News Digital Media increases its share in SportingPulse

News Digital Media Increases Its Share in SportingPulse

The chief operating officer of News Digital Media, Stuart Spiteri, today announced that the company now owns 51 per cent of Australia’s largest grassroots sporting network SportingPulse.

Attracting up to three million visitors a month, the SportingPulse network provides more than 25 sports the tools and software to manage local sporting leagues and competitions.

News Digital Media initially acquired a significant minority stake of the company in February 2009.

Mr Spiteri said that the increased investment demonstrated News Digital Media’s belief in the potential of SportingPulse and underlined News Limited’s support for Australian sport at all levels.

“SportingPulse is now the only the pre-eminent destination for grassroots sports having developed strong relationships with peak sporting bodies nationally and internationally and dramatically shifting its place Australian sport.

“Since our initial investment almost three years ago, SportingPulse revolutionised their offering moving from an IT software provider to a marketing solutions company by opening up its network to commercial partners.

“Every month it engages millions of everyday Australians, providing huge potential for advertising and other commercial initiatives. We are delighted to increase our investment and look forward to even greater future success.”

Half of all commercial profits received by SportingPulse are transferred back to its network of sporting organisations. This means advertisers contribute directly to Australian grassroots sports when partnering with SportingPulse.

Founder and chief executive officer of SportingPulse, Nick Maywald, said: “Since News Limited’s initial stake in the company, SportingPulse has become a dominant force in grassroots sport.

“We have established high-quality, integrated relationships with key partners and sponsors such as National Australia Bank, Rebel Sport, Optus, Swisse Vitamins and the Federal Government as they look for new and exciting ways to connect with everyday Australians.

We have similarly continued to add new national sport bodies to our portfolio.

“With our News relationship expanding, the team and I are really looking forward to further strengthening the relationship we have with News Limited, in turn continuing to drive increased value to local sporting communities throughout Australia.
Last month, SportingPulse achieved a ninth place listing in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50.

“The additional support from News Limited will see us continue to push new boundaries in innovation within mobile and convergent devices as well as, video through our YouTube partnership.”

SportingPulse was established in 1999 by Mr. Maywald.