From Courts to Careers: Italy’s Sports Power Plays and Legacy Moves - 28.08.25

On this day, significant developments in sports media, broadcasting, and betting sectors unfold as SuperTennis secures exclusive US Open broadcasting rights in Italy. Some highlights from the news include SuperTennis retaining exclusive free-to-air broadcast rights for the US Open until 2030, ensuring broad public access to this prestigious tennis event. Simultaneously, Rai Italia has acquired the exclusive rights to air international highlights of Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa, extending its reach to Italian expatriates worldwide.

Turning to market updates, Italy holds the fifth position in the European gambling market, projected to reach a size of 13 billion dollars in 2024, highlighting the economic importance of sports betting in the country. The professional cycling transfer window for 2026 is also in full swing, featuring significant signings, such as Noah Hobbs moving to EF Education-EasyPost and Remco Evenepoel joining Red Bull–Bora-Hansgrohe.

In global scenarios, the intersection of fashion and sports continues to evolve, with brands increasingly merging performance and aesthetics not only in traditional sports like tennis but also in emerging areas such as padel and women’s rugby through narrative-driven campaigns. Italy's Olympic aspirations are prominent, as Sport Minister Andrea Abodi expresses confidence in Rome's potential bid for the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympics after the upcoming 2026 Winter Games in Milan–Cortina.

From the international front, Italy's MediaForEurope (MFE), supported by the Berlusconi family, is progressing towards the acquisition of Germany's ProSieben Media Group, reflecting a significant trend in European media consolidation. This aligns with a broader movement of strategic mergers within the industry. Meanwhile, the Cortina Sliding Centre is set to open in November 2025, preparing to host bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton events for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.

Additionally, poignant news arises from the sports sector as Marco Belinelli, a prominent figure in Italian basketball, announces his retirement after a distinguished 20-year career. His departure marks a significant moment in Italian sports history, ensuring a lasting legacy within media narratives surrounding the sport.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices