Sponsorship

Vodafone agrees to sponsor IPL - 8 May 08

Mobile network operator, Vodafone Essar, has agreed a five-year sponsorship deal with the Indian Premier League to become the IPL’s Official Telecom Partner and Official Ground Sponsor until 2013.

Barloworld extends cycling sponsorship - 8 May 08

Industrial brand management company, Barloworld, has agreed to extend their sponsorship of Pro Continental cycling team, Team Barloworld, until 2009.

A1GP secures new sponsorship deal - 8 May 08

Dutch watch manufacturer, TW Steel, has agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with A1GP to become the Official Timing and Watch Partner for the A1GP World Cup.

Octagon’s Global Head of Football Joins Leading Football Forum - 7 May 08

Phil Carling, Global Head of Football at Octagon will join an elite line-up of speakers on stage at the European Sponsorship Association’s forthcoming Football Fever forum which takes place in London on May 23.

Toyota to end cycling sponsorship - 6 May 08

Car manufacturer, Toyota Motor Sales USA, has announced that it will not renew its sponsorship deal with the Toyota-United professional cycling team when its three-year contract expires in December 2008.

Madrid 2016 appoints Bell Pottinger as global PR - 2 May 08

The Madrid 2016 Olympic bid team has appointed leading international PR agency Bell Pottinger to support their bid to bring the Olympics back to Spain.

Federer and Mercedes sign China partnership - 30 Apr 08

Mercedes-Benz China have entered into a multi-year advertising and strategic marketing partnership with Roger Federer.

Olympic sponsors win high interest in China - 29 Apr 08

Average worldwide interest in the Olympic Games is at 52 per cent according to a new survey from SPORT+MARKT and unprompted awareness of Olympic Sponsors in China shows high interest and good results, especially for international brands.

TOKYO 2016 adds two new sponsor - 29 Apr 08

Tokyo 2016 added two new sponsors All Nippon Airways and the East Japan Railway Company to its official partners.

Hilton signs three year extension with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes - 29 Apr 08

Hilton Hotels signed an extension on its long-term sponsorship agreement with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, which will see the partnership continue for a further three years.

New Twins stadium adds $1.2 million in revenues - 28 Apr 08

The Minnesota Twins new baseball stadium is set to generate between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion in additional revenue for the club.

Cricket Ireland wins new sponsor - 28 Apr 08

Cricket Ireland agreed a deal with RSA to sponsor for the country's national teams.

EDS extends Byron Nelson Championship deal - 25 Apr 08

Technology services company EDS has extended its commitment as title sponsor of the EDS Byron Nelson Championship PGA Tour event with the sponsorship now running through 2014.

BoscoSport becomes Fed Cup sponsor - 24 Apr 08

BoscoSport agreed a deal with the International Tennis Federation to become an international sponsor of Fed Cup by BNP Paribas.

Emirates renews sponsorship of BMW Asian Open - 24 Apr 08

Emirates Airline agreed a deal to become the Official Airline of the BMW Asian Open 2008 golf tournament - the fifth year in succession that the company has been a sponsorship partner of the event.

Molson named Official Beer Supplier for Vancouver 2010 - 24 Apr 08

Molson agreed a deal with the Vancouver Organising Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) to become exclusive Official Supplier with sponsorship rights in the beer product/service category.

Human rights campaigns target Beijing sponsors - 23 Apr 08

Campaigners against Chinese rule in Tibet, and Chinese arms trading in Africa have warned sponsors of the Beijing Olympics they risk damaging their brands by endorsing the Games.

BT Aligns With Athlete-Sponsor Matching Service Catch Sport - 18 Apr 08

BT, a London 2012 sponsor, agreed a deal to use Catch Sport’s online athlete database to search for athletes to sponsor in the run up to the Olympics in 2012.

ICC extends sponsorship deal - 17 Apr 08

Indian telecoms company, Reliance Communications, and the International Cricket Council have extended their eight year partnership for one year until 2015.

MasterCard to sponsor IPL team - 17 Apr 08

Credit card major, MasterCard, has agreed to sponsor Indian Premier League team, the Mumbai Indians.

BT appoints ambassador team for London 2012 - 16 Apr 08

BT, the Official Communications Services Partner and a Sustainability Partner for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games announced its team of London 2012 Ambassadors, which comprises the very best of British sporting talent.

CSC to end cycling sponsorship - 14 Apr 08

IT provider, Computer Sciences Corp., has said that it will not renew its eight-year sponsorship of its cycling team -Team CSC- after this year.

AT&T in frame for Cowboys naming rights - 14 Apr 08

AT&T could sign the richest naming rights deal in sports history if the US telecommunications giant follows up its reported early interest in naming a new stadium for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

Nike extends sponsorship of US Olympic Team - 11 Apr 08

Nike extended its sponsorship deal with the US Olympic Committee to become the Official Outfitter of the US Olympic and Paralympic Team until the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Carling logo removed from ‘Old Firm’ kit for kids - 9 Apr 08

Beer brand, Carling, has opted to remove its logo from Rangers and Celtic children's replica kit, two years ahead of an agreed drinks industry ban on branding child-size replica football shirts.

DirecTV sponsors the IndyCar Series - 8 Apr 08

US broadcaster DirecTV agreed a multi-year deal to become the Official Sponsor for the IndyCar Series.

LG to sponsor Snowboard World Cup - 7 Apr 08

LG Electronics has agreed a one season title sponsorship deal with the International Ski Federation for the Snowboard World Cup.

Adidas extends Ajax deal - 4 Apr 08

Adidas and Ajax Amsterdam have extended their kit sponsorship deal for ten years until the end of 2019.

FINA World Swimming Championships sign record partnerships - 4 Apr 08

The organisers of the FINA World Swimming Championships 2008 have signed the final four sponsorship deals, culminating in record commercial revenue for the event.

Macquarie partners with World Taekwondo Federation - 3 Apr 08

The Macquarie Group of Companies and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) have signed a global partnership agreement, reportedly worth $1 million.

Coca-Cola to sponsor merged IndyCar Series - 2 Apr 08

Soft drinks manufacturer, Coca-Cola North America, agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with IndyCar Series, until 2010.

US Figure Skating signs multi-year marketing deal - 1 Apr 08

US Figure Skating, the national governing body media and sponsorship deal with sports marketing agency, Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment.

HSBC to sponsor FEI events - 31 Mar 08

International banking group, HSBC Holdings plc, has agreed a new global sponsorship partnership with the Fédération Équestre Internationale.

UEFA seeks technology partner - 28 Mar 08

UEFA has launched an ‘Invitation to Submit Offers’ (ISO) process for sponsorship rights packages in the ‘technology’ category for the UEFA Champions League seasons 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12 and UEFA Super Cup 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Sponsor takes legal action against Team Gordon - 28 Mar 08

Business security software firm Vanguard Integrity Professional is taking legal action against the US motorsports outfit, Team Gordon, following comments made by the driver Robby Gordon on the Dakar Rally.

Bwin extends MotoGP sponsorship deal - 28 Mar 08

Online gaming company, bwin, has renewed its sponsorship deal with Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holders of MotoGP, for the seasons 2008 and 2009.

Growth of Sponsorship in Asia tops 50 per cent - 27 Mar 08

Sponsorship growth in Asia rose by 54 per cent in 2007, with net spend of $643 million, according to IVCast, Asia’s sponsorship monitor by OgilvyAction.

Microsoft to sponsor NASCAR race car - 27 Mar 08

Microsoft Corporation’s Small Business division has agreed to sponsor a NASCAR Sprint Cup Toyota Camry for the 2008 season.

American Airlines signs MLS sponsorship deal - 26 Mar 08

American Airlines signed an exclusive sponsorship and promotions deal with Soccer United Marketing, Major League Soccer's marketing arm.

Red Bull to partner Citroen WRC team - 26 Mar 08

Drinks manufacturer Red Bull agreed a partnership deal with the Citroen C4 WRC team for the FIA World Rally Championship.

Juventus and Sportfive agree 15-year marketing partnership - 25 Mar 08

Juventus and Sportfive Italia agreed a new long-term strategic partnership for naming and partial promotional and sponsorship rights for the club’s new stadium.

Halfords signs to GB Cycling - 20 Mar 08

Halfords, the UK's leading cycle retailer, has agreed to sponsor the Great Britain Cycling Team.

Etihad to sponsor All-Ireland Hurling Championships - 20 Mar 08

Etihad Airways has added to its sports marketing portfolio by signing a two-year deal as a lead sponsor and official airline of the GAA’s All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships.

TOKYO 2016 signs up Japan airlines - 19 Mar 08

Japan Airlines agreed a deal to become an official partner of the TOKYO 2016 Olympic Games bid.

Pepsi to sponsor IPL - 18 Mar 08

Soft drink manufacturer, Pepsi, agreed $12.5 million sponsorship deal with the Indian Premier League to become the official beverage of the IPL for the next five years.

Anheuser-Busch signs Mets deal - 18 Mar 08

Anheuser-Busch and the New York Mets have signed a multi-year marketing agreement in which Budweiser and Bud Light will become the Mets' first ‘Signature Partner’ at the new Citi Field venue which opens in 2009.

A1GP appoint Octagon Worldwide - 18 Mar 08

A1GP World Cup of Motorsport appointed Octagon Worldwide to provide strategic advice around A1GP’s current and future commercial strategy.

LTA and Stella Artois part company - 17 Mar 08

The Lawn Tennis Association and InBev UK, producers of the premium lager brand Stella Artois, mutually agreed to end their 30-year association. The 2008 Artois Grass Court Championship will be the last to carry the Artois name.

Hero Honda backs Delhi cricket franchise - 17 Mar 08

GMR Sports, which owns the Indian Premier League’s Delhi Daredevils franchise has named Hero Honda as the main sponsor of the team along with Kingfisher as the associate sponsor.

ICL team secures sponsor - 14 Mar 08

Indian real estate developer, Pioneer Urban, has agreed to sponsor the Indian Cricket League’s Delhi team for an undisclosed sum.

Cycling team to lose title sponsor - 14 Mar 08

American technology services company, Computer Sciences Corp, has decided to end its title sponsorship of professional cycling team - Team CSC.

Etihad in Ferrari F1 sponsorship - 13 Mar 08

Etihad Airways signed a three-year sponsorship deal with the Ferrari F1 team. The Abu Dhabi-based airline’s name will feature prominently on the rear wing and side of Ferrari’s car.

Blackburn Rovers nets new club sponsor - 13 Mar 08

Crown Paints agreed a shirt-sponsorship deal with Premier League club Blackburn Rovers in a deal worth up to £5 million depending on the team’s performance.

Boat Race adds new official partners - 12 Mar 08

Organisers of the Boat Race added BT, Hackett and Sharp as new partners of the annual contest between Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Du-Bang signs up for Chinese women’s football - 12 Mar 08

The Infront Sports & Media agency signed Du-Bang Insurance as an Official Partner of the Chinese women’s national football Team.

British & Irish Lions agree FirstCape sponsorship - 11 Mar 08

FirstCape agreed an official sponsorship of the British & Irish Lions and their tour to South Africa in 2009.

Soccerex announces ‘The Inside Story’ panel - 11 Mar 08

As the commercial side of the game continues to evolve and create increasingly lucrative revenue streams, Soccerex has put together a panel that will offer a distinctive insight into the business of football.

Chicago Cubs consider Wrigley Field naming rights deal - 10 Mar 08

Major League Baseball team, The Chicago Cubs, have been approached by at least three companies interested in purchasing the naming rights to the historic Wrigley Field ball park.

Hero Honda extends sponsorship deal with IPL - 10 Mar 08

Motorcycle company, Hero Honda extended its agreement with the Board of Cricket Control in India to co-sponsor the Indian Premier League from three to five years. The deal is now worth $22.5 million.

ESPI to sponsor Sri Lanka Davis Cup entry - 10 Mar 08

EPSI Computers Ltd signed a Rs. 2.5 million sponsorship deal with the Sri Lanka Tennis Association to aid Sri Lanka's participation in the Davis Cup.

Stihl secures FIA World Touring Car sponsorship - 7 Mar 08

German power tools company Stihl Group extended its sponsorship of the FIA World Touring Car Championship.

Emirates becomes partner for RWC sevens 2009 - 6 Mar 08

Rugby World Cup Limited appointed Emirates Airline as the Principal Partner for the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai.

Edelweiss wins ICL naming rights - 6 Mar 08

Financial services company Edelweiss Capital agreed title sponsorship deal with the Indian Cricket League.

Pepe Jeans to sponsor Renault F1 team - 6 Mar 08

Clothing brand, Pepe Jeans London, agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with the Renault Formula 1 Racing Team.

BT confirmed as London 2012 sponsor - 5 Mar 08

Telecoms group BT has become the fifth Tier One partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

SET strikes IPL presenting sponsor deal - 5 Mar 08

Sony Entertainment Television (SET) has signed Vodafone as the presenting broadcast sponsor for the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) in a deal worth around Rs 25-30 crore ($6.2m-$7.5m).

UFC secures sponsorship deal - 3 Mar 08

Anheuser-Busch’s Bud Light brand signed a three-and-a-half-year deal to sponsor the Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed-martial arts league.

Sponsorship boosts Australian Olympic team - 3 Mar 08

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and financial services company AXA announced a five-year deal which will cover the next two summer Games and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

MP & Silva acquires rights to Juventus Asia-Pacific Tour 2008 - 28 Feb 08

MP & Silva signed an exclusive agreement with Juventus Football Club to organise, market and commercialise the club’s Asia-Pacific summer tour.

German FA and League raided in cartel office probe - 27 Feb 08

The offices of the German Football Association (DFB) and the German Football League (DFL) were raided by cartel investigators as part of a probe into whether they sought to limit competition for football sponsorship.

Crocs snaps up beach volleyball sponsorship - 27 Feb 08

Professional beach volleyball operator, AVP, has signed footwear company Crocs as the official tour title sponsor and exclusive footwear sponsor of the newly formed Crocs Tour Australia through 2012.

HSBC becomes official partner of the PRA - 26 Feb 08

HSBC agreed a deal become the Official Banking Partner of the Professional Rugby Players’ Association (PRA), the representative body and collective voice of professional rugby union players in England.

Nike beats Adidas to French Football deal - 25 Feb 08

Nike agreed a seven-and-a half-season contract, worth €320 million deal to sponsor the French national football team from 2011.

ISC signs Auto Club partnership - 25 Feb 08

Nascar race promoters, International Speedway Corporation (ISC), have signed a 10-year, multi-million dollar partnership agreement with the Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest member of the American Automobile Association.

Sela Sport secures sponsorship of Saudi Arabian national football teams - 25 Feb 08

Sela Sport agreed a new $40million deal that will see the company become the exclusive Official Saudi Arabian Teams Sponsor.

MotorSport Vision takes over British Superbike Championship - 21 Feb 08

MotorSport Vision agreed a ten-year deal to take over the organisation and promotion of the British Superbike Championship from Dorna, starting with the 2008 season.

SUM agrees Pan-Pacific Championship sponsorships - 19 Feb 08

Soccer United Marketing agreed one-year deals with six sponsors for the Pan-Pacific Championship.

Vodafone to sponsor Epsom Derby once again - 19 Feb 08

Vodafone agreed a deal to sponsor the Epsom Derby one last time.

Epsom Derby fails to secure title sponsor - 18 Feb 08

The Epsom Derby will proceed without a naming rights partner having failed to agree a title sponsorship deal for the 2008 event.

Sport Industry Awards announce 2008 Shortlist - 14 Feb 08

After a steering committee process involving over 50 key industry figures and 40 hours of intensive judging, the shortlist of entrants for the Sport Industry Awards 2008 has now been announced.

Indian Premier League sells title sponsorship rights - 14 Feb 08

Real estate developer DLF acquired the title sponsorship rights for the Indian Premier League's Twenty20 Cup in a five-year, Rs 200 crore deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Pepsi set for Indian Premier League title sponsorship - 13 Feb 08

Pepsi is reported to be the sole bidder in the race for the title sponsorship rights for the Indian Premier League cricket tournament.

University of Oregon signs media deal - 13 Feb 08

The University of Oregon extended an agreement for its for multi-media marketing rights with Oregon Sports Network and IMG College in a ten-year, $67.14 million deal.

Nike renews RFU sponsorship deal - 13 Feb 08

Nike renewed its contract with the Rugby Football Union to be the official team-wear provider for England Rugby in a four year deal, from September 2008 until the end of the 2011-12 season.

Tokyo 2016 sponsors Gaien Cycling Criterium - 13 Feb 08

The Tokyo 2016 bid joined the Japan Cycling Federation in sponsoring the Gaien Cycling Criterium race, hosted by the Japan Intercollegiate Cycling Federation.

ICC signs Emirates partnership deal - 12 Feb 08

Dubai-based international airline, Emirates, agreed a seven year sponsorship deal with the International Cricket Council.

Naming rights deal for Giants, Jets stadium could set record - 11 Feb 08

Experts predict a deal for naming rights for the new New York Giants and New York Jets stadium to set naming rights records.

KPMG signs up Mickelson - 8 Feb 08

KPMG LLP, the US audit, tax and advisory firm, has signed a three-year global sponsorship agreement with Phil Mickelson, the No. 2 ranked golfer in the world.

Hurling Championships in sponsorship battle - 7 Feb 08

United Arab Emirates national airline, Etihad Airways, is believed to be one of six companies interested in sponsoring the All-Ireland hurling championships.

BA to sponsor London 2012 - 6 Feb 08

British Airways signed up as the fourth major sponsor of the London 2012 Olympics in a deal worth a reported £40 million.

ÅF signs as new title sponsor for Golden League - 6 Feb 08

The IAAF has agreed a two-year deal with the Swedish company ÅF for the title sponsorship of the Golden League.

Rugby League seeks new partner - 6 Feb 08

Beer brand 'XXXX' has opted not to renew its sponsorship of the Rugby Football League (RFL).

ING and Elite Racing to sponsor Philadelphia half marathon - 5 Feb 08

ING will partner sports marketing and race management group Elite Racing, Inc to become the title sponsor of the ING Philadelphia Distance Run half marathon.

Super 14 Lions land sponsorship deal - 5 Feb 08

Insurer Auto & General agreed a three-year, R30 million naming rights sponsorship deal with South African rugby union side The Super 14 Lions.

British Airways expected to become London 2012 sponsor - 4 Feb 08

British Airways is expected to become the latest sponsor of the London 2012 Games.

Land Rover partners Snowsport GB - 4 Feb 08

Land Rover has been appointed as the Official Vehicle Partner to Snowsport GB, the British Alpine Ski Team and the British Snowboard Team.

Irish sponsorship to hit €135 million in 2008 - 31 Jan 08

Sponsorship spend in Ireland is set to increase 20 per cent to a record €135 million in 2008 according to new forecasts released by leading Dublin consultancy Onside Sponsorship.

Coca-Cola Canada and RBC sponsor Vancouver 2010 Torch Relay - 30 Jan 08

Coca-Cola Canada and RBC agreed a deal with the Vancouver Organising Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) as exclusive Presenting Partners of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

Marston's to sponsor Twenty20 Cup - 30 Jan 08

UK brewer Marston's agreed a two-year deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board to become an official partner of the Twenty20 Cup.

Phoenix Coyotes to sponsor PGA golfer - 30 Jan 08

National Hockey League team, the Phoenix Coyotes, agreed a one-year sponsorship deal with PGA Tour golfer Jeff Quinney.