Sports Business News Roundup
This report summarizes recent developments in sports business, covering a new partnership between Hampshire Cricket and Ambassador Cruise Line, and a delay in the launch of the proposed global rugby series, R360.
Hampshire Cricket & Ambassador Cruise Line Announce Partnership
Hampshire Cricket has entered into a partnership with Ambassador Cruise Line, offering benefits to its members and supporters. The agreement will see exclusive offers on a variety of cruise itineraries, including discounts on sailings departing from Portsmouth. Ambassador will also bring fan engagement experiences and interactive activities to Utilita Bowl, with a particular focus on the international fixtures scheduled for 2026 – specifically the England Men’s IT20 against India on July 11th, 2026, and the ODI against Sri Lanka on September 15th, 2026. Fans attending these matches will be entered into a draw to win a complimentary cruise.
This partnership coincides with Ambassador’s inaugural season operating from Portsmouth, beginning in 2026/27, providing convenient, no-fly cruise options just 17 miles from the stadium.
Rob Paddon, Commercial Director at Utilita Bowl, highlighted the synergy between the two brands, stating, “Their focus on delivering great experiences and providing a warm and amiable service aligns well with what we aim to offer at Utilita Bowl. With Ambassador set to operate from Portsmouth next season, this partnership will provide real added value for our members and supporters.”
Gordon Nardini, Chief Marketing Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, echoed this sentiment, noting, “We are delighted to be partnering with Hampshire Cricket, a club with a rich heritage and a reputation for delivering extraordinary experiences for supporters. With ambition making her debut in Portsmouth for the 26/27 season, the partnership feels especially well-timed. Many of our guests are passionate cricket fans and we look forward to meeting members and supporters across the season.”
R360 Rugby Series Launch Delayed to 2028
The ambitious global rugby series, R360, has announced a two-year postponement of its launch, now targeting a 2028 debut. The delay stems from notable challenges in securing player availability and official sanctioning from governing bodies.
World Rugby’s concerns regarding the event’s structure and player release prevented ratification before a crucial June deadline,leading to the termination of contracts with players previously committed to the original October 2026 launch.
The project has faced considerable resistance from established rugby organizations. Eight leading Test nations and the British & Irish Lions have prohibited players from participating in R360 while remaining eligible for international duty, and the NRL has threatened lengthy bans for any players who defect. Several high-profile players, including George Ford, Fin Smith, Finn Russell, and Antoine dupont, have either declined offers or reaffirmed their commitments to existing clubs.
The revised 2028 launch date places R360 in direct competition with a busy international rugby calendar, including the men’s Rugby World Cup, the inaugural women’s Lions tour, and the first Club World Cup.
Martin Gilbert has been appointed as Chairman and investor of the project.
Mike Tindall, a board Member of R360, explained the decision: “The decision to shift our launch to 2028 is a strategic decision based on timing. Launching under compressed timelines would not meet the standards we set for R360, nor would it deliver the long-term commercial impact that the sport deserves. Ensuring player welfare, supporting their international ambitions, and working collaboratively with the global game remain core to our approach. As a Board we remain absolutely resolute to bring R360 to life at full scale and with maximum global impact. We’re building something bold and new that will resonate globally – and we cannot wait to show the world in 2028.”
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