Beyond the Field of Play: The Expanding Role of Sports in Driving Global Change

Sports have always had the power to inspire and bring people together, but today, they are doing much more than that.?

We are seeing a new era in which sports are being used to drive change in society, tackle global challenges, and create a more sustainable world.?

These trends are increasingly becoming an industry standard, with new developments emerging each month, signaling a shift towards a more responsible and sustainable industry.

ATP AND LONGI ANNOUNCE GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP

ATP and LONGi Solar Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (LONGi) have established a strategic worldwide collaboration, appointing LONGi as the ATP Tour's Official Solar Energy and Hydrogen Partner. Since its start in 2000, LONGi has been unwavering in its ambition to become the global leader in solar energy technology. This partnership will significantly boost ATP's sustainability initiatives under the ATP Serves banner, aligning with its commitment to the UN Sports for Climate Action framework.?

By joining forces with ATP, LONGi underscores the vital role that brands play in helping sports organizations advance their sustainability journey. This partnership highlights the growing importance of collaboration between environmentally-conscious companies and sports organizations to create a more sustainable future for all.

SPORTING KANSAS CITY TEAMS UP WITH HUHTAMAKI TO MAKE CHILDREN’S MERCY PARK ZERO WASTE

Huhtamaki North America has recently announced a five-year sponsorship agreement with Children's Mercy Park, home to the US Major League Soccer team Sporting Kansas City . As the official "sustainable packaging provider," Huhtamaki will collaborate with Sporting Kansas City to further reduce the stadium's environmental footprint.?

Huhtamaki's partnership with Sporting Kansas City to reduce the stadium's environmental footprint showcases the power of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable change within the sports industry. With a shared goal of achieving zero waste by 2027, this initiative sets a high standard for other sports organizations to follow and demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved through such partnerships.

UK SPORT LAUNCHES ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY TO PROTECT ‘TEAM OF TOMORROW’

UK Sport has unveiled its Environmental Sustainability Strategy with the goal of achieving a net positive impact on the environment from high-performance sports by 2040. The plan builds on UK Sport's earlier target of achieving net-zero environmental impact from its own activities by 2030.?

According to Sally Munday , CEO of UK Sport, sports can bring people together and effect positive change. In addition to taking concrete action on sustainability, Munday believes that high-performance sports can serve as powerful advocates for environmental action and inspire others to take action.

The Environmental Sustainability Strategy sets a powerful example for the sports industry in advancing environmental responsibility and sustainability.

ATLANTA HAWKS LAUNCH HAWKS VENTURES WITH $50M FUND TO SUPPORT MINORITY- AND WOMEN-LED STARTUPS AND BUSINESSES

The Atlanta Hawks have taken a significant step toward promoting inclusivity and economic growth by launching Hawks Ventures, a $50 million fund dedicated to supporting women-and minority-owned small businesses that often struggle to secure traditional funding.?

As highlighted by Steve Koonin, CEO of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena , the National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise is uniquely positioned to offer more than just financial assistance, with its vast expertise spanning customer service, food, entertainment, and media sectors.?

By harnessing the influential nature of sports, the Atlanta Hawks are making a noteworthy impact on leveling the playing field for underrepresented entrepreneurs and facilitating a more equitable business landscape.

ENVISION RACING LAUNCH GLOBAL COMPETITION TO FIGHT E-WASTE

Envision Racing Formula E 's 'Waste to Race' competition aims to educate and inspire the next generation about the urgent e-waste issue.

As part of a UK-wide school engagement program, participants aged nine to 21 can compete for prizes while addressing the challenge.?

With the UK being a major e-waste contributor, this initiative is vital in raising awareness and promoting innovative solutions to tackle the growing environmental concern.

THE MONARCH COLLECTIVE UNVEILS $100 MILLION FUND TO BRING EQUITY TO WOMEN’S SPORTS

Kara Nortman and Jasmine Robinson , prominent venture capitalists, have announced the closing of the Monarch Collective , a $100 million fund to drive equity in the global sports industry.?

Launched earlier this year, the fund will focus on investing in women's teams and leagues, as well as adjacent industries like media and gaming. With this initiative, Nortman and Robinson aim to challenge the underfunding of women's sports and level the playing field, while also amplifying the voices of female athletes and promoting gender equality in the sports world.?

The Monarch Collective represents a crucial step toward creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable sports industry.

THE FUTURE OF SPORTS: CREATING A MORE INCLUSIVE AND PURPOSEFUL INDUSTRY

As sports continue to evolve, it's critical for organizations and brands to evaluate their current practices to ensure they align with a more purposeful future. Only by actively working towards this goal can we create a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, both on and off the field.

Sports have the power to unite people around a common cause, and as we've seen, that cause can be something as important as driving positive change towards sustainability, or as fundamental as promoting inclusivity and equity. Brands that partner with sports organizations have an opportunity to contribute to a more purposeful world by aligning their own values with those of the industry, and by committing to a more responsible and sustainable future.

But above all, it's crucial to remember that without a purposeful approach, there is no future for sports.?

By continuing to work together and build on the progress that's already been made, we can create a brighter future, not just for the sports industry, but for all of us.

ABOUT 17 SPORT

17 Sport is the world’s first sports impact company operating at the intersection of sports, business, and purpose. We provide strategy, partnership, and implementation services to transformational leaders in sports and business committed to forging a better tomorrow for people and the planet.

If you would like more information or are ready to start activating your purpose through sports, please contact: [email protected].?