A group of 10 ambitious and forward-thinking startups from around the world have been selected as finalists for the Euroleague Basketball 2020 Fan XP Innovation Challenge.

Euroleague Basketball announces Fan XP Challenge finalists

A group of 10 ambitious and forward-thinking startups from around the world have been selected as finalists for the Euroleague Basketball 2020 Fan XP Innovation Challenge.

A jury of global tech business professionals chose the finalists from among 80 aspirants from 17 different countries who applied to meet the challenge's stated goals of offering solutions to create the best fan experience possible in one of three fields: broadcast-related fan engagement; in-arena fan engagement and/or smart arena solutions; and fan engagement through digital platforms.

The 10 finalists, hailing from seven countries on three continents, will present their projects at 4YFN, the startup exhibition of the MWC, with more than 25,000 attendees, from February 24 to 26 in Barcelona, Spain.

The EB 2020 Fan XP finalists are:

* Edisn of India is an AI computer vision platform that uses proprietary player recognition technologies to deliver enhanced fan engagement and provide additional monetization opportunities for content owners.

* Stadiugraph of Italy is a free app that enables fans to crowd-source and perform mosaic choreographies within minutes after being designed and approved by the majority of the supporters.

* watafan from Spain offers sports stars the tools to create their own digital and gamified autographs that may be distributed from mobile to mobile by reading a QR code instead of a pen, guaranteeing collectible value for their scarcity and exclusivity.

* StriveCloud from Belgium is a competitive gamification platform that attracts, connects and retains new fans by activating static customer service management (CRM) data through game mechanics and motivational psychology.

* Pressenger of Hungary helps apps interact with fans to visually communicate results and highlights; interactively share promotions, contests and quizzes; welcome fans to the arena; and send reminders about events and breaking news; among other innovations.

* SeatServe, from the United States, is a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that enables fans to use in-seat delivery and express pickup services at arenas, leading to an increase in revenue and customer satisfaction.

* Piing, from the United Kingdom, is a digital platform that uses massively multiplayer games to turbo-boost fan engagement. Whole crowds join in games on a big screen, using their phones as controllers, boosting atmosphere and the fan experience.

* YBVR of Spain offers interactive and immersive content for fans to engage in at home, at the arena or on the go. No longer will fans need to be physically present at a game to experience the magic of "being there"!

* Vogo of France distributes live and replayed audio and video to spectators in arenas, transforming their game experience by providing multi-camera content on demand on tablets and smartphones, irrespective of the number of people connected.

* ViciTV, from the United States, turns existing fan engagement investments by clubs into a global sports TV network, giving franchises the ability to control and personalize the gameday experience for out-of-market fans.

At the Euroleague Basketball 2020 Fan XP Innovation Challenge, the finalists will be able to present their pitches in a public session at the 4YFN conference, where a jury formed by top sports, tech, innovation, and investment specialists will select the winning startups.

4YFN is the world's most influential startup business platform enabling startups, investors and corporations to create, discover and launch new ventures together. Held alongside MWC, 4YFN is the forum for entrepreneurship.

As part of its commitment to providing fans with the best possible atmosphere to enjoy Euroleague Basketball games across the continent, a new Reporting Hub has been launched to allow supporters to share any inappropriate incidents they may witness inside arenas.

Euroleague Basketball launches Reporting Hub to maximize fan enjoyment

As part of its commitment to providing fans with the best possible atmosphere to enjoy Euroleague Basketball games across the continent, a new Reporting Hub has been launched to allow supporters to share any inappropriate incidents they may witness inside arenas.

The introduction of the Reporting Hub comes after Euroleague Basketball's launch at the beginning of the season of a new In-Arena Code of Conduct, which is applicable to every individual inside the venue. The code emphasizes the importance of respecting players, officials and other fans alike, making it clear that threatening or abusive behavior will not be tolerated.

The Reporting Hub will be available through the official website, and will mean that all individuals attending games are free to discreetly report any issues they see pertaining to the In-Arena Code of Conduct.

Euroleague Basketball and its clubs feel strongly that customer experience is a key factor in improving the enjoyment of the overall product, and are committed to working together to uphold the In-Arena Code of Conduct.

Any reports received will be shared directly with the home club, under the supervision of Euroleague Basketball.

Euroleague Basketball joins the global basketball community in mourning the premature passing of an icon of the sport, Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday at age 41. One of Bryant's daughters died in the crash, too. Bryant was a five-time NBA champion who played his entire 20-year pro career with the Los Angeles Lakers, retiring in 2016.

Euroleague Basketball mourns Kobe Bryant

Euroleague Basketball joins the global basketball community in mourning the premature passing of an icon of the sport, Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday at age 41. One of Bryant's daughters died in the crash, too. Bryant was a five-time NBA champion who played his entire 20-year pro career with the Los Angeles Lakers, retiring in 2016.

"Much too soon, world basketball has lost one of the great players and ambassadors, Kobe Bryant, who touched the lives of anyone who loved our sport," said Jordi Bertomeu, Euroleague Basketball President and CEO. "On behalf of our organization and clubs, I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the NBA family and, of course, Mr. Bryant's loved ones and friends."

Bryant's accomplishments on the basketball court are legendary. In addition to his five NBA titles, he was the season MVP in 2008 and the finals MVP in 2009 and 2010. He was on 15 all-NBA teams, in the all-star game 18 times and the competition's scoring champion twice.

Mr. Bryant will be included in a moment of silence being held before tipoff of every Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and 7DAYS EuroCup game in the coming week.

Euroleague Basketball is sad to learn of the untimely passing of Robert Archibald at age 39. Arguably the most well-known basketball player from his native Scotland, Archibald has played a total of six seasons in Euroleague Basketball competitions between 2004 and 2011. He became the first Scottish player to play in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague when he made his debut in 2004 with Scavolini Pesaro. Archibald went on to play a total of 78 EuroLeague games with three teams across five seasons. After being one of the key players in leading Scavolini to the 2005 EuroLeague Playoffs, he also played a season in the EuroLeague with DKV Joventut and three consecutively with Unicaja Malaga, concluding in 2011. Archibald was also a part of a pair of campaigns in the EuroCup, one with Pamesa Valencia and one with Azovmash Mariupol.

Robert Archibald passes away

Euroleague Basketball is sad to learn of the untimely passing of Robert Archibald at age 39. Arguably the most well-known basketball player from his native Scotland, Archibald has played a total of six seasons in Euroleague Basketball competitions between 2004 and 2011. He became the first Scottish player to play in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague when he made his debut in 2004 with Scavolini Pesaro. Archibald went on to play a total of 78 EuroLeague games with three teams across five seasons. After being one of the key players in leading Scavolini to the 2005 EuroLeague Playoffs, he also played a season in the EuroLeague with DKV Joventut and three consecutively with Unicaja Malaga, concluding in 2011. Archibald was also a part of a pair of campaigns in the EuroCup, one with Pamesa Valencia and one with Azovmash Mariupol.

Euroleague Basketball offers its condolences to Mr. Archibald´s family, friends, teammates, coaches and the many fans who enjoyed his performances.

Mr. Archibald will be included in a moment of silence being held before tipoff of every Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and 7DAYS EuroCup game in the coming week.

May he rest in peace.

robert-archibald-unicaja-malaga-2008-09-season.jpg

More than 80 startups headquartered in 17 different countries from five continents have applied to become one of the 10 finalists at the Euroleague Basketball 2020 Fan XP Innovation Challenge that will take place next month in Barcelona. Each of the startups was tasked with finding solutions to offer the best fan experience possible in one of three fields: broadcast-related fan engagement; in-arena fan engagement and/or smart arena solutions; and fan engagement through digital platforms.

More than 80 startups apply for EB Fan XP

More than 80 startups headquartered in 17 different countries from five continents have applied to become one of the 10 finalists at the Euroleague Basketball 2020 Fan XP Innovation Challenge that will take place next month in Barcelona. Each of the startups was tasked with finding solutions to offer the best fan experience possible in one of three fields: broadcast-related fan engagement; in-arena fan engagement and/or smart arena solutions; and fan engagement through digital platforms.

From the startups that have applied, 10 finalists will be chosen from a jury to exhibit their projects at 4YFN, the startup exhibition of the Mobile World Congress with more than 25,000 attendees. They will also be able to present their pitches in a public session at the 4YFN conference, where a jury formed by top sports, tech, innovation, and investment specialists will select the winning startups.

4YFN is the world's most influential startup business platform enabling startups, investors and corporations to create, discover and launch new ventures together. Held alongside MWC, 4YFN is the forum for entrepreneurship.

The finalists will receive mentoring sessions with Euroleague Basketball executives to get first-hand insights from the elite sports sector, private networking opportunities to connect with sports/basketball professionals and jury members, and a chance to test the product at the EuroLeague Final Four in Cologne 2020.

Members of the jury include Dr. Stina Lundgren Högbom, the research and outreach manager at the SSE Center for Sports and Business in Stockholm; Sree Varma, founder, and CEO of iSportconnect, the largest global private network of sports business executives, and iSportconnect Capital, a new investor network providing investment opportunities for its members within the sport and leisure sector; Luis Vicente, sports transformation evangelist, working in senior executive roles or providing C-level consultancy services to some of the world's greatest brands in multiple sports; Dídac Lee, Co-Founder to Galdana Ventures, a fund of funds that invests in a selection of the best Venture Capital Managers globally, and member of the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona and the club's Head of Digital Area; and Susanne Timosci, a senior executive at Deutsche Fussball Liga who specializes in identifying, evaluating and enabling innovation opportunities through partnerships, JV's and M&A within the leagues' investment program "DFL4Equity".

The startups that applied were required to meet certain requirements: 1) possess a product or service that provides an innovative proposal to upgrade the fan experience in sports and generates new or expanded revenue opportunities for sports organizations, 2) possess a product or service with significant potential for growth and a unique value proposition for potential investors, 3) have been operating for at least two years and have at least two full-time workers, 4) possess at least one Minimum Viable Product, at least in private beta phase, and 5) have paying clients and/or users.

Euroleague Basketball and the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board (EHCB) joined forces Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkey to publicly announce the agreement reached between the parties to form a resolution body that will help solve disputes when clubs and head coaches choose to terminate contracts between them. The EuroLeague Head Coaches Board is the independent association that represents the collective before Euroleague Basketball and its clubs.

Euroleague Basketball Dispute Resolution Chamber announced by EB and EHCB

Euroleague Basketball and the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board (EHCB) joined forces Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkey to publicly announce the agreement reached between the parties to form a resolution body that will help solve disputes when clubs and head coaches choose to terminate contracts between them. The EuroLeague Head Coaches Board is the independent association that represents the collective before Euroleague Basketball and its clubs.

Eduard J. Scott, Euroleague Basketball Chief Operations Officer, Zeljko Obradovic, EuroLeague Head Coaches Board President, and Goran Sasic, EuroLeague Head Coaches Board Executive Director, shared the main principles of the new body with media who attended the joint press conference.

Since the summer of 2017, when a group of EuroLeague owners and representatives met with Euroleague Basketball executives in Chantilly to set the pillars for the organization's strategy, one of the key points was to strengthen and regulate relationships with the league's principal stakeholders, namely players, head coaches and referees.

Euroleague Basketball previously reached agreements with the ELPA (EuroLeague Players Association) in April 2019 and with UEBO (Union of Euroleague Basketball Officials) in September 2019.

The Euroleague Basketball Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) is an independent body that through its Arbitration Code brings rapid contract termination dispute resolution between clubs and head coaches within the Euroleague Basketball governance system. The DRC Board, whose responsibility is to oversee the correct application of the Arbitration Code, is composed by Mr. Luigi Fumagalli, Mr. Andrea Fioravanti, and Mr. Jose Meirim. The list of DRC arbitrators is composed by Mr. Pierfilippo Capello, Mr. Lucas Ferrer, Mr. Martin Henssler, Mr. Jan Kleiner, Mr. Dennis Koolard, Mr. Emin Ozkurt, Ms. Lauren Page, Mr. Theodore Pistiolis and Mr. Bojan Urdarevic.

The DRC follows improvements agreed to last summer between Euroleague Basketball and the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board concerning the process for resolving overdue salary payment disputes to increase the security and minimize risk for head coaches who find themselves in this situation.

Eduard J. Scott, Chief Operations Officer, Euroleague Basketball, stated: "We are very satisfied to announce this agreement with the EHCB. Head coaches are important contributors to the EuroLeague competition, providing unquestionable leadership on the court. For the EuroLeague to continue to grow and improve further, their leadership off the court is also important. Our clubs wish to continuously support and better integrate our head coaches as well as our players and referees into that growth process. This is achieved through ongoing dialogue and improved working conditions, which positively contribute to making the EuroLeague better for our fans – the primary goal in everything that we do."

Zeljko Obradovic, President, EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, stated: "At the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, we have a clear idea that our goal is to establish the right framework and a platform for growth for future generations of coaches and basketball in general. Part of that responsibility is being heard in governance, especially labor regulations and competition development and their implementations. Though there may be changes, the role of a coach on the court and off it is key for the sport, and we all understand our obligations and responsibilities associated with the job. However, we have rights that need to be protected."

Goran Sasic, Executive Director, EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, stated: "We see this as an important milestone that has been achieved in the very first year of the foundation of the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, and I would like to thank all stakeholders who were involved in the discussions, particularly Euroleague Basketball and its clubs. Until today, all disputes between coaches and clubs were handled by BAT, CAS or in national courts, which are outside of the Euroleague governance system. Dispute resolution was not effectively utilized until now and we believe that the DRC can be more effective for everyone."

euroleague-basketball-dispute-resolution-chamber-announced-by-eb-and-ehcb.jfif

iSportconnect is now a network partner with EB's 2020 FanXP Innovation Challenge.

iSportconnect will aid the challenge by promoting the competition across its channels and helping to expand the audience of this Euroleague Basketball (EB) event.

iSportconnect Joins Euroleague Basketball's 2020 FanXP Innovation Challenge As Media Partner

iSportconnect is now a network partner with EB's 2020 FanXP Innovation Challenge.

iSportconnect will aid the challenge by promoting the competition across its channels and helping to expand the audience of this Euroleague Basketball (EB) event.

EB's FanXP Innovation Challenge is a competition for start-ups, mainly in the arena of broadcasting, where companies can apply to take part in the challenge. Up to ten businesses will eventually be selected to attend the 4YFN conference, at which the finalists will participate in a number of activities aimed at benefitting the start-up.

In general, startups that participate are expected to contribute to the improvement of the fan experience and generate direct or indirect revenue opportunities through broadcast, in-arena or digital platforms, or a combination of these.

Jordi Bertomeu, President & CEO of Euroleague Basketball, has said of the event: "We are excited to find out what opportunities can be found in the crossroads of sports, fan experience, technology and innovation. Besides learning about the latest trends in technology and finding solutions to our most important challenges, it is always rewarding to spend time with startups as they instill in our organization a highly valuable mindset of entrepreneurship and innovation."

The conference will be hosted in the Spanish city of Barcelona, where iSportconnect & iSportconnect Capital Founder and CEO Sree Varma will be part of the jury overseeing the challenge and deciding the winner's of the 2020 edition.

"I am delighted to have once again been asked to be part of the jury to select the winning startup in the 2020 Fan XP Innovation Challenge. It is always fantastic to see the new ideas that are being created every year and I look forward to being part of it," said Sree.

Startups can now apply to participate at https://fanxp.euroleague.net/. Applications will remain open until January 10, 2020, and the selection of a maximum of 10 finalists will be announced by January 22, 2020.

The startups that participate are required to satisfy the following conditions:

• Possess a product or service that provides an innovative proposal to upgrade the fan experience in sports and generates new or expanded revenue opportunities for sports organizations;

• Possess a product or service with significant potential for growth and a unique value proposition for potential investors;

• Company must have been operating for at least 2 years and have at least two full-time workers;

• Possess at least one Minimum Viable Product, at least in private beta phase;

• Have paying clients and/or users.

Visit https://fanxp.euroleague.net/ to apply or contact fanxp@euroleague.net for more information.

EuroLeague Academy, working to develop grassroots basketball at schools across various cities in Europe, took another step in that process by participating in the presentation of the Copa Colegial tournament at Colegio El Pilar in Valencia, Spain on Thursday.

EuroLeague Academy helps launch 2020 Copa Colegial

EuroLeague Academy, working to develop grassroots basketball at schools across various cities in Europe, took another step in that process by participating in the presentation of the Copa Colegial tournament at Colegio El Pilar in Valencia, Spain on Thursday.

Valencia Basket stars Fernando San Emeterio, Alberto Abalde and Leticia Romero – of Valencia's women team – joined the opening event of this year's 18th edition of the school tournament, which attracts more than 5,000 student participants from 200 schools in nine major Spanish cities, including five whose local clubs play in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague or the 7DAYS EuroCup: Madrid, Barcelona, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Valencia and Malaga. A second presentation will be held on Friday in Madrid, which will have as many as 64 schools participating in both categories.

"I played in Copa Colegial with my classmates and friends, defending the colors of my school, and from that, I have good memories that will last for a lifetime," Abalde said.

"Copa Colegial is a very beautiful project because the mix of basketball and friendship and fun and education through sport is very positive in the formation of children," San Emeterio said. "I just regret that this competition did not exist when I was that age. I would love to have played in it."

"For me, Copa Colegial was an unforgettable experience," Romero said. "This model of formation through sports brings you to learn many things on a sporting level, but above all, it helps form you as a person and helps you to value yourself."

Euroleague Basketball and Fundacion Baloncesto Colegial, which runs the Copa Colegial, are in a five-year partnership that aims to increase the importance and presence of basketball among students. Together, they aim to offer young people the unique experience of representing their schools on the court and bonding through basketball with fellow students. The Copa Colegial finals take place in Valencia from May 22 to 24.

"We are very happy to begin our third year of collaboration with Copa Colegial and to keep on making the experience of these girls and boys as powerful as possible with the support of Euroleague Basketball players and clubs," said Abigail Martin, Euroleague Basketball's Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Development Projects.

"I have been part of Copa Colegial for almost nine years and I believe that both Copa Colegial and EuroLeague Academy are important for the development not only of basketball but of kids' personalities, as well," Joe Arlauckas, Euroleague Basketball Ambassador and Copa Colegial Ambassador, said. "It gives them an ability to form friendships and learn how to be healthy and be connected to sport."

In Spain, anticipation for the school basketball season is felt nationwide, with the Copa Colegial offering young people the tournament itself, which advances from municipal to national elimination rounds for both male and female players; an all-star game; the award for the best student-athlete; and even a place in the school basketball hall of fame, which held its latest enshrinement ceremony in December. In 2020, Copa Colegial will be played in nine cities across Spain and features 211 schools and more than 6,800 players, male and female, playing over 700 games.

In addition to its cooperation with Copa Colegial in Spain, EuroLeague Academy organized tournaments in Athens, Istanbul, Tel Aviv and Vitoria-Gasteiz during its inaugural 2018-19 campaign, with the goal to expand the number of tournaments each season.

Euroleague Basketball joins the world basketball community in mourning the passing on Wednesday of David J. Stern, who led the sport to its greatest heights of global recognition during his 30-year tenure as NBA Commissioner. Mr. Stern underwent emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage on Thursday, Dec. 12 and died on Jan. 1 in New York at age 77.

Euroleague Basketball mourns David J. Stern

Euroleague Basketball joins the world basketball community in mourning the passing on Wednesday of David J. Stern, who led the sport to its greatest heights of global recognition during his 30-year tenure as NBA Commissioner. Mr. Stern underwent emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage on Thursday, Dec. 12 and died on Jan. 1 in New York at age 77.

Mr. Stern was a monumental force for the growth of basketball at a global level during his stewardship of the NBA between 1984 and 2014. Before his retirement, Mr. Stern was a partner and inspiration to Euroleague Basketball.

"I am shocked by the sad news of David leaving us," Euroleague Basketball President and CEO Jordi Bertomeu said. "He devoted his life to basketball, a sport that cannot be understood without his contribution and revolutionary ideas. During his 30-year career as NBA Commissioner, he was a fundamental part of what we know as modern basketball, bringing the NBA to a global audience and unprecedented popularity. My deepest condolences, and those of all Euroleague Basketball clubs, go out to the NBA family, all his friends, and especially his wife Dianne and his two sons, Eric and Andrew."

With Mr. Stern's impetus, the two organizations collaborated on the NBA Europe Live series of preseason games over many seasons and opened the doors for recurrent exhibition games in the Unites States between NBA, EuroLeague and EuroCup teams. Mr. Stern was a regular at those games on both sides of the Atlantic and also attended the EuroLeague Final Four in Prague, Czech Republic in 2006.