Sponsorship & Marketing

Bernie Ecclestone has gone on record to deny he is looking to snap up the Formula One assets of the financially-troubled Octagon Motorsports.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has signed its first 'official partner' for its new Twenty20 Cup competition - UK energy provider npower.

MasterCard has cemented itself as one of soccer's major backers after confirming its sponsorship of the 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA's Euro 2004 tournaments.

Sports goods brand adidas has renewed its deal with the University of Louisville as part of its growing list of sports marketing partners in the education sector.

Automotive manufacturer Dodge, which is already an official sponsor of the NASCAR motor racing series, has furthered its investment in the US franchise after signing a new grass-roots racing sponsorship deal.

Fox Cable Networks has promoted David Sternberg to head up its soon-to-be launched action sports network.

Advertising and marketing giant WPP has unveiled a major new sport sponsorship tool.

European soccer governing body UEFA has started the sales process for wireless rights to its Champions League tournament.

Finance figures for sportswear giant adidas have recorded encouraging growth in 2002 - with executives forecasting better results to come.

Formula One chiefs will today start the process of examining how the new changes impacted on the sport, after TV viewers were treated to a thrilling opening Grand Prix of the season - and the perfect tonic to last season's woes.

The Interpublic Group - parent of sports marketing giant Octagon - has confirmed it is examining 'exit strategies' to off-load its motorsport assets after reporting a further heavy profit dip.

Canal+ has won the French pay-TV rights contract for the Champions League, beginning with the 2003/04 season, after signing a deal with UEFA.

A number of high-level firms in the world of sports broadcasting have confirmed their participation in the upcoming SportelAsia market.

Last year's FIH Women's Hockey World Cup, held inAustralia between November 24 and December 8, broke records for the sport in terms of TV audience reach.

Southwest Airlines has signed up as a sponsor of both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

CBS has secured an extension to its sponsorship of the NCAA broadcasts by AutoTrader.com.

The English Football Association has hired two high-profile industry consultants as it prepares for its upcoming TV rights negotiations.

The Sponsorship Consultancy, part of the CSS Stellar Group, has been appointed by Masters Football to provide marketing services for the 2003 Masters Series.