iON America Sponsors FLW

Major fishing organisation FLW announced today it has reached an exclusive, multi-year sponsorship deal with iON America, the company that brought Shoot/Share Wi-Fi connectivity to point-of-view (POV) cameras.

Per the sponsorship agreement, iON America has been named the official and exclusive POV camera sponsor for FLW, and the newly available iON Air Pro 3 will be used on all of the final-day, top-10 FLW Tour competitors’ boats as well as prominently featured during the airings of the “FLW” television show on NBC Sports Network.

“We are very excited to announce our partnership with iON America,” said Trish Blake, president of FLW Marketing. “The iON brand is an extremely high-quality line of cameras with great innovation and reasonable pricing. They were the first to offer Wi-Fi connectivity and free cloud storage to users. The possibilities of what this partnership can do across our various media channels and for our sport is endless.”

The recently available iON Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi wearable, high-definition (HD) video camera will be featured by FLW throughout the 2014 season. The iON Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi offers powerful, new features designed to make it easier for anglers of all levels to capture and share high-quality video and still images. However, it retains the compact size, light weight and fully waterproof design that have made Air Pro cameras a natural choice for FLW fans.

“We are excited to see iON cameras capturing content during the competition,” said iON America CEO Giovanni Tomaselli. “FLW will then use this content for their production needs and for ongoing development of the sport.”

“We are also pleased to announce that Bill McDonald has joined iON as our hunt and fish specialist,” continued Tomaselli. “Bill brings with him 20 years of tournament fishing experience and will help solidify iON’s place in the fishing world.”

Per its sponsorship agreement, iON America will be featured across all of FLW’s media platforms, including its tournaments and expos, websites, social media, FLW Bass Fishingmagazine and the “FLW” television show on NBC Sports Network. The Emmy-nominated “FLW” is broadcast Sundays in high-definition (HD) on NBC Sports Network to more than 564 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.

Skrill Terminates Title Sponsorship of Football Conference Early

After being the title sponsor for barely half the season, Skrill have announced they have mutually agreed with the Football Conference to end their sponsorship at the end of the season. 

Skrill became title sponsor of the England’s fifth tier in late July last year in what was expected to be a three-year partnership.

Skrill suggested a change in strategy that led to the deal being terminated early.

In a statement the Football Conference said: “Skrill has undergone a number of changes since the agreement was entered into and will be aligning any future sponsorship activity to its global strategy.

“The Football Conference has always enjoyed excellent relations with its previous title partners and, in the relatively short time it has worked with Skrill, has found the relationship to be a strong and beneficial one.

“It recognises that Skrill’s long-term plans have changed and is grateful for the opportunity afforded to it to be associated with such an excellent brand.”

 

Panasonic Reveal New York Jets Sponsorship

Panasonic has announced a three-year sponsorship deal with the NFL’s New York Jets football franchise to give fans an opportunity to capture the imagery and backdrop of a professional football game experience.

The relationship provides Jets’ VIP fans the chance to borrow a state-of-the-art Lumix camera from Panasonic’s Lending Bar.

Among the featured cameras is the FZ70, a super-long-zoom digital camera; the ZS25, a compact zoom digital camera; and the LX7, a feature-rich compact digital camera.

Jets House, presented by Panasonic, is the New York Jets’ official hospitality venue where VIP fans can gather to before the big game.

At each session, current and former Jets players and cheerleaders took photos with fans and autograph items.

This week’s festivities featured a “Super Brunch” hosted by Jets first-round draft pick, D’Brickashaw Ferguson.

Underwear Brand Jockey Sponsors All Blacks

Underwear manufacturer Jockey have announced a new partnership with New Zealand Rugby Union to sponsor the All Blacks and All Blacks Sevens.

Under a three year sponsorship deal announced today Jockey will be the Official Off-field Underwear sponsor of both teams. A new marketing campaign also launched today features All Blacks and All Blacks Sevens sporting their jockeys.

Dan Carter, who has featured in Jockey’s campaigns for the last 10 years, is stepping away from the camera and will now take on a Global Ambassador role for the Jockey International brand. 

“It’s great to see a partnership between a brand Kiwis love and their favourite rugby teams,” said New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew. “We welcome Jockey to our group of sponsors and we’re sure they, like all our sponsors, will be great supporters of our game.”

“We are excited to embark on the next chapter with the All Blacks and All Blacks Sevens sponsorship,” said Jane Lawry, Jockey Marketing Manager. “The players are leaders in their field, so it’s only right that New Zealand’s favourite underwear brand is building on a partnership with the world’s greatest rugby teams.”

The latest sponsorship agreement follows another successful year for New Zealand Rugby’s commercial programme in 2013.

Two long standing partners renewed their commitment to New Zealand Rugby. Lion has been a proud supporter of rugby for 27 years while Ford has partnered with the game for 17 years.

Unilever has also continued its association with personal care brands Rexona and Clear, while Proctor & Gamble joined the sponsor group through Duracell batteries.

Barkers and Novartis (Voltaren) renewed their associations early in 2013.

“New Zealand Rugby is in the very fortunate position of having the support of a diverse group of national and global sponsors including Principal Partner adidas, Sky Television and Major Global Sponsor AIG,” said Tew. “These partnerships mean our income is secured for the medium term which is great news for all of New Zealand rugby. 

“Our sponsors play an important role in ensuring our game remains strong. Their investment helps us to keep the game flourishing from the community level upwards, retain and nuture our players and coaches and keep producing world champion teams.”

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Primary Sponsor Fails to Pay NASCAR’s Turner Scott Motorsports, Leads to Redundancies

NASCAR team Turner Scott Motorsports (TSM) have announced that today that Arrowhead, the primary sponsor of the No. 4 entry driven by Jeb Burton in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS), has defaulted on payment to the team.

In a staement the team said: “As a result of Arrowhead’s unfortunate and untimely failure to make a critical payment, Turner Scott Motorsports will not be able to field Burton and the No. 4 truck full time for the 2014 season.

“The loss of the primary sponsor also means that the company must begin making staff reductions. It is anticipated that the reductions will affect up to 20-percent of the current TSM workforce. The company is moving as quickly as possible to give the affected employees the maximum opportunity to seek employment with other teams.”

“The breakout success of Jeb Burton and the entire No. 4 team in 2013 makes these decisions especially painful,” said team co-owner Harry Scott Jr. “However, we will do everything we can to put Jeb on the racetrack with our organization going forward. He is a great talent and has a great career ahead of him. Despite this setback, Turner Scott Motorsports remains strong overall and will compete for championships in both the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. We are extremely proud of the talent of our workforce here at TSM, and it is very difficult for us to lose anyone within our organization. We understand the way that this affects the lives of everyone involved, and we will do our best to assist in placement elsewhere in the sport.”

“Obviously, these are tough circumstances for everyone involved, not just for me, but also for my teammates who are affected,” said Burton. “I am working with Turner Scott Motorsports to identify any potential opportunities for me to get on the track this year.”

Turner Scott Motorsports is still preparing to compete in the 2014 season with multiple entries in both the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) and NCWTS. The team will compete in the NNS with two full-time teams, including Kyle Larson and a second driver to be named in the near future. TSM will compete in the NCWTS with one full-time team (Ben Kennedy in the No. 31) and one part-time team (Brandon Jones with other drivers to be named later).

KFC to Sponsor New Zealand’s Five Teams in Super Rugby

Fast food restaurant KFC have announced its sponsorship of the five New Zealand Super Rugby teams in this year’s Investec Super Rugby competition, which kicks off on February 15.

Jamie McKaughan, KFC’s general manager of operations, says as a long-time sponsor of the Condor Sevens the decision to support the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders was a “natural progression”, and one enthusiastically welcomed by KFC staff.

“We’re getting involved with Super Rugby because we’re huge fans ourselves”, says McKaughan. “KFC and rugby are Kiwi favourites. We’re both about gathering family and mates to enjoy something, whether it’s a meal or a great game.”

McKaughan wants to use his large network of stores and customers around the country to attract a younger and more diverse audience to the game.

All five New Zealand Super Rugby teams believe KFC’s support will help to revitalise rugby for the youth market. KFC have a particularly high reach in the youth market, which the Super Rugby licensees say they are keen to better connect with. It is hoped that this partnership may help to grow more young rugby spectators and participants.

Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said “KFC has done some fantastic things with cricket in Australia and the Crusaders are really looking forward to them bringing some of that fun and entertainment to Super Rugby here in New Zealand.  We believe they have a lot to offer, both in promoting the game and in adding to the at-game experience.”

KFC will show support for the teams in-store and out in the community, and via traditional and social media. All 98 KFC stores nationwide will be decked out in local team colours with staff also wearing limited-edition uniforms.

KFC’s customers and 300 000+ Facebook fans can look forward to some great prizes and free game tickets and meals in exchange for showing support for their team.

“KFC’s offering some great activities and competitions throughout the season to help people get more involved, including our sponsorship of popular gaming apps Virtual Rugby and Fantasy Rugby, which will be combined and rebranded as Dream Team,” said McKaughan.

Stella Artois Named Official Beer of The Open Championship

Stella Artois have been announced as the Official Beer of The Open Championship to be held at Royal Liverpool in 2014. 

As part of the deal, Stella Artois will be available at Royal Liverpool from 13th – 20th July 2014, with customised space for discerning golf fans to enjoy a superior beer experience throughout the prestigious Championship. 

Away from Royal Liverpool, Stella Artois’ sponsorship of The Open Championship will be supported with a fully integrated campaign including above the line, on-pack promotions and digital marketing. 

Stella Artois supports some of the world’s greatest events and with The Open Championship the premium Belgian beer is adding to its impressive list of partnerships, which includes the Cannes Film Festival and the Kentucky Derby. 

Phil Pick, Marketing Manager for Stella Artois UK, said: “At Stella Artois we have a huge appreciation for events that celebrate a real sense of occasion and excellence. We are delighted to be a part of one of the biggest sporting events in the UK and look forward to showcasing our pouring ritual to the thousands of fans who will attend Royal Liverpool this July. At The Open Championship we won’t just be serving good beer and cider, we will only be serving the best.” 

Michael Tate, Executive Director – Business Affairs at The R&A added: “The Open Championship is delighted to welcome Stella Artois as the Official Beer for the 143rd Championship at Royal Liverpool. We are proud to partner with Stella Artois who share our values of promoting the best in delivery and craftsmanship.”

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Peugeot to Sponsor Hansen Motorsport in FIA World Rallycross Championship

French car brand Peugeot have announced Hansen Motorsport from the FIA World Rallycross Championship from 2014.

Peugeot’s involvement in motorsport has one of the broadest ever seen over the decades. The make has claimed titles in the World Rally Championship and Sportscar World Championship, viagra while its ventures into such celebrated competitions as the Dakar, drugs Pikes Peak, prescription Le Mans and Indianapolis have all been crowned with success.

The official name of the resulting team is Team Peugeot-Hansen and, in association with Peugeot’s longstanding partner Total, it will compete with a 208 T16 silhouette version of the 208. The programme will cover all 12 rounds of the championship which is due to kick off in May.

Driver Kenneth HANSEN, said: “We are very proud and honoured to be working with Peugeot Sport in this year’s FIA World Rallycross Championship. We couldn’t be more motivated, but we are also acutely aware that the programme comes with a huge responsibility. Be sure, though, that we will do everything in our power to make sure Peugeot has no regrets about placing its faith in Hansen Motorsport.

“My entire focus is now on getting on with the work that awaits us, from the team’s branding to the tiniest of screws which will go into the car. Hansen Motorsport can look back at a successful record and our big dream right now is to fight at the very front with Peugeot. This is a completely new project which starts here and now, so we will need to work harder than ever in our bid to secure more success in 2014.”

Bruno FAMIN, Director, Peugeot Sport, added: “At Peugeot Sport, we are constantly looking to explore different forms of motorsport. Rallycross is a discipline that is expanding quickly, and that includes the introduction of an FIA-sanctioned world championship from this year. We were attracted to the sport by a long list of factors, including its spectacular side, the big crowds it draws and the cars that are involved. They are very close to our target. We naturally sought to strike up a relationship with one of the best teams in the business, namely Hansen Motorsport. Team Peugeot-Hansen is starting from scratch for this new championship and we face a fascinating challenge with a calendar of 12 rounds across the world in some of the most strategically important markets for the brand.”

Martin ANAYI, Managing Director of World Championship Promoter, IMG Motorsport: “We are delighted that Peugeot Sport has pledged its commitment to officially supporting a professional race team entering the FIA World Rallycross Championship in its inaugural year. To have a second major manufacturer involved in this way is another significant coup for our fast-growing series”.

Rallycross is another competition in which Peugeot has been active over the years, and the introduction of a new World Rallycross Championship in 2014 will provide the discipline with a tremendous springboard to expand beyond its traditional European boundaries.

Cleveland Browns Announce University Hospitals as Official Health Care Partner

The Cleveland Browns have announced the University Hospitals (UH) in Cleveland as the official health care partner of the NFL franchise for the next 10 years.

As the Official Health Care Partner of the Browns, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, the health system’s nationally recognized academic medical center, will provide a complete team of physician specialists covering every aspect of the team’s health care needs.

Both organizations’ leaders described a commitment to co-create an innovative sports medicine program based on medical and scientific evidence-based research to advance the athletic performance and the overall health and fitness of the Browns players.

“We are extremely pleased to announce this partnership with University Hospitals,” said Cleveland Browns President Alec Scheiner. “Health and safety are very important issues not only for our players but also for our staff. Our goal is to continually and aggressively look at how we can positively affect our organization. Through this medical partnership, we will further develop innovative and comprehensive programs that enhance athletic performance and wellness.”

In collaboration with the Browns, UH has agreed to develop a trans-disciplinary sports medicine team that includes nearly all medical specialties. 

“The entire sports world is indeed on the brink of real change when it comes to caring for its athletes,” said Joe Sheehan, Browns Head Athletic Trainer. “Organizations which develop unique and exceptional comprehensive systems dedicated to the growth and development of their athletes, in the physical, mental and fundamental domains, will redefine the industry standard of care.”

UH will also manage and provide urgent care to Browns fans at FirstEnergy Stadium and health and wellness programs for the Browns franchise and their families. In a separate agreement, UH will become a sponsor of the Cleveland Browns that extends to 2024. As part of that investment, UH will receive extensive signage at the stadium and other advertising opportunities.

“University Hospitals and the Cleveland Browns will redefine sports medicine in ways that will benefit professional and amateur athletes at every level,” said Thomas F. Zenty III, CEO of UH. “We are honored to provide an all-inclusive approach to the Cleveland Browns’ organization. Our goal is to provide the Browns with the most innovative, comprehensive health care program in the NFL and to support them all the way to a championship.”

BK Racing Extends Dr Pepper Partnership

As the BK Racing team embarks on its third season in NASCAR’s premier level beginning with the annual Daytona 500 on February 23, the team will continue its longtime partnership with Dr Pepper aboard the renumbered No. 23 BK Racing Toyota Camry for Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Alex Bowman.

“We are excited to partner with BK Racing for the third consecutive year,” explains Kelton Graham, vice president of sales for the Burger King account at Dr Pepper Snapple Group. “Like Dr Pepper, the BK Racing team is one of a kind, and we look forward to celebrating with them in Victory Lane in 2014!” 

BK Racing renumbered the No. 93 to the No. 23 in 2014 as in honor of the 23 flavors in Dr Pepper. 

The No. 23 Dr Pepper Toyota Camry will carry two different paint schemes throughout the 2014 season. For day races the car will be maroon with a single-silver offset stripe and for night races silver with a maroon single-offset stripe.

“Having Dr Pepper sponsoring my first Sprint Cup Series ride is an honor and a privilege,” said Bowman. “Being a lifelong fan of Dr Pepper, it’s really cool to represent such an iconic brand.”

“Since we started BK Racing in February of 2012, I always wanted the No. 23,” said team owner Ron Devine. “We feel like the relationship with Dr Pepper is very strong and this will take it to the next level.”