FIH OPENS BIDDING PROCESS FOR
HOME & AWAY LEAGUE
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has launched the application process for the ‘game-changing’ global Home and Away League due to begin in January 2019. Application documents have been sent to the top 16 men’s and 16 women’s hockey nations listed in the FIH World Rankings.
Between seven and nine teams will be selected for each League, which will run from January until June every year. The teams will be chosen by a specially selected ‘FIH Event Portfolio Implementation Panel’ although the make up of the panel is yet to be announced. The official name of the League has yet to be finalised, with the process for participation already underway with a view to announcing the teams who will play in the inaugural leagues in June 2017.
Speaking on the league, FIH Acting CEO David Luckes said: “This is the first step towards the implementation of our game-changing new event portfolio. It’s been designed to provide a regular calendar of must see events played in packed stadia across the world throughout the year and will therefore completely change the landscape of international hockey.”
Qualifying teams have been sent participation criteria which have been developed around meeting the three main objectives of the new event portfolio, “to generate a massive change in TV and media coverage for hockey; create big, bold, packed and loud events and make a step (sic) change to increase future revenues for the sport.” National Associations will be required to submit extensive information in order to be eligible, with sustainability a key aspect.
Whilst details about marketing proposals for promoting the League and commercial strategies aimed at generating income will be required, evidence of financial sustainability will be critical. This will include detailed modelling, projecting budgets for both the participation in matches overseas as well as hosting matches in their homeland. No bidding fee is associated with League participation, which the FIH hopes will encourage less wealthy nations to bid on merit.
The FIH is hoping the revamped Hockey World League will “substantially benefit from the increased number of home matches as part of a more consistent hockey calendar. With more opportunities to see their heroes in action throughout the year, national teams' fan base and followers are expected to grow. This will not only increase the commercial value of the sport through ticket sales, hospitality and merchandising, but also commercial interest in the teams and their athletes through increased sponsorship opportunities.”
It is understood that a major component of the criteria is television coverage, with national associations being asked to secure coverage on major networks, which would be a first for Hockey in many nations. It is not known how this coverage will be packaged to nations outside the competing countries at this stage.
FIH will also consider which nations can offer the infrastructure to stage what it describes as ‘Big, Bold, Packed and Loud’ events that are in line with the FIH’s 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy. Venue selection and experience of hosting previous events will be a key consideration.
December 19, 2016
HOME & AWAY LEAGUE
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has launched the application process for the ‘game-changing’ global Home and Away League due to begin in January 2019. Application documents have been sent to the top 16 men’s and 16 women’s hockey nations listed in the FIH World Rankings.
Between seven and nine teams will be selected for each League, which will run from January until June every year. The teams will be chosen by a specially selected ‘FIH Event Portfolio Implementation Panel’ although the make up of the panel is yet to be announced. The official name of the League has yet to be finalised, with the process for participation already underway with a view to announcing the teams who will play in the inaugural leagues in June 2017.
Speaking on the league, FIH Acting CEO David Luckes said: “This is the first step towards the implementation of our game-changing new event portfolio. It’s been designed to provide a regular calendar of must see events played in packed stadia across the world throughout the year and will therefore completely change the landscape of international hockey.”
Qualifying teams have been sent participation criteria which have been developed around meeting the three main objectives of the new event portfolio, “to generate a massive change in TV and media coverage for hockey; create big, bold, packed and loud events and make a step (sic) change to increase future revenues for the sport.” National Associations will be required to submit extensive information in order to be eligible, with sustainability a key aspect.
Whilst details about marketing proposals for promoting the League and commercial strategies aimed at generating income will be required, evidence of financial sustainability will be critical. This will include detailed modelling, projecting budgets for both the participation in matches overseas as well as hosting matches in their homeland. No bidding fee is associated with League participation, which the FIH hopes will encourage less wealthy nations to bid on merit.
The FIH is hoping the revamped Hockey World League will “substantially benefit from the increased number of home matches as part of a more consistent hockey calendar. With more opportunities to see their heroes in action throughout the year, national teams' fan base and followers are expected to grow. This will not only increase the commercial value of the sport through ticket sales, hospitality and merchandising, but also commercial interest in the teams and their athletes through increased sponsorship opportunities.”
It is understood that a major component of the criteria is television coverage, with national associations being asked to secure coverage on major networks, which would be a first for Hockey in many nations. It is not known how this coverage will be packaged to nations outside the competing countries at this stage.
FIH will also consider which nations can offer the infrastructure to stage what it describes as ‘Big, Bold, Packed and Loud’ events that are in line with the FIH’s 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy. Venue selection and experience of hosting previous events will be a key consideration.
December 19, 2016
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