FIBA Europe Properties’ has extended its co-operation with Molten Corporation for a further four years.

The re-signing between the two parties is a confirmation of what has already been a successful partnership stretching back to 2005.

As a FIBA Europe Properties partner, Molten is the official ball supplier for FIBA Europe-sanctioned competition finals, and all FIBA Europe youth championships.

“Molten is a world-renowned basketball brand and we at FIBA Europe are pleased that we will be able to continue to work closely with them in the coming years,” said FIBA Europe Secretary General Kamil Novak.

Kia Motors America (KMA) has extended its deal as the Official Automotive Partner of the LPGA.

As Official Automotive Partner of the LPGA, medstore Kia will support several tournaments with courtesy vehicles, clinic including the inaugural North Texas LPGA Shootout, case the 13th edition of The Solheim Cup at Colorado Golf Club outside Denver, and the season-ending CME Group Titleholders.

“The Kia brand continues to grow and mature at a rapid pace, thanks in large part to high-profile sports marketing initiatives such as our involvement with the LPGA, which has significantly raised awareness and consideration amongst the growing numbers of passionate fans of women’s golf across the country,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “As part of our recommitment to the LPGA we are pleased to offer an enhanced prize package for the winners of this year’s Kia Performance Awards and we are looking forward to rewarding some of the tour’s best players and performances with the new Cadenza premium sedan.”

“Kia is a perfect partner for the LPGA with both brands on the rise in the U.S. and worldwide,” said Jon Podany, LPGA Chief Marketing Officer. “Kia is integrated into nearly every aspect of our business – as a title partner, media partner, official car, and the through the Kia Performance Awards, which were a big hit in their inaugural year with four players driving off in new Kia’s.”

Hyatt Hotels has reached an exclusive partnership agreement to support “Messi and Friends vs. the World 2013”, an exhibition bringing 36 of the world’s top players to Chicago this July.

As part of the sponsorship arrangement, the hotel brand’s three Chicago properties — Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and Park Hyatt Chicago — will host the players during their time in Chicago, welcome press from around the world for media events and feature a special promotion for fans looking to stay in the official event hotels.

“We’re always looking for reasons to welcome people to Chicago, and this benefit is a great reason,” said Patrick Donelly, general manager of Hyatt Regency Chicago. “With Lionel Messi on the field, the eyes of the entire world will be on Chicago. We look forward to supporting and being associated with this great event.”

The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place stands less than one mile from historic Soldier Field, site of Messi’s event. The newly renovated facility regularly hosts events associated with the iconic Chicago stadium. The other Hyatt properties are also located near top Chicago landmarks and offer easy access to the game.

In addition to Messi, the world’s elite soccer stars participating in the Hyatt-sponsored friendly include Jose Manuel Pinto, Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, Emiliano Insua, Mario Yepes, Ricky Alvarez, Pablo Aimar, Martin Demichelis, Diego Lugano, Walter Gargano, Alvaro Gonzalez, Dani Osvaldo, David Trezeguet, Giovani dos Santos, Jonathan dos Santos, Thierry Henry and Marco Fabian.

“This event will feature the world’s greatest players in a festival of soccer, the most popular sport on the planet,” said Sergio Codino, vice president of Numero 5, LLC, the match’s organizer. “The Messi and Friends friendly, much like the NFL Pro Bowl or the MLB All-Star Game, will provide fans with an incredible opportunity to witness the world’s greatest athletes from the world of soccer together on the field of competition before the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014.”

As part of the promotion, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and Park Hyatt Chicago are offering special deals for soccer fans looking to attend the unique event and stay where the stars stay. The hotel group is offering a package that includes three nights in one of the properties and premium tickets to the game. Memorabilia is available at www.messiandfriends.net, the official website of the friendly game.

NetCracker Technology has announced it will be sponsoring Andrew Kurka, prostate a U.S. National Paralympic Alpine skier, symptoms at Adaptive Spirit’s 18^th annualSkiTAM event. NetCracker will also be a Gold sponsor of the event itself.

etCracker’s sponsorship of Andrew Kurka and SkiTAM is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program that supports events, organizations, and individuals whose activities benefit a broad spectrum of causes, including health, human services, education, arts and culture, and the environment, with an emphasis on children, youth, and family programs. NetCracker’s participation also underscores its strong commitment to the cable industry.

Joanna Larivee, NetCracker’s Senior Director of Marketing, commented that “Our company is honored when it has the opportunity to assist remarkable individuals and deserving communities so they can achieve their potential.” She continued by stating that “Sponsoring Andrew Kurka not only pays tribute to an outstanding athlete, but also honors the exceptional athleticism and competitive spirit of the entire U.S. National Paralympic Ski Team.”

Staffordshire-based cylinder mower manufacturer Allett Mowers has secured a two-year partnership with Edgbaston Stadium to become the famous cricket venue’s Official Cylinder Mower Partner.

Allett Mowers will provide the Edgbaston groundstaff with six of its top specification cutting edge cylinder mowers ahead of the 2013 season providing Edgbaston, drugs who will host the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, healing with the highest level of quality machines, anesthetist ensuring the most professional and trophy worthy finish.

As part of the activation package, Allett Mowers will brand the groundstaff area and tunnel that leads out on to the pitch at Edgbaston as well as taking hospitality at one of Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s domestic fixtures.

Allett Mowers will also utilise Edgbaston’s new conference and events facilities to host Open Days for groundsmen of local cricket clubs throughout the UK. The Open Days will include a full guided tour of the World famous stadium, a presentation with question and answers forum with Head Groundsman Gary Barwell, product demonstrations and refreshments.

Gary Barwell, Head Groundsman at Edgbaston, said: “Allett Mowers is a market leader in the cylinder mowers and ground care equipment market and is the ideal partner for our team to ensure that the outfield and square at Edgbaston are prepared for matches at the best standard possible. We are extremely proud to have Allett as a vital part of our team.

“All eyes will certainly be on Edgbaston this summer with such a prestigious schedule of matches, so having Allett equipment available to us is the perfect scenario.”

Leigh Bowers, Sales Director of Allett Mowers, said: “Edgbaston is one of the world’s most famous cricket venues and we’re honoured to confirm an official partnership with such a prestigious venue.

“By working closely with Gary and his team at Edgbaston, not only will we be able to gain more global exposure for the Allett product and brand, but also develop closer and beneficial links with Edgbaston’s network of local cricket clubs.”

American multinational telecommunications company, AT&T has renewed its sponsorship of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and will remain the Official Communications Sponsor of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams through the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, and the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“Through its support, AT&T helps the USOC represent our country at the highest levels, and we are happy to continue this great relationship. As Team USA  travels extensively, AT&T helps them stay connected to the people that matter most,” said Mark Wright, vice president of media services and sponsorships, AT&T. “AT&T’s heritage and legacy of sponsoring Team USA demonstrates the value we place on connecting our customers with their interests and passions.”

In 2014, AT&T will celebrate 30 years of sponsoring the USOC. Since the start of the relationship in 1984, AT&T has helped Team USA stay connected to coaches, family, friends and fans.  

“AT&T has a proud history of supporting U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team athletes and has truly helped them to achieve their goals of competing and succeeding on the biggest stage in sport,” said Lisa Baird, chief marketing officer, USOC. “We’re delighted to see the tradition of this relationship continue as it helps to provide critical resources to top American athletes and advances the Olympic and Paralympic Movements in the United States.”

In addition to providing support through AT&T technology, products and services to the USOC, AT&T is currently also a sponsor of United States Figure Skating and USA Gymnastics. AT&T also actively supports the three U.S. Olympic Training Centers, providing each with an AT&T Athlete Connection Center. Each center is equipped with world-class communications technology through AT&T services including high speed internet, Wi-Fi, wireless charging stations and AT&T Advanced TV services.

14 Hands Vineyards, producer of the top-selling wines from Washington state, has been named a sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, the legendary Thoroughbred race representing the first leg of the coveted ‘Triple Crown.’

14 Hands wines will be enjoyed by guests attending the event as well as the Taste of Derby, an annual culinary celebration benefiting hunger relief that showcases regional cuisine.

MLB’s San Diego Padres announced today that the club has extended its partnership with the San Diego County Lexus Dealers through 2017, also expanding it to include naming rights to the Home Plate Club.

The Lexus Home Plate Club is the most exclusive ticket in Petco Park, featuring access to the Lexus Home Plate Restaurant and the Lexus Home Plate Lounge. All food and beverage is included for Home Plate Club members, whether in the restaurant, the lounge or via in-seat service. The 222 seats in the Lexus home Plate Club, which are closer to home plate than the dugouts, have been sold out since the Club’s inception. As part of the sponsorship and activation plan, which Team One negotiated for the San Diego County Lexus Dealers, all Home Plate Club seats will be outfitted with Lexus-branded seatbacks.

“We are proud to continue and extend our partnership with the San Diego County Lexus Dealers and welcome them as the naming partner of the Lexus Home Plate Club,” said Padres Senior Vice President, Business Development Tyler Epp.  “We have enjoyed learning more about their business over the past year and are looking forward to working with Team One to deliver tremendous value to the San Diego County Lexus Dealers, who have been so supportive of our organization.”

“The San Diego County Lexus Dealers are proud to be the new naming rights sponsor of the Lexus Home Plate Club,” said Michael Bevan, general manager of the Lexus Western Area.  “Lexus has been a proud supporter of the San Diego Padres for the last year and we look forward to the expanded partnership.”

The Padres and the San Diego County Lexus Dealers first partnered in 2012.

English League One club, Sheffield United FC have announced the Sheffield office of international legal firm Kennedys has extended its current three year deal for the sponsorship of The Kop stand at Bramall Lane stadium by a further three years until 2016.

Kennedys, the legal service provider for the Blades and owner Kevin McCabe’s Scarborough Group International, is a specialist national and international law firm with unrivalled expertise in litigation and dispute resolution. Its flagship Sheffield office opened in July 2010 and is now one of the second largest in the firm’s global network providing a substantial regional, national and international client base mainly within the insurance, commercial, construction, retail, engineering and public sectors.

Suzanne Liversidge, Managing Partner of the company’s Sheffield offices, based at the Electric Works, Sheffield city centre, said: “We are delighted to have agreed our continued sponsorship of The Kop for the next three years. Kennedys are proud to be associated with the Blades and its supporters. We are looking forward to building on our relationship with the club in the future and, hopefully, there will be a promotion or two to celebrate along the way.”

United plc chairman Kevin McCabe said: “We are delighted to have the strategic partnership with Suzanne and the excellent team at Kennedys. I would like to thank Kennedys for their continuing support which, with this extension, will stretch to six years, an indication of the strength of the relationship we enjoy with our commercial partners.”