Arsenal team up with LABS Group for hotel and resort membership solutions

Shramith Surya30/01/2023 5:55 am30/01/2023

Image via PxHere

LABS Group has joined up with English Premier League side Arsenal to become their hotel and resort membership partner in Asia and Europe.

LABS Group is a web 3.0 platform powered by the blockchain Staynex digital marketplace, which is scheduled to roll out later this year, enabling the platform’s users to get access to rooms for a specific period at a lower rate via LABS Group’s non-fungible tokens (NFT).

Patrons can also purchase residence passes via NFT which also gives them access to discounts on exclusive food and beverage services, spa treatments, tours, and experiences across various accommodations.

Through LABS Group’s advanced blockchain technology, hotels and resorts can easily create customised timeshare programs for all patrons.

LABS Group CEO Bernard Lau spoke about the partnership via press release:

“Partnering with Arsenal is not only an honour, but it’s also a dream come true to be associated with such a successful and historical football club. This will accelerate our vision of combining the hospitality industry with global brands, in a way that has not been done before,” he said.

Arsenal has an enormous international fan following and the supporters will now have access to great holiday packages through a new platform that is easy to use.

Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer of Arsenal, added via press release:

“We’re delighted to welcome LABS Group to the Arsenal family as they prepare to launch this new product in the New Year. Our reach around the world is going to be an important part of them growing this new business,” he said.

In the past two years, Arsenal has associated with various unique and spectacular partnerships which include Adidas, Konami and Prime. With the addition of LABS Group, it will see them venture further into the real estate and hospitality sectors.

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Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

Oliver Van Bronswijk23/09/2026 6:00 pm23/09/2026

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

Oliver Van Bronswijk23/09/2026 9:01 am23/09/2026

Image Credits: Football Australia

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.