| (Image Source: Africa Newsroom/Africa24 Group) |
Africa24 Group, the continent’s largest media network and operator of four HD television channels, has entered a landmark partnership with the Ivorian MMA Federation to elevate the visibility and professionalism of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Côte d’Ivoire and throughout Africa. This collaboration will provide extensive coverage of MMA athletes, competitions, and stories across the Africa24 Sport network — the continent’s first 24/7 African sports news and competition channel. With dedicated programming, exclusive athlete features, and deep dives into the sport’s core values such as discipline, respect, inclusion, and self-improvement, the partnership is poised to reshape the landscape of African combat sports.
For Africa24, this agreement aligns with its broader mission to support the growth of youth sports and position Africa as a global reservoir of athletic talent, particularly in rapidly growing disciplines like MMA. The group will broadcast all MMA competitions, supported by a team of expert journalists and analysts. Africa24 Group Founder and President Constant NEMALE emphasized the long-term vision, stating, “This new milestone should benefit all sports, national and continental federations, and Olympic committees across Africa. It’s about building a shared platform that ensures maximum visibility, unparalleled exposure, and unprecedented reach for every sport on the continent.”
According to Ivorian MMA Federation President Jackson Parfait TAPÉ, the sport is gaining ground fast in Côte d’Ivoire: “MMA in Côte d’Ivoire is evolving quickly, backed by solid structures and promising momentum.” The federation's Vice President Guillaume BEDA added, “MMA needs greater visibility, not only in Côte d’Ivoire but also globally. This partnership with Africa24 Sport is exactly what the sport needs.” With this partnership, Africa24 Group solidifies its position as a leading force in African sports media, ensuring that MMA gets the attention it deserves on a continental and global scale. Exclusive footage of the initiative can now be seen on-demand at https://apo-opa.co/40WUROL.
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Nelson Mandela’s Sporting Legacy Inspires Africa’s Call To Empower Youth Through Sport
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| (Image Source: Sports Bytes Philippines/Youth Charter) |
Nelson Mandela’s enduring belief in the unifying power of sport continues to shape Africa’s development narrative. A new pan-African tribute, led by the Youth Charter, honors Madiba’s legacy and issues a powerful call to action for governments, sports bodies, and young people across the continent. This tribute charts Mandela’s journey from his resistance on Robben Island to global moments of unity including the 1995 Rugby World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup. Through these historic events, Mandela demonstrated how sport can heal a divided nation and uplift a continent.
Marking over 30 years since the founding of the Youth Charter in 1993 — coinciding with Mandela’s groundwork for a democratic South Africa — the movement now calls for a continental shift: to turn Mandela’s ideals into tangible systems. At the heart of this transformation is the Community Campus model. Piloted in South Africa, the UK, and beyond, this model fuses sport, arts, and digital tools to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate action, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth.“Sport has the power to change the world… to inspire… to unite people in a way that little else does,” Mandela once said — a mantra that defines the Youth Charter’s renewed direction. “Youth are not problems to be managed, but leaders to be empowered,” said Youth Charter Founder and Chairman Geoff Thompson.
The Africa ‘30’ Report, a centerpiece of the group’s global advocacy, warns against allowing the Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) movement to become disconnected from its ethical and political roots. As trees planted in Mandela’s honor grow in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, they stand as living reminders of the values he stood for — peace, resilience, and leadership. Now, the Youth Charter urges African institutions including the African Union, ECOWAS, SADC, and CAF to scale up efforts that prioritize youth and community-led development through sport. The full tribute essay, titled “Nelson Mandela: Legacy Of A Sporting Struggle, Spirit Of A Global Call To Action”, is available on request and will be distributed across schools, youth organizations, and media platforms across the continent.
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FIBA Intercontinental Cup Returns To Singapore In September With Global Club Champions
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| (Image Source: Singapore Sports Hub/Kallang Alive Sport Management) |
The FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2025 is set to be held on September 18-21, 2025 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, marking the tournament's third straight year in Singapore. Reigning champions Unicaja of Spain will defend their title along with five other continental winners and NBA G League United. Organizers FIBA and Kallang Alive Sport Management (KASM) confirm that tickets are now on sale with free entry on the 18th of September, the tournament’s opening day. Last year’s edition drew over 25,000 fans to the stadium with hundreds of thousands tuning in online.
The 2025 participants include defending FIBA Intercontinental Cup champions Unicaja (Spain), Basketball Champions League Americas winners and 2022 Intercontinental Cup champions Flamengo (Brazil), Basketball Champions League Asia champions Utsunomiya Brex (Japan) in their Cup debut, National Basketball League champions and first-time participants Illawarra Hawks (Australia), the inaugural Basketball Africa League champions Alahli SC (Libya), and NBA G League United (USA). Teams are split into two groups of three with a single round robin. Group winners advance to the final on 21 September. Runners-up meet for third place, and third-place finishers compete for fifth. Unicaja President Antonio J. López Nieto said Singapore was an extraordinary venue and expressed pride in defending the title. Utsunomiya Brex President Mitsumasa Fujimoto, meanwhile, spoke of the team’s chemistry as they prepare for their global challenge. FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said the tournament delivers on a true intercontinental vision.
Sport Singapore’s Marcus Tan highlighted the Cup’s role in developing local talent and inspiring the community. KASM’s Yazed Osman announced accompanying technical clinics and free entry on day one. Tickets start at $10 with early bird discounts until July 30, 2025 and 10% off group bookings. Premium Ultimate Fan Passes include all-access benefits and lounge experience.
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Gravelton Clark 2025 Returns For Grittiest Gravel Race In The Philippines
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| (Image Source: Sports Bytes Philippines/Specialized Philippines) |
Gravelton Clark 2025 returns for its most intense edition yet, bringing back the country’s top gravel bike challenge with a rugged two-day event on October 18-19, 2025 in Clark, Pampanga. Designed for seasoned cyclists and adventurous newcomers, the fourth installment of the race raises the bar with expanded categories, a wilder course, and a reimagined expo experience. Over 600 riders from 11 countries joined in 2024 — and organizers expect to break records this year.
On October 18, Gravelton PH kicks off with an expanded Expo Day at Filinvest Mimosa Plus Leisure City, featuring major cycling brands, interactive booths, and race briefings to set the adrenaline. But the real test begins on October 19 — Race Day, where competitors face a new course built to test speed, stamina, and sheer willpower. Riders can choose between 80km (Php5,000) and 120km (Php5,400) routes. Registration is open until September 15, 2025. Race kits include custom Gravelton cap, shades, and bidon. Categories are open to Gravel Bike and XC-MTB riders aged 20 and above plus E-Bike divisions for men and women. Organizers will award the Top 3 Overall Finishers and Top 10 per age group, highlighting both elite and grassroots talent. The 2025 race theme, “Forged in Flame, Carved in Ice“, captures the race’s dual identity: relentless on the trail, and relaxed in post-race celebration. Event director Ritchie Santayana of Specialized Philippines said, “We’re raising the intensity of competition, but also building community. Gravelton Clark is about more than racing — it’s about pushing limits and sharing the ride.”
Past editions have earned praise for tight logistics, scenic but punishing routes, and inclusive camaraderie. Last year saw 561 finishers, proving that while not all make the podium, every rider earns respect. This year’s Gravelton is expected to be the biggest yet, with new partners, increased capacity, and global visibility for Filipino gravel racing. Gravelton Clark 2025 is organized by Specialized Philippines, in partnership with Army Navy, ZeusPH, Whey King, CF Moto, Ceramic Speed, Pacific Bay, Vamos, Mekeni, and GoRacePH.
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PFL Appoints Andrew Mikhail As Managing Director Of PFL Pacific To Lead MMA Growth In Oceania
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| (Image Source: Professional Fighters League) |
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has officially appointed Andrew Mikhail as Managing Director of PFL Pacific, marking a major leadership addition to the league’s international expansion. Effective immediately, Mikhail will report to PFL International CEO Peter Murray and the PFL Pacific Board, overseeing league operations, talent development, and commercial strategy across Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Pacific region.
Mikhail arrives with a strong commercial pedigree from his time as Chief Commercial Officer at the Parramatta Eels of the National Rugby League (NRL) where he helped transform the club’s consumer and revenue performance through innovation in marketing, digital content, customer engagement, and data strategy. “MMA is one of the fastest growing sports globally, and the Pacific region is home to elite talent, passionate fans, and a growing appetite for premium fight experiences. We’re here to build a sustainable, world-class fight league that champions local athletes and brings premium fight content to audiences across the region,” said Mikhail. Before his tenure in rugby league, Mikhail held senior roles with top international companies like American Express and Singtel Optus where he led business development and strategic partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.
As PFL Pacific Managing Director, Mikhail will drive the league’s commercial growth, operations, media strategy, and fighter development, ensuring the PFL’s long-term footprint across Oceania. His appointment reflects the PFL’s vision to develop a self-sustaining MMA ecosystem built around elite athletes, regional talent pipelines, and broadcast innovation. “Andrew is a seasoned executive with a deep understanding of the local sports market and an impressive track record of growing fan and partner engagement. His leadership will be instrumental as we deepen our investment in the Pacific region,” said Murray. PFL Pacific becomes the fourth international PFL league following successful launches in Europe, MENA, and Africa. With its inaugural tournament slated for 2026 and a landmark media partnership with Stan Sport, 9Now, and the 9Network, PFL Pacific is poised to become the premier MMA destination in Oceania.
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LuLu Money Partners With Argentine Football Association To Engage Filipino Fans And Global Communities
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| (Image Source: Sports Bytes Philippines/LuLu Financial Holdings) |
LuLu Money has signed a landmark partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), becoming the regional fintech partner for the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The collaboration, announced in Dubai, brings the global football powerhouse closer to millions of fans across Asia just in time for the run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The partnership is part of a broader global sponsorship strategy by LuLu Financial Holdings which operates across 10 countries. Through this deal, different LuLu entities will represent the AFA in their respective regions. For the Philippines, LuLu Money will lead the initiative, while in the Middle East, LuLu Exchange will assume the partnership role. India’s coverage will be handled by LuLu Forex and LuLu Finserv.
The deal runs through mid-2026 and was launched at a high-profile event attended by AFA executives, World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni, and LuLu Financial Holdings top officials. The timing is strategic as Argentina gears up to defend its World Cup title in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Over the next year, LuLu Money customers in the Philippines can expect exclusive campaigns, digital promotions, and football-themed activations. Prizes will include AFA merchandise, match tickets, and even potential meet-and-greet opportunities with Argentine players. LuLu Financial Holdings Founder and Managing Director Adeeb Ahamed emphasized the emotional and symbolic nature of the partnership, saying, “For countless fans, the Argentine team represents more than football — it symbolizes hope, resilience, and joy. This partnership is a celebration of that shared spirit.”
AFA President Claudio Tapia added, “We are delighted to welcome the LuLuFin family as our regional sponsor across the Middle East, APAC, and India. Our international expansion grows stronger with each partnership.” AFA’s Commercial and Marketing Director Leandro Petersen noted that the sponsorship underscores Argentina’s strong support in these regions, stating, “We are proud that LuLu Financial Holdings has chosen the Argentine champions as its brand image for this World Cup period.” Through this collaboration, LuLu Financial Holdings aims to strengthen its cultural and emotional ties with communities that rely on its services for daily remittance and financial needs while celebrating the unifying power of sport.
