Sponsorship & Marketing
Athens goods crackdown
The local organisers of the Athens Olympic Games have launched a new crackdown on unauthorised Olympic products as Greece braces itself for a flood of visitors flocking to the events.
Sony’s X factor
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc has confirmed it will once again sponsor ESPN’s X Games.
OLN celebrates Lance boost
The power of Lance Armstrong sent viewing figures for the Outdoor Life Network in the US soaring at the weekend as it saw record audiences for its coverage of the Tour de France.
Smith quits as NTRA chief
The chief executive of the US-based National Thoroughbred Racing Association has quit.
IMG promotes new COO
IMG executive Peter Johnson has been promoted to chief operating officer, in addition to his existing roles, joint CEOs Bob Kain and Alastair Johnson (pictured) have confirmed.
Brand Beckham takes a knock
Brand Beckham has not survived unharmed the recent allegations over his private life, according to a new survey, with the commercial clout of the England and Real Madrid star hurt by the claims.
Ticketmaster get the Blues
NHL team the St Louis Blues, and its home venue, the Savvis Center, have signed a multi-year extension to their existing ticketing agreement with Ticketmaster.
Infront skates to new deal
Infront has renewed its agreement for the marketing of the annual IIHF World Championships through to 2011.
ICC appoints US cricket chief
Gary Hopkins has been appointed the chief executive officer to lead a special development project for cricket in the US, the sport’s governing body the ICC has confirmed.
Dabs stays Ontrack
Dabs.com, the sponsor of English Premier League club Fulham, has extended its contract with sponsorship consultancy Ontrack Marketing.
Proactive’s Re-Formation
Soccer agency Proactive Sports has changed its name following an EGM.
Premium hires Rushton
Digital sports publisher Premium TV has appointed James Rushton as head of marketing – the group’s first senior marketer.
Sailor’s sponsor search
International yachtsman Alex Thomson has just three weeks to find a title sponsor for his challenge to win the forthcoming VendC)e Globe - the only single-handed, non-stop round the world yacht race – or face being forced to pull out.
Blues turn Orange
Mobile network Orange has signed a three-year deal with English Premier League club Chelsea.
WUSA eyes 2006 return
Hopes the Women’s United Soccer Association could be back in action as early as next year look likely to be optimistic, with league chiefs now seemingly focusing on a 2006 re-birth.
Lance resigns with Coke
Tour de France hero Lance Armstrong has renewed his commercial partnership with the Coca-Cola Company to promote its Dasani bottled water brand.
Duo join Premiere
WPP’s sports and entertainment marketing consultancy, PremiC(re Group, has announced the appointment of two new sponsorship consultants.
Real brand set to beat United
Spanish soccer giant Real Madrid is aiming to beat Manchester United and become the sport’s most powerful global brand.