De Lorenzo to Sponsor W-League’s Sydney FC

Australian hair product brand De Lorenzo has agreed to sponsor Westfield W-League’s Sydney FC.

The company will become the team’s sleeve and shorts sponsor.

The signing adds to Sydney FC’s burgeoning list of corporate partners in a year when the club has already achieved record figures for sponsorship revenue.

“We are thrilled to add another well respected company to our list of corporate partners,” said Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata.  “De Lorenzo has an excellent reputation for producing quality hair products and we hope we can work together to ensure our relationship will be mutually beneficial.

“Sydney FC now has the most extensive and high quality list of corporate partners in the club’s history which we are looking to add to.  It all goes to show the club is on the right track both on and off the field and is in good hands for the future.

Caltex have recently signed a deal to become the Westfield W-League squad’s front of shirt sponsor and are already the shorts sponsor for the Hyundai A-League side.

Webjet and Destination NSW have committed to the Hyundai A-League season 2013/14, while Westfield W-League major sponsors JB Metropolitan Distributors are also on board.

St George Bank has become the official Sydney FC Community Partner and today’s announcement follows the recent signings of StarTrack, Nick Scali, Supa IGA / IGA, Beechwood Homes and the Australian Careers Business College as major partners.

Pepper Group Signs On to Sponsor Western Sydney Wanderers

A-League’s Western Sydney Wanderers have announced a partnership with new financial services sponsor, Pepper Group, signing on for the next three seasons.

As part of the deal, Pepper Australia will take a prominent role on the Wanderers playing kit with the Pepper logo resting on the right sleeve of the Hyundai A-League jersey.

One of Australia’s leading non-bank lenders, Pepper offers a range of consumer finance products and services and fit perfectly with the Wanderers growing list of blue ribbon corporate partners.

Executive Chairman, Western Sydney Wanderers, Lyall Gorman, not only sees the positives of the partnership for Wanderers fans but also the similarities between Pepper and the Wanderers’ growth trajectory.

“The Wanderers growth story continues today with the signing of our newest partner, Pepper Australia,” said Gorman.

“The Wanderers are a club that is for the community of Western Sydney, we serve to enrich the lives of those we connect with across our vast region.

“Pepper is also on a rapid growth trajectory and continues to set a cracking pace with a major commitment to increase their value proposition for the growing Western Sydney community.

“Bringing Pepper into the Wanderers family allows us to connect so much more with our fans and members as we continue to find opportunities to grow together and flourish as a community.”

To add to the symmetries between the Wanderers and Pepper, both have recently expanded into Asia with Pepper branching into South Korea and the Wanderers recent WanderTour of Japan and China as well as the Club’s 2014 Asian Champions League debut entry.

“Pepper is delighted to be entering into this exciting, long-term partnership with the Western Sydney Wanderers and we look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the Club’s future sporting and financial success,” said Patrick Tuttle, Pepper’s Co-Group Chief Executive Officer. 

“We believe that there is a very strong alignment of corporate and brand values between Pepper, the Wanderers, and its ever-increasing number of loyal and passionate supporters.  We are also very proud to employ a large number of our staff here in Parramatta within our National Operations Centre. I am confident that today marks the beginning of what will prove to be a very successful partnership between our two great organisations”, added Tuttle.

B&G Confirmed as Volvo Ocean Race Supplier for 2014/15

B&G, medicine a leading sailing marine electronics manufacturer has become an Official Race Supplier for the Volvo Ocean Race for the 2014/15 period.

Following the decision by the Volvo Ocean Race team to purchase B&G navigation systems to equip the entire fleet of one-design Volvo Ocean 65 yachts, viagra 40mg B&G will also be providing full electronic navigation systems, tactical software and race support to the organisers of the 2014 Volvo Ocean Race, which begins on the 4th October in Alicante, Spain.

The newly designed Volvo Ocean 65 yachts benefit from a B&G system which has been developed from the ground up to specifically meet the demanding needs of the gruelling 39,000 nautical mile race.

As well as a complete line of B&G products, race participants will be supported at every stopover by a team of B&G specialists, they will also have access to 24/7 emergency technical assistance.

The Volvo Ocean Race technical, race and media teams are supplied with live data, which is transmitted from the B&G systems onboard the yachts to the race HQ in Alicante, this allows monitoring of each vessel, as well as providing an overview of current weather conditions.

Alan Davis, Product Line Director for B&G, said: “We have worked closely with the Volvo Ocean Race team and their partners to provide technical solutions to integrate the new Volvo Ocean 65’s systems, and are jointly developing innovations for the race boats and committee boats of the future.”

Jack Lloyd, Race Director from Volvo Ocean Race said: “In a race as high profile and challenging as the Volvo Ocean Race, it is essential that Race Control is up to date with the latest and most accurate race information, which is why we chose B&G to supply systems to both our race boats and our Race Control in Alicante.”

Claro to Sponsor ATP’s Rio Open

Brazilian operator Embratel has announced that its pay-TV unit Claro HDTV will be the major sponsor of the largest tennis tournament in South America, buy the Rio Open ATP World Tour 500 and WTA International.

The tournament will now be called Claro HDTV Presents Rio Open. Besides the sponsorship of the pay-TV operator, the event will feature the telecommunications infrastructure of Embratel.

The Rio Open will take place from 15 to 23 February in Rio de Janeiro. The tournament will be broadcast in HD, with four daily games on the SporTV channels, and ATP Media will distribute the signal from the Rio Open daily to over 50 countries

Panini Signs NFL Rookie E.J. Manuel to Endorsement Deal

Panini Authentic has signed Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel to an exclusive autographed memorabilia deal joining Andrew Luck, capsule Kobe Bryant, viagra 60mg Kevin Durant, sale Kyrie Irving and Blake Griffin. 

“We’ve had a great relationship with EJ since before the 2013 NFL Draft and we are extremely excited to welcome him to the Panini Authentic family,” said Panini America CEO Mark Warsop said in a release. “On the field and off, EJ is an impressive individual and someone we’re proud to have representing our brand while offering another dimension to our Panini Authentic division.”

In eight games this season, Manuel has completed 145-of-249 passes (58.2 percent) for 1,595 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions. Buffalo is 4-8 this year.

“Panini America is a first-class organization and the global leader in trading cards and memorabilia. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know them [on a personal level] for almost a year now, and I’m truly honored to officially join their team in this exclusive relationship,” said Buffalo Bills Quarterback, EJ Manuel.

Volkswagen Decides Against Renewing D.C. United Sponsorship

German car manufacturer Volkswagen will not continue as shirt sponsors of Major League Soccer’s D.C. United.

Volkswagen declined to exercise an option to remain as the MLS club’s primary sponsor, a multimillion-dollar deal in place for six years. The iconic VW logo featured prominently on United’s shirts and across various levels of team branding since 2008.

“Volkswagen has realigned its strategic sports marketing objectives and moved out of team level sponsorships,” Scott Vazin, vice president of brand communications, told the Insider. “Volkswagen continues to work closely with D.C. United to explore alternative levels of involvement with the team.”

United officials say the sides will likely maintain a business relationship on a smaller scale next season, with Volkswagen continuing to serve as the club’s automobile sponsor. The German company’s U.S. headquarters are located in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Meantime, United is “getting close” to reaching a deal with a new primary sponsor, said Mike Schoenbrun, vice president for business development and partnerships. He said the club is engaged in talks with six companies, all based in the United States but with global operations. He declined to name the candidates.

In 2008, United signed a five-year contract with Volkswagen valued at $14 million, which, at the time, was the second-most lucrative in MLS behind the Los Angeles Galaxy’s pact with Herbalife.

The sides extended the deal for 2013 under undisclosed terms, with VW holding an option for 2014.

Arbella Insurance to Sponsor MIAA Football Championships

The Arbella Insurance Group have announced its first ever sponsorship of the MIAA Football Championships, apoplectic set for this weekend at Gillette Stadium, order Massachusetts.

The “High School Super Bowls” – the six Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) championship football games – begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 7. Thousands of area fans from across the state will attend the games.

“We couldn’t be happier to sponsor this great day of high school football,” said John Donohue, chairman, president and CEO of the Arbella Insurance Group, and chairman and president of the Arbella Insurance Foundation.

“We’re a local company and we’re so proud to cheer on these young athletes from our communities who have worked so hard to make it to these championship games. This is a highlight of the season for so many of us across Massachusetts – we’re looking forward to some exciting games.”

Canon Named Official Supplier of Imaging Solutions for 2014 Ryder Cup

The 2014 Ryder Cup in Scotland will have an Official Supplier of Imaging Solutions after Canon Europe was announced as their latest partner.

Canon will undertake a range of activities at The Gleneagles Hotel, buy Perthshire, viagra from September 26-28, including providing all photography, video, print and copying solutions used by the event organisers.  They will work with Ryder Cup Europe to deliver a range of image-related initiatives to enhance the spectator experience and showcase the latest imaging and camera technology.

The Canon Professional Services (CPS) team will be on site sharing their imaging expertise and helping professional photographers get the perfect shot in Scotland.  The dedicated team of CPS technicians at The 2014 Ryder Cup Media Centre will provide accredited professional photographers with advice, essential maintenance services, equipment loans and help with minor repairs.

James Leipnik, Chief of Communication, Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “We are proud to further extend our partnership with the world of elite golf by becoming the Official Supplier of Imaging Solutions to The 2014 Ryder Cup.

“Canon has a deep, longstanding relationship with top level international sports including football and athletics.  Few other events stir the emotions of the sporting public quite like The Ryder Cup. The power of image will be spectacularly showcased via the potent combination of highly competitive, world class golf set against the beautiful backdrop of Gleneagles, one of the  most famous and historic golf courses in Scotland.”

Richard Hills, European Ryder Cup Director, said: “The Ryder Cup always produces a number of iconic images and Canon will play a vital role in this, working alongside the many professional photographers covering the matches at Gleneagles next year.

“We look forward to employing Canon’s expertise in Scotland and are delighted to have them on board as an Official Supplier.”

Canon has supported a number of sporting events across EMEA with imaging solutions and CPS teams, most recently at the IAAF World Athletics Series, the UEFA EURO 2012TM football championships, and the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2013.

Hugo Boss Renews Deal as Official Clothing Sponsor of BMW PGA Championship

Hugo Boss, apoplectic has extended its deal to continue to be the Official Clothing Sponsor to the BMW PGA Championship in a new three-year deal with The European Tour until the 2016 edition.

The deal sees Hugo Boss continue to provide clothing for marshals, medicine championship hosts, asthma European Tour tournament staff along with gifts for the highly acclaimed Celebrity Pro-Am preceding the event.

As one of the marquee Partner Sponsors along with Rolex, Sime Darby and DP World, Hugo Boss will once again bring their state-of-the-art mobile store to Wentworth Club from May 22-25 as one of the focal areas of the impressive ChampionshipVillage close to the 18th green on the iconic West Course.

Hugo Boss will celebrate the tenth anniversary of their partnership with the BMW PGA Championship in 2014 by unveiling a new range of Hugo Bossmerchandise which will be available in the mobile store and the Wentworth Club professional shop before, during and after the event.

Italian Matteo Manassero is set to defend his title against a world class field over the West Course next May, and Championship Director, Jamie Birkmyre, is anticipating another compelling edition of the only Tour event in the south of England in 2014.

He said: “The Hugo Boss brand has been synonymous with BMW, The European Tour and Wentworth Club during the past nine years, and we are delighted with the news that this will be extended to 12 years at least.”

“It has been an extremely proactive association and we are excited about this new phase of our agreement with Hugo Boss. Earlier this year, we were privileged to position a BMW M6 convertible in the shop window of the Hugo Boss flagship store in London’s Sloane Square which served to emphasise the synergy between all the parties involved in this great Championship.”

Stephan Born, Managing Director of Hugo Boss UK, said: “Hugo Boss UK are thrilled to be partnering again with The European Tour, continuing our long-standing relationship with this prestigious and successful golf tournament. We look forward to celebrating the tenth anniversary in 2014 of one of our most important ongoing sports sponsorships in the UK.”

Aspire Group Renew Georgia Tech Athletics Partnership

Aspire Group have extended their deal with Georgia Tech Athletics to remain the official outsourced ticket marketing, sales and service provider for Georgia Tech Athletics through 2016.

The new extension includes a restructured Georgia Tech Fan Relationship Management Center, which will continue to engage new fans to the Flats with the additional responsibility of a dedicated Season Ticket Service staff focused on servicing the most avid Yellow Jacket fans.

With the extension, The Aspire Group and Georgia Tech Athletics have also enhanced their partnership through strategic consulting and research initiatives. The Aspire Group will annually work hand in hand with Georgia Tech Athletics on services ranging from fan research studies to yield management/house scaling analysis, which will enable the Institute to better cater to the needs of both fans of today and tomorrow.

“The Aspire Group has been a great partner to Georgia Tech Athletics the last four years. We’re now working to provide even greater service and benefits to our existing fans, while continuing to grow our base. Aspire has positioned themselves to best support our related outbound and inbound fan engagement needs, while also providing a new forward-thinking suite of marketing and analytics services,” stated Rick Thorpe, Associate AD of Sales & Fan Experience for Georgia Tech Athletics.

The Aspire Group’s partnership with Georgia Tech Athletics began in July 2009 with the first collegiate Fan Relationship Management Center (FRMC), and since then the Georgia Tech FRMC has connected with 300,000 Yellow Jacket fans and produced over $6.5 million in new ticket revenue for Georgia Tech Athletics.

“Being a former Letterwinner here at Tech, I know the feeling of playing in a packed Bobby Dodd Stadium.  I’m thrilled to continue to lead the Fan Relationship Management Center, while working even closer with the Athletics staff to drive future sellouts, while providing our existing fans the best experience,” stated A.J. Smith, Director of Aspire’s Fan Relationship Management Center at Georgia Tech.