Sport Industry News: Red Bull Racing, Sunderland AFC and More

RB22 Show Cars and 2026 Collection Details

The renewed agreement between the Formula 1 team and the UK-based memorabilia producer builds on a relationship that launched their first commercially available show car in 2023. Beyond the ten show cars built to replicate the machine driven by Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, the 2026 collection includes a Red Bull Racing F1 Team Simulator developed with team input. A full-scale Pit Stop Rig allowing fans and corporate guests to experience a simulated Formula 1 wheel change also joins the range alongside replica components such as halos, front noses, wings, mini wheel rims, and bodywork. All items will be distributed through the F1 Authentics retail and auction platform.

Paul Gandolfi, Chief Commercial Officer at Oracle Red Bull Racing, stated that Memento Exclusives consistently delivers world-class products representing the team’s brand and innovation. “One of the things we’re always looking to do is bring fans closer to the Team, and Memento helps us do exactly that,” Gandolfi said, noting that the show cars, simulators, and pit-stop rigs offer unique ways for collectors to own a piece of the team.

We take great pride in continuing to supply collectors with these exclusive masterpieces, moving from our joint 2023 launch of the initial commercially available Red Bull Racing Show Car to presenting the inaugural offerings of the 2026 regulatory framework.

Sunderland AFC Partners with University of Sunderland

Sunderland AFC has signed a multi-year partnership with the University of Sunderland, formalizing ties between two major institutions in the city following collaboration during Made in Sunderland week in the 2025/26 season. The agreement will establish themed weeks across future football campaigns to showcase local businesses, organizations, and residents while creating direct engagement opportunities for university students. Scott McCubbin, Chief Commercial Officer at Sunderland AFC, noted that formalizing the relationship highlights the value of bringing local communities together. Kath MacLeod, Director of External Relations at the University of Sunderland, added that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities, inspiring ambition, and supporting the city.

Sporting Figures Raise Funds for Alzheimer’s Society at Lord’s

In a separate endurance fundraising event held on 28 September at Lord’s Cricket Ground, leading figures from British sport helped raise more than £310,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. The inaugural Your Hundred at Lord’s featured 100 participants completing 100 laps of the outfield, organized by Richard Thompson, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and Chair of its Sport United Against Dementia Board. The roster of participants featured individuals such as former England and Arsenal footballer Martin Keown, broadcaster Jamie Theakston, BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski, DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings, and Warner Bros. Discovery UK and Ireland President Andrew Georgiou. Alzheimer’s Society notes that approximately one million people are currently living with dementia in the UK.

Dementia has suffered from a lack of prioritization for an extended period, trailing other major health conditions in research, awareness, and fundraising support. It simply isn’t good enough. This is why I’ve supported Alzheimer’s Society and this incredible event. Individuals impacted by dementia deserve a superior standard of care, and the capital generated will make a substantial contribution toward delivering assistance and building a more optimistic tomorrow.

Ticketmaster Appointed for Khaleeji Arabian Dyar 27 in Jeddah

Ticketmaster has secured a ticketing partnership with the Gulf Football Federation for Khaleeji Arabian Dyar 27, introducing SafeTix technology to the Gulf Cooperation Council for the first time. The agreement covers global ticket sales, digital ticket delivery, and venue access for the 27th edition of the Gulf Cup in Jeddah, utilizing King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium. Ticketmaster will power the tournament app with Apple and Google Wallet integration and tap-to-enter technology, while SafeTix barcodes refresh regularly to mitigate ticket fraud. The tournament features national teams from Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Hill Dickinson Launches Dedicated Sports Practice

Commercial law firm Hill Dickinson has launched a dedicated sports practice by appointing Richard Bush as Partner and Head of Sport. Bush joins after more than a decade at Bird & Bird, bringing over 15 years of experience in sports law, regulation, safeguarding, and anti-doping matters before tribunals including the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The practice formalizes the firm’s existing work representing clients such as Everton, English Football League clubs, Lancashire County Cricket Club, and GB Taekwondo. Craig Scott, CEO at Hill Dickinson, stated that Bush’s arrival demonstrates continued investment in the sector, following the firm’s naming rights partnership for Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.