Snack Summary – Ronaldo’s sponsors under pressure after rape allegation & WTA releases plans for OTT service

Ronaldo’s sponsors are under immense pressure after a rape claim was filed against him. The incident in question is said to have taken place at a hotel room in Las Vegas back in 2009 with the woman claiming she was paid $375,000 to keep quiet. Both EA Sports, whom he is the face of and Nike, who he has a lifelong deal with, have issued statements acknowledging the severity of the allegations and stated that they will be monitoring the situation carefully. Juventus have stood by their €100 million signing stating:

“Cristiano Ronaldo has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus. The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago do not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion.”

Ronaldo vehemently denies any wrongdoing.

The WTA are the latest organisation to create an OTT digital streaming service in partnership with the Tennis Channel. The five year deal gives the WTA access to over 2,000 matches per year and will be the home of tennis in the USA. The move was facilitated and backed by BeIN Sport who are the majority rights holder, as well as DAZN, its media rights partner.

Lad Bible have announced they had a bid ignored by Unilad a few months ago just one day after a judge declared the latter should go into administration with debts of around £10 million. Lad Bible are said to have bought out the £5 million owed to founder, Alex Partridge. While both companies have similar looks in logo and content, Lad Bible have spoken out about how the two companies have embraced different marketing strategies.