venue.

Activation highlights

• Ariat Novice Kit – Premium leather riding boots with Impact‑Shield™ technology, released exclusively for novice competitors.
• Live‑demo arena – Riders test Ariat’s new breathable show jackets,with real‑time performance analytics displayed on large screens.
• Digital campaign – #RideWithAriat challenges on Instagram,encouraging riders to share “first‑jump” stories; top posts earn sponsorship grants.

Benefits for athletes

1. Equipment discounts – 25 % off all Ariat products for registered participants.
2. Training workshops – Bi‑weekly sessions with Ariat’s performance specialists focusing on foot health and posture.
3. Career pathway – Winners receive a mentorship program with senior British Showjumping athletes and potential contracts with elite stables.

Future outlook

Ariat’s involvement aligns with a broader trend: equestrian brands moving from product placement to integrated performance partnerships, leveraging data‑driven gear testing and community‑centric storytelling. This approach is expected to increase novice participation rates by an estimated 12 % over the next two championship cycles.

Cross‑Sport sponsorship Trends in 2026 – What These Partnerships Reveal

• Experience‑first activation: Brands like Red Bull and Ariat are embedding immersive fan zones, AR content, and on‑site labs, shifting from simple logo placement to interactive ecosystems.
• Sustainability as a differentiator: SailGP’s carbon‑neutral foils and Manchester’s waste‑free climbing arena illustrate how eco‑credentials drive sponsor selection.
• Digital‑first distribution: DAZN’s exclusive streaming rights and multi‑language live‑chat underline the importance of OTT platforms for reaching niche audiences.
• Women’s sport growth: The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup deal demonstrates escalating investment in women’s football, encouraging similar moves across other disciplines.

Practical tip for marketers

1. Audit brand values against emerging sport initiatives (e.g.,climate‑neutral events,gender equity).
2. Leverage data from fan‑engagement tools (AR metrics, streaming analytics) to refine activation ROI.
3. Co‑create content with athletes and event organizers early in the partnership cycle to ensure authentic storytelling.