The Ball is in IHG’s Court: IHG Hotels & Resorts Kicks off 2024 with Exciting Sports Partnerships

ATLANTA, FEBRUARY 2, 2024 – IHG Hotels & Resorts is kicking off 2024 strong, announcing new additions to its roster of sports partners across the globe – including Professional Pickleball Association in the U.S. and recently announced Six Nations Rugby across Europe – and the continuation of longstanding relationships, like the United States Tennis Association. With a growing list of partners, IHG continues to offer IHG One Rewards members greater choice when using their loyalty points to redeem or bid on one-of-a-kind experiences available only on the IHG One Rewards Access platform.

Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Global Guest Experience, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “One of the biggest reasons our guests travel is to be closer to their passions – and for many, that’s tied to seeing their favorite sports team or player compete. We have a portfolio of 19 brands and over 6,000 hotels to meet various sports traveler needs, and our diverse group of incredible sports partners help us bring more options to create unforgettable moments for our members.”

From behind-the-scenes stadium tours to signed merchandise from legendary players, IHG One Rewards members will have access to exclusive ticket packages and unique fan experiences across the world of sports – bringing them closer to all the court, field, or pitch action. Partner highlights are as follows:

The US Open Tennis Championships

IHG has extended its multi-year agreement with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), serving as the Official Hotel and Hotel Loyalty Program of the US Open Tennis Championships. This year will mark the sixth consecutive year IHG will offer IHG One Rewards members and guests attending the US Open a taste of IHG’s best-in-class hospitality and deep-rooted legacy in global luxury.

Major League Soccer

IHG will continue its ongoing relationship with Major League Soccer as its Official Hotel and Hotel Loyalty Program Partner. At season kickoff in mid-February, IHG One Rewards members can expect to see more redemption opportunities available to bid on using their loyalty points.

Professional Pickleball Association

If you’re a ‘pickler,’ IHG’s newest sports partner is for you. This pickleball season, IHG becomes the first-ever Official Hotel & Resort Partner for the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). The year-round partnership will pair IHG’s growing portfolio with the fastest-growing sport in the country to develop connections with a new community of pickleball players and fans.

Six Nations Rugby

IHG and Six Nations Rugby, the organization responsible for rugby’s biggest annual international rugby tournaments; specifically, Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations, have joined forces through a new long-term partnership that will put fans at the heart of the action. As the first Official Hotel Partner of Six Nations Rugby, IHG will show up on and off the pitch, bringing IHG One Rewards members closer to highly coveted fan experiences.

European Professional Club Rugby

IHG’s role as Official Hotel Partner of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup continues in 2024. The partnership opens the doors for EPCR’s global fanbase to engage with IHG One Rewards via chances to redeem tickets and in-game events using rewards points.

Rugby Australia

Continuing the Rugby fever Down Under, IHG has extended its two-decade partnership with Rugby Australia as Official Hotel Provider for the Wallabies, and Official Supplier of the Wallabies. IHG has also extended its agreement with SANZAR as its Exclusive Hotel Partner – incorporating the Super Rugby Pacific and The Rugby Championship tournaments in Australia and New Zealand – opening options for members to redeem for premier tickets.

A-Leagues

IHG continues its three-year deal with A-Leagues, the pinnacle of professional football in Australia, as Official Accommodation Partner for both the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s and the Liberty A-League Women’s competitions. Upcoming redemption opportunities for members include access to tickets and player engagements such as ‘Field of Play’ tours.

Outside the arena, IHG delivers more ways for loyalty members to redeem their points via the IHG One Rewards mobile app – where members can access IHG’s world of 19 brands and more than 6,000 hotels in the palm of their hand.

To learn how to redeem points for any IHG sports partner experience, please visit auctions.ihg.com, and to learn more about IHG One Rewards, visit IHGOneRewards.com.