The UAB Blazers, which represents the University of Alabama’s NCAA Division 1 basketball team, has announced a multi-year sponsorship deal with Protective Life Insurance Company.

“We are proud to support the UAB Blazers basketball program,” said Richard J. Bielen, vice chairman and chief financial officer for Protective Life Corporation. “As a world-class university, UAB contributes a great deal to the region in the way of academics, medical facilities and exciting athletic events. Supporting them makes sense for Protective.”

With the agreement, Protective will sponsor the ‘Protective Play of the Game,’ an in-game video feature showing a key defensive play. A different ‘Protective Play of the Game’ will be shown at each of the 17 home games, and be included in the Blazer’s post-game radio show.

“The ‘Protective Play of the Game’ has become an important element of our athletic sponsorships,” Bielen said. “It underscores what is important to us – protecting those closest to you, whether that means putting a ‘W’ in the win column, or ensuring your family’s tomorrow is protected financially with our products.”

Procter & Gamble (P&G) have been unveiled as the Official Beauty Care Provider of U.S. Figure Skating.

The partnership, which runs through June 30, 2015, includes on-air presenting rights of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series on NBC. The 2013 Grand Prix Series, a seven-event international competition featuring Olympic- and World-level athletes, kicked off in October at 2013 Hilton HHonors Skate America and concludes with the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Dec. 5-8, in Fukuoka, Japan.

P&G will receive commercial advertising across NBC’s 2013-14 figure skating coverage, including the 2013 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series, the 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships and the 2014 ISU World Figure Skating Championships. Each telecast will include an athlete-focused feature presented by one of P&G’s distinct brands. The partnership will include assets across multiple U.S. Figure Skating digital and social media platforms.

The P&G Family includes 2010 Olympic champion and 2014 hopeful Evan Lysacek (Crest) and Olympic hopefuls Ashley Wagner, the two-time reigning U.S. champion, and 2013 U.S. silver medalist Gracie Gold (both COVERGIRL). Meryl Davis and Charlie White, 2010 Olympic ice dance silver medalists, 2014 hopefuls and two-time World champions, are supported by Puffs, which began its own partnership with U.S. Figure Skating in January 2013. 

“We are thrilled to add P&G to our family of partners,” U.S. Figure Skating Executive Director David Raith said. “As a partner of the international and U.S. Olympic movement, P&G’s relationship with U.S. Figure Skating is a natural fit. We already have a strong connection to P&G through our partnership with Puffs and as we continue this all-important Olympic season, we appreciate P&G’s support of our Olympic hopefuls and their families.”

“Whether it is wiping away tears of joy, showcasing a confident smile or having a face that shines on the ice, our P&G products touch the lives of skaters and families everywhere,” said Janet Fletcher, Sports Marketing, P&G. “We are honored and proud to partner with U.S. Figure Staking, which enables us to further strengthen our relationship with those who use our products every day.”

Assante Wealth Management has been selected as the title partner for the 2014 American Hockey League (AHL) All-Star Classic.

The 2014 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Assante Wealth Management will take place at Mile One Centre in St. John’s and will feature a team of American Hockey League All-Stars facing off against Färjestad BK, one of the top professional teams in the Swedish Hockey League, in a two-day event including the All-Star Skills Competition on Tuesday, Feb. 11 and the All-Star Game on Wednesday, Feb. 12. 

In 2002, Assante (along with Baker Hughes) served as title partner for the first AHL All-Star Classic held in St. John’s. 

“We thank Assante for their continued support of both the American Hockey League and our member club in St. John’s,” said AHL President and Chief Executive Officer David Andrews. “From past experience we know that Assante will be a great partner to work with.” 

“We are proud to be the title partner of the AHL All-Star Classic in St. John’s,” said Steve Donald, President of Assante Wealth Management. “Like the AHL, we believe that to be successful you have to be part of a strong team and plan ahead. The AHL is an exceptional example of an organization investing in player development and the future of the NHL. We welcome the Swedish Färjestad BK hockey team and look forward to an exciting event.”

National Rugby League team Melbourne Storm has renewed its association with long-term partner Crown Limited.

The agreement will see the iconic entertainment brand continue to feature on the team’s apparel, asthma although in a different position to previous years.

This will be the fourth consecutive year the two well-known Melbourne brands have chosen to work together in a mutually beneficial relationship.

Storm CEO Mark Evans commented on the new deal: “It is always rewarding to work with high quality and prestigious brands, anabolics ” Evans said.

“Crown has been incredibly supportive over a number of years and everyone at Storm is really pleased they have decided to continue the relationship.

“They are an integral part of the Melbourne business landscape and we love the association we have with them.”

Crown Ltd CEO Rowen Craigie added: “Crown Resorts is delighted to be continuing their sponsorship with Melbourne’s only Rugby League club, seek ” Craigie said.

“Reflecting on the past three years since Crown first joined forces with Storm, we have proudly watched the team grow and succeed and have witnessed Storm’s vital contribution to momentum the sport of Rugby League has gained here in Melbourne.

“Crown Resorts looks forward to an exciting future with Melbourne Storm and their fans and we wish the team all the success for the upcoming season.”

Huddersfield Giants, who are currently leading the Super League table, have unveiled an innovative new sponsorship deal with Bartercard, the UK’s largest business-to-business trade exchange. 

As part of the deal, Bartercard becomes the club’s Associate Kit sponsor for the 2014 season, appearing on both the home and alternative shirts and shorts in return for credit that can be spent with any of Bartercard’s 35,000 members. The ‘Giants’ join a growing list of teams, including Hull F.C, Sheffield Wednesday and Bolton Wanderers, all of whom use Bartercard as a sponsor.

The deal allows the ‘Giants’ to spend the “Barter pounds” it earns from the sponsorship deal with the wide range of suppliers on the network. Last year £40m was traded on Bartercard in the UK.

Simon Barker, Bartercard UK CEO, commented: “We are hugely proud to sign the Huddersfield Giants to the Bartercard network. We know that 2014 is a significant year for the team which will celebrate the centennial anniversary of its most famous campaign when the legendary ‘Team of all Talents’ took home four of the top trophies in one season. We can’t wait to support and celebrate this momentous occasion with the team throughout the season.”

Huddersfield Giants Commercial Manager Paul Cribb added: “The Bartercard sponsorship is a strong strategic move for us. The bartering network allows us to engage with a large number of suppliers, which means we can preserve our cash reserves for use elsewhere. We’re incredibly proud to have Bartercard on board, and look forward to a strong year ahead.”

NASCAR has named 5.11 Tactical as the Official Tactical Apparel & Gear Supplier of the motorsport organisation in a multi-year partnership.

As part of the new official partnership, discount 5.11 Tactical, generic a leader in tactical apparel and gear design, asthma will produce high-performance uniforms for NASCAR officials across all three national series of NASCAR, as well as its national touring and weekly series.

Throughout the 10-month race season, NASCAR officials are challenged with one of the most physically demanding roles in the sport. The new uniforms will be designed to stand up to rigorous racing conditions, adapt to changing climates, and provide the durability and flexibility that are critical to perform the most strenuous of job functions in the garage. Images of the new uniforms are expected to be released in early 2014.

“The hard-working men and women that are tasked with officiating nearly 200 NASCAR sanctioned races each year should be outfitted with uniforms that ensure optimum performance and comfort throughout the demanding 10-month race season,” said Jim O’Connell, NASCAR chief sales officer. “5.11 Tactical has proven to be a leader in developing tactical apparel and we are proud to add yet another brand to our family of Official Partners this year.”

5.11 Tactical becomes the seventh company to officially partner with NASCAR in 2013. Official Partners that have entered the sport this year span across the technology, green, and automotive sectors, and include: Eaton Corporation, FDP (Duralast Brakes), HP, Liberty Tire Recycling, Prevost, and Sherwin-Williams

5.11 Tactical will feature the NASCAR bar mark across its multiple digital channels including its corporate website and will display its purpose-built tactical apparel and gear at-track each weekend. 5.11 Tactical is currently in the process of developing a new NASCAR apparel line that is expected to be available in 2014.

“5.11 Tactical is proud to partner with NASCAR and we look forward to developing innovative gear that can help benefit the sport,” said Bob Neapole, 5.11 Tactical chief revenue officer. “Similar to NASCAR, our customer base is extremely brand-loyal. Having the opportunity to display the high-performance qualities of our purpose-built gear under the arduous conditions at-track each weekend will be highly beneficial to the broader 5.11 community.”

 

Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) announced today a mutli-year deal with TNT Energy Drink, continuing Brazilian driver and reigning Indianapolis 500 Winner Tony Kanaan’s longtime relationship with the brand, as well as parent company Grupo Petrópolis, who is currently the second-largest brewery in Brazil.

TNT Energy Drink is the third-largest energy drink brand in Brazil, and will be associated with the No. 8 NTT DATA Chevrolet IndyCar Series entry for Kanaan. 

CGRT and Kanaan announced last month at the Houston IndyCar Series race a multi-year deal to pilot a fourth entry starting with the 2014 IndyCar Series season with sponsorship from NTT DATA, a leading global IT services provider.

Douglas Costa, Marketing Director, Grupo Petrópolis: “I’m excited about the continued relationship with Tony, the opportunity to be associated to such a successful team like Chip Ganassi Racing and what the future holds for TNT Energy Drink in the IndyCar Series and in the US Market.”

Steve Lauletta, President, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams: “Bringing TNT Energy Drink into our partnership lineup further enhances Tony’s program for the No. 8 team heading into 2014. They are one of Tony’s longtime sponsors and we’re excited they are continuing their relationship in the IndyCar Series with us. We look forward to helping them further grow their business both in the US and globally.”

Andretti Sports Marketing, promoter of the festival of speed in Milwaukee, announced today the addition of Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers to its lineup of sponsors as its new presenting sponsor for what is now known as the ABC Supply Co. Inc.

Wisconsin 250 at Milwaukee IndyFest presented by Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers, the IndyCar race and weekend festival occurring at the Milwaukee Mile facility on August 17, 2014.

Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers has stepped up to support the revived event at the world’s oldest operating motor speedway. The event became a weekend festival in 2012 when Andretti Sports Marketing took over responsibility of the event. With 2014 becoming the promoter’s third year of hosting the weekend-long event has turned into much more than just a race on the historic oval track. With the addition of Mazda Road to Indy races in Indy Lights and Pro Mazda competition, along with rickshaw racing, free fair rides and a plethora of food and drink vendors, the ABC Supply Co. Inc. Wisconsin 250 at Milwaukee IndyFest Presented by Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers has become a family-friendly festival lasting the entire weekend.

“The Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers are excited to be a part of Milwaukee IndyFest,” said Brad Schlossmann, President of the Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers Ad Association and a local Honda dealer in Milwaukee.

With the announcement of Milwaukee IndyFest’s presenting sponsor, IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe will be on hand to engage with fans for an event to be held at David Hobbs Honda located at 6100 N. Green Bay Ave, Glendale, WI 53209 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT. The three-time race winner will also be made available to the media before the event, alongside Andretti Sports Marketing President John Lopes.

“Honda and its dealers stand among the biggest supporters of IndyCar racing and its events,” commented Starke Taylor, Andretti Sports Marketing Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We are grateful for their commitment to the Milwaukee market and our historic race and festival.”

Tickets for the 2014 ABC Supply Co. Inc. Wisconsin 250 at Milwaukee IndyFest presented by Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers will go on sale November 20.