Latest news with #PhilBatty
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Games budget of £150m is 'direct investment into city'
Here, he outlines the passion and purpose behind the games in our Q&A. Name: Phil Batty OBE What is your business called? Glasgow 2026 Where is it based? Glasgow, Scotland What does it do? Next year, the Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow and it's great to be back. Taking place from July 23 to August 2, the Games will feature 10 sports, six para sports, with over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories set to compete. Led by Chair George Black CBE, an independent Board and Chief Executive Officer, and myself, Glasgow 2026 Limited is the Organising Company (OC) which will deliver the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next summer. Agile, innovative and embracing a new delivery model, the OC is working in partnership with Commonwealth Sport and Commonwealth Games Scotland to stage the Games. The company, based in the city centre, will directly employ around 160 people and, at its heart, is a team of specialists with world-leading major event experience and sporting expertise, coupled with in-depth city knowledge. The OC will work with an ecosystem of experienced suppliers to deliver the Games safely and in record time. The OC is privately funded, securing its income through Commonwealth Sport, corporate sponsorship, broadcast rights, global partnerships and ticket sales. READ MORE: To whom does it sell? Building on the success of 2014, Glasgow 2026 is set to reimagine the Games you know and love – with a different, and altogether unique, 'Clyde-built' experience that embodies the city's vibrant spirit, ingenuity and passion. A new model that combines world-class sport with a future-focused, sustainable, accessible and inclusive vision, setting a new standard for major sporting events – flexible and forward-thinking, whilst deeply connected to the place and the people hosting. Glasgow 2026 will bring fans closer to the action – immersing athletes, spectators and locals in the city, the competition and the celebrations. Maximising economic and social benefits to create a new legacy for both Glasgow and the Commonwealth. There will be 500,000 tickets available, which will go on sale later this year. We will also start recruitment for more than 3,000 Games volunteers in September. As an OC our role is to create an electric atmosphere across four sports venues packed with athletes and spectators, of sporting fans and new Games audiences, to secure public support for the Games through inspiring engagement programmes, powered by the people who make Glasgow, and to showcase a city that is connected, energised and ready to gather the world. What is its turnover? The OC is privately funded, securing our income through Commonwealth Sport, corporate sponsorship, broadcast rights, global partnerships and ticket sales. Our budget for the delivery of the Games is projected to be £150 million which is direct investment into the city of Glasgow. How many employees? We currently employ 68 people in our city centre office on Bothwell Street. We will grow to nearly 200 employees and then will be joined by a workforce of thousands for Games time. Why did you take the plunge? We are building on the huge success of Glasgow's time hosting the Games in 2014. I was fortunate to be part of the organisation responsible for organising the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and when I heard the news that the Games were coming back to the UK, I just had to be part of it. Having seen first-hand the powerful role of sport in bringing communities together and strengthening international collaboration across the Commonwealth, I saw this as an incredible opportunity to get involved. Glasgow is world-leading the major events industry and I was excited to learn from all that experience and become part of an incredible moment for Scotland. What were you doing before? Following my time in Birmingham, I joined a pioneering drone light show company called SKYMAGIC. We staged spectacular aerial displays all over the world. My career has always been in major events, from the UK City of Culture project in Hull to being part of the Women of the World festivals movement. This is a hugely inspiring industry, where no two days are the same and nothing is impossible. What do you least enjoy? Major events only happen every few years, so in this role you have to be open-minded to adapting and turning your hand to a wide range of events. Each project is unique and there are different challenges to be tackled. I am lucky to be working on my second Commonwealth Games, which is allowing me to apply the learning from Birmingham to the project this time around. What are your ambitions for the firm? I am keen to create an Organising Company that is inclusive, prioritises sustainability and that also can work at incredible pace to deliver this large-scale event. My ambition is to do the city of Glasgow and the people of Scotland proud in staging a Commonwealth Games that everyone can be a part of. What single thing would most help? Major events can only be delivered in partnership. We are already working with incredible venues run by the SEC and Glasgow Life, we have incredible suppliers, but we will always need more partners. Whether that is to deliver the Games or to sponsor and support the project. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned? That nothing is impossible with the right people around you. Hire a team of individuals who challenge you to think differently, who are brave enough to solve the difficult tasks and who you enjoy working with. Work should interrupt play and play should interrupt work. We are part of major events because they are fun, they make us smile and we have a great time doing it. What was your best moment? Seeing Ozzy Osbourne perform in his hometown at the Closing Ceremony of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was a hugely inspirational moment. The sadness of hearing of his passing last week reminded me of the huge joy and passion he brought to thousands of people that night and the millions watching across the world. It is moments like this that live on in your memory, and events have the power to create those magical moments. What was your worst moment? For a show last January, I had to shut down an international airport runway in the early hours of the morning to create an aerial display with 1,750 drones. Being stood on the tarmac with planes moving around me, in the dead night, having to navigate global air traffic was terrifying. However, we had faith and worked with all our partners and minutes later we had the runway clear and a show in the air. How do you relax? I enjoy going to discover new places in a city, from the bars and restaurants to the galleries and parks. The world is full of hidden gems, and I enjoy the adventure of finding something new.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Huge sporting event faces TV blackout for first time in 70 years with no BBC deal agreed
One of the big events in the sporting calendar could end up not being shown on television next year despite its long history with the BBC, with no broadcasting agreement reached yet The Commonwealth Games faces a potential television blackout in the UK. The competition, which started in 1930, is still yet to secure a broadcasting agreement, despite there being a year until its start date. Glasgow will be playing host to the competition in the summer of 2026, 12 years after hosting the event in 2014. The BBC has served as the main broadcaster of the sporting spectacle since 1954, but discussions about an arrangement for next year are still being had. It's been reported that certain BBC executives harbour doubts about the event's ongoing significance, given the declining number of nations prepared to host it. Glasgow was previously confirmed as emergency replacement hosts in September last year, after multiple cities withdrew from hosting, due to financial concerns. Before Glasgow hosted the games in 2014, chiefs at the BBC agreed a broadcasting deal in 2011. When the event was in Birmingham in 2020, an agreement was wrapped up two years prior. According to The Sun, sources close to the BBC claimed "an agreement is still some way off", with other officials at the Beeb also feeling that there is a "waning appetite" for the event. The overwhelming majority of the event's funding now stems from the £100million compensation the Australian state of Victoria provided to Commonwealth organisers following their withdrawal. Both the UK and Scottish Governments declined to guarantee the expenses of staging the event, pointing to broader strains on public spending. Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, offered a brighter picture of the current situation, saying: "This week we have just announced Sky New Zealand as one of our broadcast partners. We also have Channel 7 in Australia, and there will be news on a UK broadcaster later this year." A spokeswoman for the Games also told the Daily Record: "We're in positive discussions with broadcasters across the Commonwealth, including the UK, and further announcements will be made in the months ahead." Scotland First Minister John Swinney has declared his confidence that Glasgow is "well-organised and well-prepared" for a revamped Games that will spark the public's enthusiasm. He said: "All of our experience tells us that, on major events, the people of Scotland – and especially in Glasgow – get engaged." Swinney also supported Glasgow's choice to rescue an event which has faced criticism in certain circles as being an antiquated connection to Britain's colonial history. He told the BBC: "The Commonwealth is still a very important forum for international co-operation and partnership between countries. And, frankly, we need more international co-operation and friendship and collective endeavour in a world that is becoming increasingly fractured." The competition has been dramatically reduced due to financial concerns, with only 11 sports taking place across four locations. Track and field will be hosted at Scotstoun Stadium, rather than Hampden Park, whilst aquatic competitions will return to the current Tollcross facility. The total expenditure for the 2014 competition reached £543m, but this occasion will see just £114-130m allocated. Petria Thomas, chief of the Australian Commonwealth commission, said: "We're incredibly grateful and fortunate that the Scottish have stepped up to the mark here. "It was obviously highly disappointing that the Victorian government pulled out and it left the Commonwealth sport movement in a very difficult position. It's fantastic that the Games will be on in Glasgow. "Obviously a little bit of a different look to them this time with fewer sports which is a shame. But it's the reality of the position that the Commonwealth sport movement was put in, unfortunately."
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Major sporting event facing TV blackout for first time in 70 years with BBC yet to agree deal to show spectacle
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE BBC are yet to agree a deal to broadcast the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games next summer. Dating back to 1954, the Beeb have been the primary UK home of the Games. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Games chiefs this week unveiled their mascot, Finnie the Unicorn Credit: PA BBC chiefs agreed a deal to broadcast the 2014 Glasgow Games three years in advance. While terms were struck in 2020 to show the 2022 Commonwealth Games from Birmingham. Despite their long history with the event, the BBC have themselves confirmed that "an agreement is still some way off". Terms are yet to be agreed, with some within the Beeb feeling that there is a "waning appetite" for the event. The 2026 Games were originally supposed to be hosted by Victoria, Australia. The Aussie bid was selected in August 2022, but local government pulled the plug just 11 months later due to concerns over costs. In September last year it was confirmed that Glasgow would step in, with Victoria still picking up £100million of the costs. The scaled-back event will feature just 10 sports and six para-sports - with venues reused from the 2014 Games. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Glasgow 2026 chief executive Phil Batty said of broadcast discussions: "This week we have just announced Sky New Zealand as one of our broadcast partners. "We also have Channel 7 in Australia, and there will be news on a UK broadcaster later this year." Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games: did they leave a lasting legacy? The 11-day event is set to run between July 23 and August 2. Around 3,000 athletes are expected to compete in Glasgow, in sports including athletics, 3v3 basketball, boxing and swimming.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Major sporting event facing TV blackout for first time in 70 years with BBC yet to agree deal to show spectacle
THE BBC are yet to agree a deal to broadcast the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games next summer. Dating back to 1954, the Beeb have been the primary UK home of the Games. 1 BBC chiefs agreed a deal to broadcast the 2014 Glasgow Games three years in advance. While terms were struck in 2020 to show the 2022 Commonwealth Games from Birmingham. Despite their long history with the event, the BBC have themselves confirmed that "an agreement is still some way off". Terms are yet to be agreed, with some within the Beeb feeling that there is a "waning appetite" for the event. The 2026 Games were originally supposed to be hosted by Victoria, Australia. The Aussie bid was selected in August 2022, but local government pulled the plug just 11 months later due to concerns over costs. In September last year it was confirmed that Glasgow would step in, with Victoria still picking up £100million of the costs. The scaled-back event will feature just 10 sports and six para-sports - with venues reused from the 2014 Games. Glasgow 2026 chief executive Phil Batty said of broadcast discussions: "This week we have just announced Sky New Zealand as one of our broadcast partners. "We also have Channel 7 in Australia, and there will be news on a UK broadcaster later this year." Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games: did they leave a lasting legacy? The 11-day event is set to run between July 23 and August 2. Around 3,000 athletes are expected to compete in Glasgow, in sports including athletics, 3v3 basketball, boxing and swimming.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Fears grow BBC will blank Glasgow 2026 with no TV deal yet agreed for Commonwealth Games
The BBC have not yet committed to televising Glasgow 2026 next year - with fears growing that the Commonwealth Games will not be shown on the national broadcaster for the first time since 1954. The Beeb have been the main broadcaster of the competition since it hit our screens over 70 years ago, but have so far kept their cards close to their chest with regards to next year's scaled-down event. On Wednesday morning, however, as organisers were unveiling their new mascot to commemorate a year to go until the Games begin, the BBC broke the news themselves online that a broadcasting deal had still to be agreed. Pointedly, an article on their news website also stated that previous deals for both the 2014 Glasgow Games and the 2022 Birmingham Games had been signed well in advance of the current timescale. The article also claimed that 'sources within the corporation' had 'suggested a waning appetite' for the event. Glasgow 2026 CEO Phil Batty said organisers were speaking to a number of different parties over broadcasting and that discussions were 'ongoing', but Mail Sport understands there is a reluctance by the BBC to commit - despite their long history with the Games. The Games have been troubled from the outset. Glasgow stepped in after Australia pulled out, with £100million of funding coming from the state of Victoria who were the original hosts. The Games have been reduced in size, with organisers hoping they will set a workable precedent to save the Games in future. Scottish runner Eilish McColgan, who won gold in the 10,000m at Birmingham 2022, said it was vital the BBC picked up the mantle so that people across the UK could continue to be inspired by athletes on mainstream TV. 'I think it's really important,' she told Mail Sport. 'You'll have kids from all corners of Scotland, not even just Scotland, across the whole of the UK, that will see athletes from their local town, their local club, and think, yes, I want to do that. 'When we had 2014, we had a huge influx of young kids join the Hawks, to the point where we still have a waiting list to this day. I have no doubt that's happening elsewhere. It gives smaller nations the chance to showcase their top talents. 'If you're from Guernsey, Isle of Man, if you're from a small African nation, Lesotho, wherever you're from, it's giving you a chance to shine on the global stage, which is really important. 'It just creates a legacy that, if it's not on TV, if it's not broadcast, then you can't see it, you can't believe it, you can't become it.' Batty told Mail Sport the Games organisers were 'talking to all the UK rights holders, to make sure we can broadcast the Games here at home', but would not confirm how talks with the BBC were progressing. 'The excitement of a multi-sport event is that it brings ten sports and six para-sports together on equal footing to be broadcast to the world,' he said. 'We've already announced that Australia and Channel 7 have taken the rights, Sky New Zealand TV have taken the New Zealand and Pacific Island rights, and we're also in talks with other countries and other broadcasters, so I'm really confident this will be a Games that's seen worldwide. 'We're definitely talking to all the UK rights holders to make sure we can broadcast the Games here at home. 'We know there's huge enthusiasm from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England to see these Games, so we'll be announcing more details about a UK rights holder in the next coming months.' When pressed again on where talks stood with the BBC, Batty told Mail Sport: 'We've spoken to all UK broadcasters to tell them how epic and exciting these Games will be. 'We've got ten days of competition and 200 medal events, so I'm hoping every broadcaster sees how fantastic this edition of the Commonwealth Games will be. 'We're delivering at record pace, so we'd like to have all of our broadcasters in place over the course of this year. 'That allows us to work really collegiately together over the first six months of next year to make sure we can get the most out of all these venues and there isn't a second of sport that gets missed.' Double-Commonwealth gold medallist Sarah Adlington told Mail Sport it was critical for minority sports to gain a platform on mainstream television. 'For sports like judo, these opportunities don't come around very often so, for our audience, getting people into the sport and seeing how fantastic it is, it's so important we are on mainstream TV in this country,' she said. Olympic basketball player Kieran Achara, now an ambassador for Glasgow 2026, said having national exposure was vital in terms of exposing others to the sport. 'There's nothing like the entertainment value of being there,' said Achara, 'but (mainstream TV) just creates the reach a bit better. I'm hopeful someone will step in, because it's the Commonwealth Games, everyone wants to watch. 'From a basketball perspective, I love the sport, seeing it in person there's nothing like it, but actually getting to witness it, being introduced to it through television or other means is also really important.' The BBC told Mail Sport: 'We don't comment on sports rights discussions.' The scaled-back version of the Games will feature ten sports and six para-sports across four different venues, with 74 nations and territories taking part. More than 3,000 athletes are expected to compete next July, with over 200 medals awarded during the 11-day event.
