World Aquatics announces partnership with SPORTFIVE for global media rights sales
The partnership will enhance broadcast coverage for all World Aquatics events from 2023 onwards in markets outside of Japan and selected APAC countries*, helping aquatic sports to reach millions of new fans globally.
The SPORTFIVE agreement covers the upcoming World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan (14-30 July 2023), Doha (2024), and Singapore (2025). The partnership also covers the revitalized annual calendar of global events for all six World Aquatics sports, including the World Swimming Championships (25m).
“Through this partnership with SPORTFIVE, we are excited to bring the high-intensity action and sporting drama of aquatic sports into millions of new homes,” said World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam. “It presents an opportunity to further engage the next generation of aquatics fans around the world, as well as showcase the cutting-edge developments in underwater camera technology and our 4K coverage of the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka. These advancements will redefine the way fans enjoy our premier aquatics events worldwide.
“With an annual event calendar across our six sports, there are multiple World Aquatics events every month. The coming years will see exciting new destinations added to complement our existing global event calendar. We have every confidence in SPORTFIVE, an excellent partner with a proven record of success across all aspects of sports marketing."
The partnership will see World Aquatics leverage the global media sales network of SPORTFIVE, expanding the reach, engagement and commercial potential of World Aquatics events. World Aquatics and SPORTFIVE will also work together to further develop the media product, drive innovation, and create unforgettable experiences for aquatics athletes and fans.
"We are proud to be working with World Aquatics – an organisation at the forefront of the Olympic Movement with sports that resonate universally," said SPORTFIVE Chief Growth Officer Robert Müller von Vultejus. "This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to highlight the world-class athletes, iconic locations and thrilling competitions that define aquatic sports. We look forward to bringing aquatics fans closer to the action than ever before."
About World Aquatics
Driven by the vision of a world united by water for health, life and sport, World Aquatics is the international governing body for aquatic sports. Founded in 1908, World Aquatics is an independent organisation formed of 209 National Member Federations and five Continental Associations.
World Aquatics oversees six aquatic sports – swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming and high diving – and is recognised as the leading global authority of these sports by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
About SPORTFIVE
SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that delivers customer-centric solutions based on trust and transparency, deep industry experience and global relationships, digital intelligence and innovation. SPORTFIVE strategically and creatively connects brands, rightsholders, media platforms and fans to create and enable contemporary partnerships in sports.
While creating and growing long-term value for all, SPORTFIVE often leads the sports business into the future through innovative digital solutions and strives to be the most progressive and respected partner in sports.
Being at the centre of professional sport SPORTFIVE will use its unique position, in order to make a positive contribution to sustainability and to live up to the social and economic duty and responsibility, which sport and consequently all parties involved, also have. SPORTFIVE operates with a global mindset and network of over 1,200 local experts based in 15 countries around the world, active in Football, Golf, Esports, Motorsport, Handball, Tennis, American Football, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Rugby, Olympics and Multi-Sport Events and many more.
* Long-standing World Aquatics agency partner Dentsu retain rights to Japan and selected APAC countries including Australia, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand.