British Basketball League (BBL) team Newcastle Eagles, the most successful team in British Basketball history, have announced a rebrand and will now be known as the Esh Group Eagles Newcastle.

The announcement cements leading construction company Esh Group’s continuing three year relationship as headline sponsors of the North East’s most successful sports team and a longer relationship with other businesses within Esh Group. 

Paul Blake, Managing Director and Co-Founder of The Eagles, explained: “Esh Group has been principal sponsor of the Newcastle Eagles since 2010 and I am both proud and delighted to be announcing this deal today. 

“Finding a sponsor which is truly compatible and supportive of both the business and the team is every sporting manager’s dream – and one which I believe we at the Eagles have been so very fortunate to find. 

“This new ‘naming rights’ agreement – which elevates this sponsorship into a true partnership – is one which is typical of international basketball teams the world over; culturally it signifies a very special bond.” 

‘Naming rights’ are an intrinsic element of basketball sponsorship culture around the globe. Major European teams which have strong partnerships with their sponsors include Emporio Armani Milano in Italy, Telekomm Baskets Bonn in Germany and Fiat Joventut in Barcelona, Spain. 

Esh Group’s Chief Executive, Brian Manning, commented: “We are delighted to confirm our on-going sponsorship of The Eagles – especially to take up the opportunity of ‘naming rights’ so we have joined our two names together. This sponsorship represents an increased investment into the Eagles by Esh Group also our continued commitment to support the Eagle’s community engagement through its charitable arm, the Eagles Community Foundation. At Esh Group we are passionate about supporting the communities in which we live and work and we are delighted to find a winning team which we can support which reflects those values too.” 

Since Esh Group took up the mantle of principal sponsor three seasons ago the Eagles has won four major titles, been runner-up in the BBL Championship twice and once in the BBL Cup and BBL Championship Play-offs. 

German consumer products company Braun has entered football sponsorship with a new agreement with Serie A giants, pills AC Milan, as an Official Partner.

The deal, which was signed with the help of Infront Italy, the club’s official sponsorship advisor, will include valuable branding within the San Siro Stadium during all of Milan’s home matches as well as the club’s training centre Milanello. Braun will also be a part of club communications both on the website and through the club magazine Forza Milan!.

“BRAUN has picked out MILAN as the ideal sponsor, sharing the same values, passion an style that has made Braun a winning brand,” said Sami Kahale, Chairman of Procter&Gamble Italy. “We’re particularly happy to have reached this agreement with a club of such a large following in Italy and all over Europe. Milan are the most decorated club in the world and we’re ready to celebrate the wins that the team will give us in the season to come.”

“We’re proud that an international brand of such high quality has chosen Milan to enter into the football world. With them we’ll share a mission following innovation and globalism – said Adriano Galliani, Vice president and club CEO – “We’ll give all of our experience to our new partner to valorize the deal as much as possible and allow Braun to reach their market objectives in what will be a dynamic and winning relationship.”

Coast Graphics have been revealed as the Official Yachts Graphic Supplier of the Clipper 13-14 Race.

The UK based company branded each of the of the 12, medic 70ft ocean racing yachts competing in the ninth edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, ampoule which set sail from London in front of Tower Bridge on Sunday 1 September.

The founder and Chairman of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said, “Tens of thousands of spectators attended the parade by the fleet in front of Tower Bridge on Sunday to mark the start of the Clipper 13-14 Race. Each boat is uniquely designed, and Coast Graphics have shown once again that they are at the forefront of their field of expertise.”

Coast Graphics applied each of the unique 12 designs to fit the Clipper 70 hull, providing a variation of complete digitally printed and laminated hull wraps to specialist and bespoke vinyl designs. Coast Graphics also provided individual forestay flags, designed, produced and fitted to each specific boat as well as shore side and venue branding.

Coast Graphics Managing Director Malcolm Dunderdale, said: “Coast Graphics Ltd are delighted to be an official supplier of the Clipper Race and to have helped create the visual impact that the new fleet of Clipper 70s will take around the world.

“We are passionate about sport and adventure at Coast and the opportunity that the race gives to people from every walk of life really ties into our own ethos. We wish all the teams the best of luck and look forward to following the race around the world.”

Global logistics provider DHL has today announced a multi-year global partnership with the FIA Formula E Championship, health the world’s first fully-electric car racing series beginning in September 2014.

The new Championship features single-seater open-wheel cars powered exclusively by electric energy. The announcement was made in conjunction with the unveiling ceremony of the official Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E car at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA) on September 10, stuff 2013. As the logistics supplier and a Founding Partner of Formula E, asthma DHL was responsible for the transportation of the car from Paris to Frankfurt. 

“The FIA Formula E Championship is much more than just another motorsport series,” said Ken Allen, CEO of DHL Express. “It provides a global platform for promoting sustainability and the future of mobility, addressing one of the world’s most pressing challenges. As a pioneer in developing environmentally friendly logistics solutions, DHL is committed to the same future as Formula E. With our global sustainability program GoGreen, we have already started to integrate e-mobility into our business. Now, we are proud to be embarking on this journey of further discovery and innovation together with the FIA Formula E Championship.”

 DHL will provide the FIA Formula E Championship with an extensive range of logistics services, incorporating the most efficient and green technology and processes available today. For ten race locations worldwide, DHL will ensure that all racing cars, spare parts and lithium-ion batteries are delivered safely and on time. 

“We are delighted to have found such an experienced and reliable partner for our logistics needs as DHL,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship promoters Formula E Holdings. “DHL’s long-term cooperation with regards to other motorsport championships has proved fruitful for both sides and delivered exceptional value. Additionally, DHL has already gathered comprehensive knowledge and experience in e-mobility and city logistics, which makes this partnership a perfect fit.” 

Agag added: “The logistics side of our Championship presents a great opportunity to showcase how to transport 40 cars and all associated elements while minimizing the carbon footprint of the operation. The strategy is not just offsetting. First, we will look at minimizing the emissions, and whatever is left, we will offset in order to be a carbon neutral Championship. Today we become a GoGreen Championship.”

The Chicago Bears have revealed their sponsorship lineup for the new season with a number of new corporate partners and renewed partnerships.

Joining the NFL franchise for the new season are Ford, Microsoft, State Farm, Cancer Center Treatments of America, Red Robin, Sherwin-Williams, Tempur-Pedic, Bridgestone and Hillshire Brands as new partners, while renewing 95 percent of their corporate relationships from 2012.

The Chicago Bears have also renewed their partnership with MillerCoors as a Hall of Fame Partner, renewing and expanding their partnership in 2013. Hall of Fame partners represent the highest commitment level to the Chicago Bears.

MillerCoors and the Bears agreed to an exclusive, multi-year extension that continues their designation as “Official Beer of the Chicago Bears.” The Hall of Fame partnership includes the previously announced entitlement of the new Miller Lite Loft at Soldier Field. MillerCoors will also continue as the title partner of draft assets such as the Miller Lite Bears Draft Party and ChicagoBears.com’s Miller Lite Draft Central. They will also be the title partner of the Miller Lite Bears Ultimate Tailgate and the Back to Football Week Miller Lite Bears Kick-Off Concert.    

MillerCoors is one of eight Hall of Fame partners of the Chicago Bears joining: Chase (presenting partner), Comcast, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, MasterCard, United Airlines, University of Phoenix and Verizon.

Additionally, the Bears have added Ford as the “Official Car and Truck of the Chicago Bears.” Ford will sponsor the new interactive “Pick-em” contest on ChicagoBears.com, ChicagoBears.com digital assets, gameday signage and activation, media assets, Vamos Bears Hispanic platform, and hospitality assets.

Jewel-Osco has renewed as “Official Partners” of the Bears and is now the “Official Grocery Store of the Chicago Bears.” Jewel-Osco is the associate partner of the Chicago Bears Kids Club and Comcast Bears Family Fest and will be the title sponsor of the 25^th annual Coat Drive.

The “Proud Partner” category includes renewed or new relationships with the following partners:

o   CDW – A multi-year renewal after a new partnership in 2012, CDW will be the “Bears Gamenight Live” headline sponsor. They will also have stadium signage and media and hospitality assets.

o   Chicago Tribune – A multi-year renewal, the Chicago Tribune will be the headline sponsor of the “Inside the Bears Rookie Mini Camp” video series on ChicagoBears.com and associate partner of the Miller Lite Ultimate Tailgate. They will also have stadium signage and hospitality.

o   GEICO – A multi-year renewal that includes stadium signage, including tunnel banners, and hospitality. 

o   Hyatt – A renewed deal that will includes stadium signage and hospitality.  

o   McDonald’s – A renewed deal that includes the exclusive sponsorship of the Chicago Bears Drumline, in-stadium signage, TV and radio assets, and hospitality.

o   Sports Authority – A multi-year renewal, Sports Authority is the headline sponsor of the “Bears All Access” radio show. They will also have media assets, a video board feature and hospitality at Soldier Field.

o   Tempur-Pedic – A new deal that makes Tempur-Pedic the “Proud Mattress Provider of the Chicago Bears.” The deal includes the Bears/Tempur-Pedic Room Makeover Consumer Sweepstakes and media, digital, and hospitality assets.

o   WM. Meyers Movers – A multi-year renewal, WM Meyers Movers will continue to be the “Proud Moving and Storage Provider to the Chicago Bears,” supporting the annual Bears Coat Drive, digital assets and having stadium signage.

Other partners of the Bears include:

o   Advocate Health Care – A renewed deal, Advocate Health Care will be the headline sponsor of “Gameday Live” on Fox 32 Chicago.

o   Apple Vacations – Apple Vacations will continue its sponsorship of the yearly “Vacation with the Bears” trip which takes place in March. They also have digital, media and in-stadium assets.

o   BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois –  A renewed deal that includes sponsorship of the BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois Family of the Game video board feature, a feature on Comcast SportNet Chicago’s “Postgame Live” show.

o   Bridgestone – New partnership extending NFL relationship including a fan promotion planned for November.

o   The Boeing Company – A multi-year renewal that includes the military recognition video board feature honoring a serviceman/woman each game.  The deal also includes the sponsorship of the Salute to Service veteran’s day game including re-enlistment ceremony and Purple Heart ceremony.

o   Cancer Treatments Centers of America – A brand new deal that includes sponsorship of the Bears vs. Vikings “Know Your Stats” game on September 15, promoting prostate cancer awareness.

o   Dairy Management Inc. – A multi-year renewal that includes sponsorship of the “Fuel up to Play 60” platform and hospitality assets.

o   E&J Gallo – E&J Gallo will be the associate partner of the Meijer Bears Football 101 event as a part of a multi-year renewal. They will also have products available for purchase in the suites at Soldier Field and have hospitality assets.

o   FedEx – A multi-year renewal that contains stadium signage, digital and hospitality assets.

o   Frito-Lay – A multi-year renewal that includes stadium signage, consumer promotions, and hospitality assets.

o   Giordano’s – Will continue the sale of their products in the suites and United Club at Soldier Field as a part of a multi-year renewal.

o   Hillshire Brands – A new deal that includes gameday signage, radio assets and hospitality.

o   Illinois Pork Producers – A multi-year renewal, Illinois Pork Producers will continue the sales of their products at Soldier Field and sampling opportunities at Bears events.

o   Illinois Army National Guard – Will continue their integration in high school outreach as sponsor of the “”High School All Stars” program, High School Coach of the Week and honoring all IHSA state champions.

o   Jimmy John’s – Jimmy John’s will be the headline partner of the new “Inside the Bears” TV program on Fox 32 Chicago as part of a multi-year renewal. They will also present the “Freaky Fast Kickoff Return” video board feature and gameday activation.

o   Microsoft – As a new partnership, Microsoft receives stadium signage, radio assets, digital assets and hospitality.  Microsoft’s Surface tablet is also the “Official Tablet of the National Football League.”

o   Papa Charlie’s – Will continue the sale of their products at Soldier Field along with media and hospitality assets as a part of a multi-year renewal.

o   Red Robin – As a new partner, Red Robin will sponsor the “Tavern Double Takeaway Tuesday” promotion: For each home game the Bears get a defensive takeaway fans will be able to receive a “buy-one, get-one-free” Tavern Double.

o   Sherwin-Williams – A new partner in 2013, Sherwin-Williams will have stadium signage, media and hospitality assets at Soldier Field.

o   State Farm – A new partnership including a “It Pays to Double Check” 1^st Down Measurement feature in game.

o   Symetra – As a part of a renewed partnership, Symetra will sponsor the “Heroes in the Classroom” community relations program honoring local teachers at Bears home games.

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Electronic Arts Inc. has announced a multi-year endorsement deal with the captain of the US National Team, adiposity Clint Dempsey.

The partnership will see the former Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham star Dempsey become an EA SPORTS Football Ambassador. He will become an important cornerstone of marketing and advertising campaigns in North America. Dempsey, viagra attacking midfielder and member of the Seattle Sounders, doctor will make his FIFA franchise debut in the FIFA 14 GameStop commercial airing nationally starting today.

“Clint Dempsey is an incredible talent on the field who exudes a palpable excitement and passion for the sport,” said Randy Chase, Sr. Director of North America Marketing for EA SPORTS. “His return to the United States marks a tremendous leap forward for soccer in the country and we are thrilled to partner with Clint on many projects that will continue to drive the exploding popularity of the sport in America.”

“Having been a longtime fan of the EA SPORTS FIFA franchise, I am thrilled to join the FIFA team,” said Dempsey. “The FIFA games have played an important role in bringing many new fans to soccer in the United States and it’s awesome to partner with the team to continue the great work they’ve already been doing.”

FIFA 14 will be available on Xbox 360 games and PlayStation3 computer entertainment system, PC and other platforms on September 24, 2013 in North America and September 27 worldwide.