News Hub | News Direct

Entertainment

Animation Dance E-Sports Entertainment/Celebrity Film Music Radio Restaurants Sports Television Theater Video Virtual Reality
Article thumbnail News Release

FanDuel Named ‘Most Innovative Sportsbook’ by Sports Betting Journalists in New HPL Digital Sport Study

HPL Digital Sport

HPL Digital Sport, (HPLDS) a specialty division within Hot Paper Lantern focused on building brand, partnerships and user growth within the sports betting, sports technology and iGaming industry, today released its new study State of the Sportsbook: Media Scoreboard on Innovation. The study measures the opinions and perspective of the media who regularly write about the sports betting industry on topics like: which are the most innovative sports betting operators, the technological elements most likely to make the most impact in 2023 and which new entrants to the market can challenge current leaders in the space. To contrast the media’s opinions, HPLDS also interviewed more than a half-dozen sports betting industry consultants to obtain their views. “In a very nascent industry like sports betting, the media hold a very important position as the group that sits across the entire market, talking to every company and executive on topics ranging from technology, new products and services, pain points, wins and innovation. While many opinions and anecdotes have been shared on who leads the market, there has never been a definitive study completed to put quantitative and qualitative data behind these ideas,” said Ed Moed, CEO of HPL Digital Sport. “As thought leaders in the space, we felt it necessary to create this content but also accentuate this data with commentary and opinions from the most respected and visionary sports betting consultants in the industry. We hope this series of studies and our Media Scoreboard become the industry standard bearer for years to come.” When it comes to the most innovative operator, it’s FanDuel and everyone else In a weighted ranking, the media named FanDuel as the most innovative sports betting operator in a landslide, scoring 55 points. FanDuel more than doubled the points of the Second Place and Third Place finishers, PointsBet (24) and DraftKings (20), respectively. Rounding out the Top 5 list included BetMGM in Fourth Place with 9 points and Bet365, Caesars and Circa all tied for Fifth Place with 7 points. Among new sportsbooks joining the market, the media believe 2023 is Fanatics’ year to lose When choosing the most anticipated new entrant in the market, the media overwhelmingly chose Fanatics as the company they feel will have the biggest impact in sports betting. The potential Disney (ESPN)/DraftKings partnership came in second while Betr rounded out the top three. Subsequently, the media survey also felt Fanatics’ announcement to officially launch its sportsbook was the top story of 2022 showing a betting operator “revolutionizing the market and leading to potential change in 2023.” Fanatics’ launch beat out other top stories including the Disney (ESPN) teaser announcement of an upcoming strategic partnership with DraftKings, DraftKings integration with Amazon’s Thursday Night Football package and FanDuel’s announcement of its pullback of promotional dollars. The media prioritized User Experience and Engagement as the most important innovative practice in sports betting In an industry deep in an arms race to secure new and sustainable users, when given a list of the most innovative practices, the media found User Experience and Engagement to be the industry’s top priority, followed by: User Experience and Engagement Product Differentiation Development of Next Generation Technologies Fiscal Responsibility Brand Development Strategic Partnerships Influencer Deals In-play betting seen as the innovation most likely to gain momentum in 2023 In-play betting secured 42%, and the majority of the response, from the media as the innovation most likely to gain momentum in 2023. While in-play betting drew the most attention, other imminent innovations mentioned highlight the expanding betting ecosystem and capabilities users can begin to expect to gain traction in the near future including, the evolution of sports betting content (17%), universal wallet (8%) and the gamification of sports betting (8%). “The consultants we interviewed all agreed with the media’s assessment of the sports betting innovation landscape. However, adding to the media’s perspective, the consultants warned this is not the time for any company, new entrant or incumbent, to rest on their laurels,” said Moed. “Innovation isn’t about winning the moment but a mindset of continuous improvement. The companies and sportsbooks who will make moves on our Scoreboard in the future will undoubtedly have a deep focus on the end user experience, as well focusing on any real ways each can be unique in its own value proposition to sports bettors.” The State of the Sportsbook is the first industry study collecting the data and opinions of the sports betting media and the most influential industry consultants, as well. HPLDS was the first to capture the data behind needs, behaviors and wants of the emerging sports bettor in its flagship study, The State of the New Sports Bettor in 2020. In 2021, HPLDS was the first company to obtain data and insights from sports betting executives in its State of the Sports Betting Industry: User Expectations vs. Executive Realities study. The study was conducted between Jan. 12-23, 2023, leveraging the insights of more than two dozen top-tier business and sports betting trade reporters covering the business of the sports betting industry. About HPL Digital Sport HPL Digital Sport is a specialty division focused on the sports betting, fantasy, and igaming spaces within Hot Paper Lantern, a multi-disciplined brand, marketing and communications firm. We build brand relevance and thought leadership, while driving growth for sports betting, fantasy and sports technology companies through our core capabilities of branding, public/media relations, performance marketing, social media and sophisticated design. www.hpldigitalsport.com Contact Details Michael Adorno +1 212-931-6143 madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.hpldigitalsport.com/

March 02, 2023 02:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Legible turning the page for eReading with LibrarianAI launch

Legible

Legible co-founder and CEO Kaleeg Hainsworth joins Natalie Stoberman from the Proactive studio to discuss how the company continues to grow in the e-book space with the beta launch of its LibrarianAI web plugin. Legible is a book entertainment and media company that provides innovative eReading experiences to anyone anywhere with an internet-enabled device. Legible has developed a browser-based, mobile-first B2C eBook entertainment platform delivering a global online bookstore and reading system through Legible.com; and a global B2B eBook conversion and production service with high revenue potential called Legible Publishing. Contact Details Proactive Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

March 02, 2023 01:12 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

‘COFFEE WARS’, AN IMPACT COMEDY STARRING KATE NASH, TO BE RELEASED MARCH 2023 WITH ALL PROCEEDS GOING TO ENVIRONMENTAL & ANIMAL WELFARE CHARITIES

COFFEE WARS

COFFEE WARS, a comedy feature film that shares a powerful message about embracing a dairy-free future to improve health of the planet while bringing attention to veganism, ethical consumerism, and female entrepreneurship, will be released in March 2023 on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play. The film stars vegan actress, feminist activist, and singer-songwriter, Kate Nash ( Powder Room, GLOW ), Derry Girls star Saoirse-Monica Jackson ( Finding You, The Flash ), British actor Toby Sebastian ( Game of Thrones, The Music of Silence), and Welsh phenom Owain Arthur (Amazon’s Power of the Rings). VegGood Films has shared that 100% of all proceeds from the film will be donated to environmental and animal welfare charities. COFFEE WARS uses the lens of comedy to shine a light on the devastating environmental impacts of dairy products and elevate plant-based alternatives as tasty, more sustainable substitutions worthy of award-winning lattes. “COFFEE WARS brings pressing issues to a global audience in a laugh-out-loud comedic way,” said Kate Nash. “It invites viewers to challenge their beliefs about what it means to be an ethical consumer and the overall environmental impacts of their purchases.” COFFEE WARS follows coffee aficionado Jo (Kate Nash), who is doing her best to stay afloat running her own coffee shop alongside a band of unpredictable colleagues, while nothing seems to be going her way. She can make a latte better than anyone, but her customers have trouble getting past one thing: her coffee shop is vegan. Drowning in debt and with everything on the line, Jo and her team of misfits gear up as the underdogs for the World Barista Championships, where she'll face her "full fat full cream" archrival Rudy (Toby Sebastian). Jo will finally have a chance to prove herself in the dairy-dominated world of coffee, and, most importantly, win a big cash prize. The donation of the film’s proceeds will be made through Foam Capital Charitable Trust, which represents the film’s financiers. “Our society simply cannot continue to consume planet-crippling dairy products, especially as plant-based alternatives, such as the ones featured in our film, are readily available, healthy for our bodies and the planet and, most importantly, delicious,” said Executive Producer Jay Karandikar of VegGood Films. “We are 100% committed to this cause and are proud that our film’s proceeds will support organizations that are working to ensure the health and sustainability of the planet.” For more information on the film, visit coffeewarsfilm.com or follow @coffeewarsfilm on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. ### ABOUT VEGGOOD FILMS VegGood Films was formed by impact investors and purpose-driven optimists whose shared mission is to realize a more sustainable and humane world. Led by the investors behind VegInvest and New Crop Capital and fueled by the hope that entertainment and art can facilitate sustainable behavioral change around the world, VegGood Films is dedicated to producing quality films that can entertain and inspire. To learn more visit veggoodfilms.com. FILM ASSETS FOR MEDIA USE All press assets Official Trailer via YouTube Contact Details Jive PR + Digital Lynsey Gray +1 250-505-6434 lgray@jiveprdigital.com Company Website https://www.coffeewarsfilm.com/

March 02, 2023 08:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Swagger Becomes Newest Member of HPL Digital Sport and Cardinal Sports Capital Accelerator Program

Swagger

Swagger, a daily fantasy sports 2.0 platform giving the edge back to the casual player, announced today its appointment into the HPL Digital Sport and Cardinal Sports Capital Accelerator Program. In addition to a capital investment into Swagger, the Accelerator Program will help Swagger raise capital for its next funding round, with a goal of securing upwards of $2 million. Founded in 2021 by esteemed industry veteran and former CEO of YouBet.com and president of Xpressbet.com, Ron Luniewski, Swagger initially raised more than $1 million in an Angel round. Since the official launch of its real-money game in August of 2022 for the NFL season, Swagger has exceeded growth expectations and been revenue positive. With minimal marketing spend, Swagger secured and retained thousands of users while growing its handle 380% throughout the NFL season. “At Swagger, our user base continues to grow because we found a true white space in the market for the casual player. We built our platform with the sole purpose of leveraging prop and parlay gameplay and making the experience easy, entertaining and fun for the end user, where they have a much better chance of winning something every time they play,” said Luniewski. “Our inclusion in the Accelerator Program is the first in a series of future strategic investments we’re excited to share in the coming months. By leveraging the Accelerator Program we’ll be able to better amplify our story and fasttrack the momentum we’ve built for ourselves.” The vision behind the Accelerator Program is to help streamline a company’s access to essential tools needed for entrepreneurs to obtain capital, network in the right channels, effectively articulate their value proposition and get their products and services into the hands of the right audiences. “2022 was not an easy year for any company in the igaming industry, or entrepreneurs looking to raise capital. However, the tightening of the market provided an opportunity for smart founders to sharpen their positioning by providing a refreshed focus on how their products will retain users, drive revenue and why users will want to play on their platform again and again,” said Ed Moed, CEO of HPL Digital Sport. “We’ve seen Swagger’s success out of the gate in generating revenue and retaining users as a model for how startups should approach this market: smart, strategic and methodical. It’s a true testament to Ron’s previous iGaming experience and exits, as well as the exceptional team he’s put around him as to why Swagger is progressing while many startups are stalling out. A lot of strategic partners and investors are already excited to see how Swagger continues this momentum and helps lead this evolution of DFS 2.0.” For more information please visit: https://playwithswagger.com/ ABOUT SWAGGER Swagger is taking a fresh approach to fantasy sports by combining the excitement of Daily Fantasy and the stickiness of slots into a completely unique platform tailored towards sports fans who simply want a real shot at winning. The key is its proprietary payout structure called Prize Boards. Users combine 2-10 player props into a personalized ticket with several cash prizes all at play. Users score points for the picks they hit, winning an instant cash prize based on their scores, not the perfect ticket. This allows the everyday sports fan to play with their gut, knowing that it’s not an all-or-nothing proposition, resulting in higher retention and satisfaction. Contact Details Hot Paper Lantern Mike Adorno madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://playwithswagger.com/

March 02, 2023 10:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

DSG Global introduces new line of golf carts including the SR1 and Shelby

DSG Global

DSG Global CEO Bob Silzer joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news about the company that is using its GPS systems in power carts to enhance the golf experience. Silzer explained some of the features its clients are using. He also shared with Proactive the move into the golf cart business including the Single Ride carts and the deal the company has done with Shelby. Contact Details Proactive Investors Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

March 01, 2023 02:04 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

CleverTap’s Fintech Benchmark Report: Only 1 in 5 users that install fintech apps sign up within week one

CleverTap

CleverTap, the modern integrated retention cloud, released its Industry Benchmark Report for Fintech Apps 2022. As fintech apps continue to grow more popular, the number of players vying for market share has increased. This has subsequently reduced customer retention and “stickiness” for any one brand. Therefore, today more than ever, it is crucial that fintech companies find ways to drive customer “stickiness” by engaging users in effective ways that eventually drive transactions and fuel growth. The report reflects data collected from Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Latin America, Middle-East, and North America. The report gives marketers a truly holistic view of key metrics within the fintech app landscape.It also spans a wide variety of fintech apps, including, but not limited to, mobile payment apps, cryptocurrency, and block chain services, along with banking and insurance among others. These insights will not only serve as a helpful starting point for developing successful engagement strategies, but also assist in understanding how an app fares in comparison to global averages. Some of the key metrics in the report include: Install to sign-up rate: Only 1 in 5 users that install fintech apps (21%) end up signing up within the first week. Average time to sign-up: 70% of the users that sign-up, do so within 75 seconds of launching the app for the first time. Sign-up to conversion rate: 95% of newly signed-up users make at least one financial transaction in the first month. Average time to convert: 76% of newly signed-up users move from onboarding to deeper-in-the-funnel engagement within an average of 7 days. Session frequency: On average, fintech app users launch their app around 11 times a month. Average repeat transaction rate for new users: 15% of newly signed-up users complete more than one transaction in the first week. Average click-through rate for push notifications: On average, 9% of Android users and 6% of iOS users will click on and interact with push notifications. Average click-through rate for in-app notifications: The click-through rate for in-app notifications is 24%, that’s about 3 times more than that of push notifications. Average email open rate: 34% users open emails sent by fintech companies Average Stickiness Quotient: Fintech apps enjoy a stickiness quotient of 22%, that indicates nearly one-quarter of MAUs consistently return to their fintech apps “The fintech industry has seen exponential growth in the last few years. Given the relentless competition within the space, fintech platforms need to step up their Omnichannel engagement efforts to better retain customers,” said Jacob Joseph, VP-Data Science, CleverTap. “The benchmark metrics laid out in our report provide a great starting point for growth marketers looking to develop effective marketing strategies. They will be able to compare numbers against global averages and pinpoint which aspects they are excelling at and which areas could use some attention or innovation.” 95% of new fintech users complete a monetary transaction in the first month. This shows that while users see value in fintech apps, it’s important to adopt customized user engagement strategies to boost retention on the platform. Today there is a real need for fintech brands to bake-in effective marketing strategies within their apps. Users will remain responsive as long as the experience is engaging and seamless. The benchmark report helps fintech apps understand how to build successful mobile communication campaigns, and also allows growth marketers to discover areas that require greater focus. The report can be downloaded here. About CleverTap CleverTap is the World's #1 Retention Cloud that helps app-first brands personalize and optimize all consumer touch points to improve user engagement, retention, and lifetime value. It's the only solution built to address the needs of retention and growth teams, with audience analytics, deep-segmentation, multi-channel engagement, product recommendations, and automation in one unified product. The platform is powered by TesseractDB™ - the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering both speed and economies of scale. CleverTap is trusted by 2000 customers, including Gojek, Electronic Arts, TED, English Premier League, TD Bank, Carousell, AirAsia, Papa Johns, and Tesco. Backed by leading investors such as Sequoia India, Tiger Global, Accel, and CDPQ the company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with presence in San Francisco, New York, São Paulo, Bogota, London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Jakarta. For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow on LinkedIn and Twitter. Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap's belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction. Contact Details Sony Shetty sony@clevertap.com Company Website https://clevertap.com/

February 27, 2023 02:51 PM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

OYO Saw 20% Jump in Bookings on Presidents’ Day Weekend

OYO

Global travel technology company, OYO’s US operations saw a 23% increase in per available room (RevPar) for the 3-day long Presidents’ Day weekend (18 th – 20 th February 2023) vs Presidents’ Day weekend in 2022 (19 th – 21 st 2022). Nearly 20% more bookings were made for this weekend in OYO hotels across the country vs same period in 2022. Most bookings for this weekend came from New York, Chicago, Atlanta as well as from popular leisure markets like Nashville and Phoenix. Bookings from OYO’s own platform (website & app) grew by 41% as compared to popular OTAs (Online Travel Agents) vs 2022. Presidents Day is observed annually on the third Monday of February. It is a federal holiday celebrated in the honor of George Washington and all those who served as presidents of the United States. Talking about the weekend, Gautam Swaroop, CEO OYO International said, “Presidents’ Day weekend is a very popular mid-winter break across the United States. OYO witnessed a surge in online traffic by ~33% indicating a strong intent to travel. We have also seen a 15% jump in local travel during this period vs 2022. Travel and tourism across the country is on the road to revival and continued uplift in occupancy and RevPar are important indicators of its growth.” OYO offers hotels access to a large base of regular customers through its app and website, and also lists hotels on multiple Online Travel Agents (OTAs) to boost booking demand and, therefore, revenue. OYO’s best-in-class Artificial Intelligence-enabled pricing software automatically drives the best booking prices across all channels, based on room type, seasonality and other factors, therefore, enabling such doubling of revenues. The company also helps ensure great experience for customers, with ease of search and quick booking experience, highly competitive room prices, automated tools such as Artificial Intelligence powered chatbots to quickly resolve customer queries, loyalty programmes and easy refund, if needed. OYO’s USA operation had recently disclosed that it has outpaced the budget hotel segment’s growth in per available room revenue (RevPar) with an 18% rise in 2022 vs pre-COVID year, 2019. The budget hotel segment in the meanwhile, grew by only 6% in the US, according to STR reports. It also witnessed a 46% increase in per room revenue (RevPar) for its hotels since Covid (2020) with the strongest uplift at 64%, recorded during the peak season months of June, July, August vs the same period in 2020. Coastal Oregon, Miami, Myrtle beach, Houston and San Antonio emerged as the destinations with highest RevPar in 2022. Travel recovery was largely led by domestic travel in the US. Disclaimer: Oravel Stays Limited is proposing, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offering of its equity shares (the “Equity Shares”) and has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). The DRHP is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, websites of the Stock Exchanges, i.e., BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com, respectively, and is available on the websites of the Global Coordinators and Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited and Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited at www.investmentbank.kotak.com, www.jpmipl.com and www.online.citibank.co.in/rhtm/citigroupglobalscreen1.htm; the websites of the Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., ICICI Securities Limited, Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited, JM Financial Limited and Deutsche Equities India Private Limited at www.icicisecurities.com, www.nomuraholdings.com/company/group/asia/india/index.html, www.jmfl.com and www.db.com/India, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to the same, refer to the Red Herring Prospectus which may be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the future, including the section titled “Risk Factors”. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP filed with SEBI for making any investment decision. The Equity Shares offered in the Fresh Issue (as defined in the DRHP) and the Offer for Sale (as defined in the DRHP) have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and, may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares are only being offered and sold (i) within the United States only to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements under the Securities Act, and (ii) outside the United States in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act and pursuant to the applicable laws of the jurisdictions where those offers and sales are made. There will be no public offering of the Equity Shares in the United States. Contact Details Anupriya +91 97911 63065 anupriya.d@oyorooms.com Company Website https://www.oyorooms.com/

February 24, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

RIPKEN BASEBALL TO DEBUT ALL-RIPKEN GAMES IN 2023

Ripken Baseball

Ripken Baseball today announced it will host the inaugural All-Ripken Games, a platform that will attract the top youth players from across the country to compete at The Ripken Experience® world-class facilities. Players must be nominated by their peers and coaches for the opportunity to train the Ripken Way, compete against elite young athletes, and receive the ultimate Big League Experience. Ripken Baseball is partnering with YTH Sports, a youth sports organization known for its Soccer Youth® brand and All-American Series, to launch the inaugural All-Ripken Games. “Cal and I started Ripken Baseball with a focus on player development,” said Ripken Baseball Co-Founder Bill Ripken. “Over the years, we saw an opportunity to provide a Big League Experience for teams to travel to our world-class facilities, and we’ll continue to excel in that area. With the All-Ripken Games, we are returning to our roots this summer. Our approach to player development is more than just skill. The Ripken Way also focuses on hard work, respect, and sportsmanship.” To be eligible, players must be in high school graduation classes between the Class of 2026 and the Class of 2033 and exhibit an elevated level of baseball knowledge, dedication, sportsmanship, and skill. Participating players will receive All-Ripken uniforms, compete in skills challenges, and play for the ultimate team goal - the All-Ripken Games Tournament Championship. Starting July 27 and continuing through Sept 3, the following complexes will host one series of All-Ripken Games in 2023: July 27-30: The Ripken Experience® Elizabethtown (Kentucky) Aug. 3-6: The Ripken Experience® Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) Aug. 10-13: The Ripken Experience® Pigeon Forge (Tennessee) Aug. 31 - Sept. 3:The Ripken Experience® Aberdeen (Maryland) To nominate and register a player for the All-Ripken Games, parents, coaches, and leagues can visit www.AllRipken.com or email questions to scout@allripken.com. Any participants of The Ripken Experience who are nominated will automatically be selected for the All-Ripken Games. Details about the All-Ripken Softball Games will be announced soon. Families, players, teams, and fans can follow @AllRipken on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest information. About Ripken Baseball Ripken Baseball brings teammates, coaches, and families together through its Big League Experiences while teaching children how to play sports the right way – the Ripken Way. Ripken Baseball continues to innovate the game through tournaments, camps, clinics, and spring training at their state-of-the-art baseball and softball facilities – The Ripken Experience® Aberdeen (Maryland), The Ripken Experience® Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), The Ripken Experience® Pigeon Forge (Tennessee), The Ripken Experience® Elizabethtown (Kentucky), and Cooperstown All Star Village (New York). Ripken Baseball also brings its youth sports experience to satellite locations through Ripken Select Tournaments. Learn more at ripkenbaseball.com. About YTH Sports YTH Sports is the leading marketing agency that focuses on developing new brands that help shape the youth sports industry. YTH Sports is the expert in event creation, branding, social media engagement, and activation. Global brands included on company’s portfolio are Soccer Youth®, All-American Series, All-American Golden Cup, All-American Super Cup, and Summer Nationals. Learn more at ythsports.com. Contact Details Eric Nemeth nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://ripkenbaseball.com/

February 23, 2023 09:34 AM Eastern Standard Time

Article thumbnail News Release

VLASIC PICKLES NAMED OFFICIAL PICKLE OF THE APP AND TITLE SPONSOR OF 2023 CINCINNATI TOURNAMENT

APP

The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) has announced a title sponsorship with Vlasic Pickles, the leading American pickle brand 1, to become the Official Pickle of the APP. The agreement makes Vlasic® Pickles the first-ever pickle brand to sponsor an official pro pickleball tour. Pickleball is America’s fastest growing sport, now played by over 36.5 million people across America. As part of Vlasic’s title sponsorship of the 2023 APP tour, pickleball players will compete this season in The 2023 APP Vlasic Classic™. The event will take place on the beautiful riverfront at Sawyer Point in Cincinnati, Ohio, from May 9-14. The tournament will be televised on CBS Sports Network and livestreamed on APPTV. "We are thrilled to partner with the APP to support the pickleball community," says Lucy Brady, President, Grocery and Snacks at Conagra Brands. "Pickleball has grown significantly over the past few years, and we’re excited that Vlasic can be part of it.” The 2023 APP Vlasic Classic™ will be the third USA Pickleball Golden Ticket event of the 2023 APP Tour, granting winners direct passage to the 2023 USA Nationals. The 2023 APP Vlasic Classic™ will feature several of the best pro pickleball players in the world, competing alongside hundreds of amateurs, senior and super senior pros. “We are proud to welcome Vlasic Pickles into the APP family,” commented Tom Webb, APP Chief Marketing Officer. “This is a truly groundbreaking partnership. We are honored the team at Vlasic shares our vision for the sport’s growth and how it can benefit people across America. Not only is Vlasic investing in the APP Tour, it is helping us share our love for the sport with communities far and wide. Pickleball has so many positive attributes, from its fitness and community benefits, to its ability to be a platform for learning. We’re excited to have a partner like Vlasic Pickles to help us bring the sport to audiences across the country." To stay updated on the APP, visit apptour.org, follow the APP via APPTour.org, on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Explore the flavors and varieties of Vlasic Pickles at vlasic.com. 1 Source: IRI US Total MULO 2022 About Conagra Brands Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Birds Eye®, Marie Callender's®, Banquet®, Healthy Choice®, Slim Jim®, Reddi-wip®, and Vlasic®, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com. About the APP Founded in 2019, the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) elevates the sport of pickleball by providing elite platforms for the best players in the world, right through to the millions of people picking up a paddle for the first time. Serving professional pickleball players, senior professionals, amateurs and recreational players in the fastest growing sport in the USA, the APP is the first and only tour officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball. The 2023 APP Tour slate has 16 tournament stops planned, in addition to International and Collegiate Series events. The APP also prides itself on developing the next generation of champions through its Next Gen Series and other youth initiatives. Follow the APP via APPTour.org, on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. Contact Details The APP Daniel Sagerman +1 847-800-8182 dsagerman@intersportnet.com Company Website https://apptour.org/

February 23, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

1 ... 8081828384 ... 195