Sports Ticker #162 – Wakefield in wonderland, LIV Golf to LIV(e) another day and the race for the 2036 Olympic Games

In a fortnight that saw Rwanda secure the green light to bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time since 1993, Five Guys sign a three season partnership with the NFL in the UK, and Coventry City celebrate its first Premier League home victory in 25 years, we bring you news of the recent legislative changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 and their potential to directly impact sport clubs, a look at Wakefield Trinity’s wondrous victory in the Super League, and an insight into LIV Golf’s potential lifeline investment from US firm BC Partners Credit.

Against all odds: Wakefield’s win etched in Super League history
Wakefield Trinity became Super League champions on 3 October 2026 at Old Trafford, beating Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final, marking the club’s first League Championship since 1968. Wakefield Trinity’s win is etched in Super League history, marking the remarkable transformation of the club following its relegation in 2023. Max Jowitt, Wakefield Trinity’s fullback who has played for the club for over 12 years, commented, “to be part of the worst time in Wakefield’s history, being relegated, and then the best, winning the title, within three years is beyond my wildest dreams”. Commentators have credited club owner Matt Ellis’s investment in the club and strategic approach to player recruitment for his side’s historic title triumph. The win could also lead to further external investment in Super League clubs, particularly as the Grand Final victory coincides with potential incoming investment by Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) in the Super League.

Ball in the employer’s court: New third-party harassment provisions
Recently enacted third-party harassment provisions under the Employment Rights Act 2025 will make employers liable for third-party harassment suffered by their employees during the course of employment, unless they can demonstrate that they have taken “all reasonable steps” to prevent it. This could have a significant impact on sporting organisations, where abusive behaviour towards players, coaches and officials has traditionally been treated primarily as a regulatory issue. The new legislation has the potential to reshape that approach, with organisations now considering the issue at the highest levels and reviewing their own policies and third party arrangements to ensure safer working environments. As a starting point, sporting organisations can conduct risk assessments to identify where third-party harassment may occur, provide formal tailored training to different employee groups, and ensure adequate support is available to anyone affected across the organisation. The change is due to take effect from 30 October 2026. Sign up to RPC’s Employment Rights Act Tracker for all the latest updates.

(LIV)e to fight another day: $300 million financing keeps new season alive
An anticipated investment of $300 million by US-based international investment firm BC Partners Credit into LIV Golf for the 2027 season may offer the breakaway circuit a road to redemption following its recent troubles, with a view to securing a long -term future for the format. The league previously cancelled its season-ending Team Championship in August 2026 and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in September 2026, following the pull back of the existing funding of the league by the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund (see Sports Ticker #159). The potential lifeline comes as a beacon of hope and as suggested by the credit firm, it will likely be put towards major structural changes in the league, with the possibility of players receiving equity ownership in the league as well as individual teams. This could prove crucial for player retention, as the league currently owes competition participants sums of up to $45 million, leaving players with the option to exit.

Powerplay: Cricket’s ‘Big Three’ block World Club Championship proposal
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has scrapped plans to introduce a World Club Championship or other international tournaments in the competition cycle before 2031, following objections from the national boards of the sport’s ‘Big Three’: England, Australia and India. The ICC has shown a willingness to introduce new concepts or competitions to the existing rotation to drive the revenue and popularity of the sport, particularly amid a looming scare over a drop in value for media rights from last year. However, the national boards claim the current international calendar is too crowded for any additions and ICC’s plans will not move forward unless existing tournaments are removed from the calendar. Any next steps by the ICC are likely to involve close consideration of the Big Three’s commercial impact on the sport, particularly India, with its contribution totalling to 70% of cricket’s global revenue and, via JioStar, $3.1 billion of the ICC’s $3.5 billion global broadcast revenue.

Race to host 2036 Olympics heats up as India and Qatar set the pace
Seven nations are competing to host the 2036 Olympics, with India and Qatar tentatively identified as frontrunners ahead of Germany, Hungary, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey. The official selection process begins next month, with countries making virtual presentations to the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission and pitching their countries as the ideal destination for the 2036 Olympics. The Indian Olympic Association has released its manifesto “Rising Together”, with stated vision to “inspire millions” through its first hosting of the Games. It is positioning Ahmedabad as the primary host city and wishes to attract investment to boost its international ambition and grow its sporting market. However, it faces fierce competition from Qatar, which boasts extensive sporting infrastructure alongside experience of staging the 2022 Men’s FIFA World Cup. Turkey, a repeat bidder, plans to use upcoming international sporting events to demonstrate its organisational capabilities, while Germany, Hungary, South Africa and South Korea remain in contention.

Extra time...

…and finally, the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 has sparked increased viewership of the English Premier League across the pond. Nielsen Sports has reported a 20% increase in viewership among US-based adults aged 18–34 compared to the last season, with the World Cup, hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico this year, being credited for the heightened viewership. Data collected also showed that it had helped widen the league’s appeal to younger and more diverse audiences. Tottenham Hotspur matches have been unusually popular, with their fixture against Brentford becoming the second-most-watched match of the season so far. The World Cup has added positive momentum to football viewership as a whole, with interest in the sport growing and viewership of the domestic Major League Soccer competition also increasing by 25%.