Australia

The first tennis Grand Slam event of the year, the Australian Open, has increased its prize money by 4.5 percent for the 2004 tournament.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has confirmed the live event dates for its Asian tour this December, taking in Korea, Malaysia and Singapore.

The organisers of this month's Rugby World Cup have issued a warning to non-sponsors over the use of ambush marketing at the tournament.

London-based sports marketing agency, Global Marketing Communications, has acquired brand marketing and licensing operation, Global Brand Strategy.

The AFL will boast premiership games in every state and territory of Australia next year after signing a deal with the Northern Territory government.

Sports information company Infostrada Sports has been awarded the contract to provide a range of media services to this month's Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The official website of the Rugby World Cup has been launched following a ceremony in Sydney.

The dates for the Australian Open golf tournament have been put back by three weeks at the request of host broadcaster Seven Network in a bid to avoid schedule clashes with the Davis Cup tennis final.

The Brisbane Lions victory over Collingwood helped Network Ten achieve the second highest audience for an AFL Grand Final in history.

CART has confirmed 15 races for 2004 - the first season the open-wheel racing series is set to race under new ownership.

A new company to replace the existing corporate entity of Soccer Australia will be formed within days to oversee the development and control of the game in Australia.

AFL club Carlton has extended its stadia naming rights deal with Optus.

Cricket headgear firm Albion has signed a joint venture with the MCC.

The India division of electronics company Samsung has signed a deal to become an official sponsor of the Indian Olympic team at the 2004 Games in Athens.

Australian sports insurance underwriter Sportscover has unveiled Hollard Insurance as its new licensed insurance facility, effective from the start of next month.

The US has confirmed it will be sending its own security forces to guard its athletes competing in next year's Olympic Games in Athens.

The World Rally Championship has unveiled its expanded calendar for next year including new races in Mexico and Japan.

Pay-TV channel Fox Sports World has obtained the delayed TV rights in the US for all 48 matches of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.