Xerox Secures Global Partnership with WTA

Xerox, the world’s leading enterprise for business process and document management has revealed a multi-year, multi-million dollar global partnership with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

Under the agreement, Xerox will become the WTA’s exclusive supplier of business services and office document technology.

During the first year of the agreement, Xerox will activate at 18 WTA tournaments around the globe, accessing significant global marketing, digital, broadcast and content rights throughout the WTA season, including ePlayer, mobile and social networking applications.

Additionally, Xerox will become a partner of the prestigious TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships – Istanbul, which in 2012 set records for attendance, broadcast coverage and digital fan engagement.

“Xerox is one of the world’s leading iconic brands, and to have them not only as a sponsor but as a partner is a real plus to the WTA family,” said Stacey Allaster, Chairman & CEO of the WTA. “Through their services and products, Xerox will add significant business value to the WTA and our tournaments, and as a marketing partner we know they will build on the popularity of women’s tennis and work with us to take the WTA to the next level of success. 2013 is a milestone year for the WTA as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of women’s professional tennis and the announcement of this worldwide partnership with Xerox is a fantastic way to start the season.”

“Since its inception in 1973, the WTA has fostered a long-held commitment to innovation, which has seen our organization grow to become the world’s leading professional sport for women,” added Allaster. “Partnering with Xerox, a brand with a heritage of innovation, a strong commitment to excellence and unrivalled global business services is a perfect fit for the WTA.”

“While on the court fans are witness to outstanding competition, off the court the WTA is running a complex business with multiple stakeholders – fans, players, tournament officials, sponsors, media, and more,” said Christa Carone, Xerox’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The future success of the WTA depends on operational discipline and ingenuity in meeting all their stakeholders’ needs. That’s where Xerox comes in. As a WTA partner, Xerox plans to be behind the scenes helping to simplify the WTA’s various operations – from IT support and HR services to communication and marketing services – so the WTA can focus on serving up world class tennis and remarkable fan experiences.”

The announcement marks the sixth new sponsorship agreement secured by the WTA over the last two and a half years, after BNP Paribas, Rolex, Oriflame, Peak and Jetstar. The WTA Board is expected to approve the Xerox deal this week. GroupM Entertainment & Sports Partnerships (ESP) negotiated the partnership for Xerox, and manages their global sports and entertainment partnership portfolio.

Volleyball Canada Inks Mizuno Sponsorship

Volleyball Canada (VC) announces that it has finalized a four-year partnership with international sporting goods company Mizuno Canada.

The agreement will focus on the indoor volleyball programs and events organized by Volleyball Canada including the Men’s and Women’s National teams preparing for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and VC’s Canadian Open Championships.

VC’s Executive Director, remedy Mark Eckert says “The value of partnering with a company like Mizuno Canada, pharm with long history in our sport and a leader in the footwear industry, health | makes it an ideal relationship. We look forward to seeing our teams showcasing their shoes and apparel at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil.”

Mizuno’s President John Stacey says “Mizuno Canada is excited to continue its partnership with Volleyball Canada to supply our Canadian National Indoor Volleyball teams with Mizuno products for the next four years through the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. The agreement will ensure the best developing Canadian volleyball players will be able to focus on their skills and count on Mizuno’s support in providing quality footwear and clothing. Volleyball Canada is a great partner who is committed to growing the sport of Volleyball in Canada.”

The new four-year agreement is made up of cash, footwear, apparel and a retail licensing program. In addition, the deal with Volleyball Canada also includes rights for Mizuno Canada to operate retail vending stands and kiosks at VC’s Canadian Open Championships.

WNBA’s Tulsa Shock Sign Osage Casino Partnership

WNBA’s Tulsa Shock have agreed a marquee partnership with Osage Casino.

As part of the innovative alliance, the Osage Casino logo will appear on the Shock home and away jerseys beginning in the 2013 season. The partnership will also showcase the Osage Casino brand in advertising and signage at the BOK Center.

“The Osage Casino is a contributing part of the Tulsa and Oklahoma business community, and we are proud to help support the growth of our local professional basketball team,” said Neil Cornelius, CEO of Osage Casino.

“This agreement and the ability of our organization to secure a marquee partnership is one of the most significant milestones in franchise history,” said Steve Swetoha, president of the Tulsa Shock. “Osage Casino is a widely respected local and regional brand in the gaming and entertainment industry. Partnering with such a strong local brand will only enhance our own branding and visibility opportunities in Northeast Oklahoma.”

The multi-year partnership combines brand awareness, fan loyalty, signage, in-arena promotions, media elements, community programs, hospitality, digital and social outreach, traffic driving promotions, broadcasting and events.

“Osage Casino is delighted to enter into this partnership with the Tulsa Shock,” Cornelius said. “We are proud to help support the growth of and share in the successes of our local professional basketball team. This is truly a win/win scenario for the Osage Nation and the Tulsa Shock. Our Tulsa location is the closest casino to downtown. It makes perfect sense to spread awareness of Osage Casino directly into the downtown community.”

“We are very proud to join with Osage Casino in this unique partnership and the opportunity to assist them in expanding their brand,” said Sam Combs, Owner and Managing Partner of Tulsa Pro Hoops. “They have been an enthusiastic supporter of the Tulsa Shock team since the first year of the franchise’s existence. We look forward to a long-term relationship.”

“We are thrilled for the Tulsa Shock to be entering into a marquee partnership with Osage Casino,” said WNBA President Laurel J. Richie. “In the years ahead, we look forward to leveraging the many synergies that brought them together. It is an exciting time for the Tulsa Shock and Osage Casino.”

Bridle Insurance to Drop Oxford United Sponsorship

Bridle Insurance, check a leading UK insurance intermediary, has revealed they will not extend their sponsorship of English League Two club, Oxford United.

The Witney-based firm took over from Buildbase as the club’s shirt sponsors in 2010, but have decided this will be the final season.

United chairman Ian Lenagan thanked Bridle for their contribution to the club.

He said: “They told us in plenty of time, which is good and we’ve got lots of time to replace them as sponsors.

“And like Buildbase before them they’ve done a good job for us during that period.

“I’m confident that Oxford United in the next two or three years will get significant sponsors in addition to the ones we’ve got already.”

Rhino Rugby Partners with Super League Players Association

Rhino Rugby League and 1eagu3, click the Super League players association have announced a partnership to look at ways of developing bespoke Rugby League Equipment.

The partnership will see Rhino and a panel of players nominated by 1eagu3 set up a series of workshops to look at ways of improving and developing bespoke Rugby League training equipment and balls.

Rhino Rugby League Managing Director Tony Colquitt commented, “Rhino has a proud tradition of bringing innovation into the Rugby union equipment marketplace. We are aware that this is an area that has been somewhat overlooked in Rugby League and we are keen to work with the players to get a fuller understanding of what is required to help fulfil their requirements. League is a technical game with bespoke skills that require bespoke solutions.”

The Chairman of 1eagu3 Jon Wilkin commented: “We are very pleased to announce an partnership between RHINO and 1EAGU3. the partnership aims to ensure the equipment used in Super League is of the highest standard. RHINO have asked for 1EAGU3 members to get involved and help them develop cutting edge, bespoke equipment to be used on the training field and on a match day. RHINO have acknowledged how important feedback from the athletes can be. We are very much looking forward to working with RHINO to help them to continue to produce the best products money can buy in rugby league over the coming years.”

Rhino are providing the official ball of Super League this season, following the announcement of a three-year deal in the winter.

SANY America Enters Nascar as Tommy Baldwin Racing Sponsor

SANY America has announced its first-ever primary sponsorship of a car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

This year, the company is partnering with Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) to serve as the primary sponsor of driver Dave Blaney’s No. 7 Chevrolet SS for 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, and as the associate partner for 22 races. Aligning with the nation’s fastest growing sport presents a unique opportunity to introduce millions of racing enthusiasts to the SANY brand.

“We’re excited to start this venture with Tommy Baldwin Racing and NASCAR,” said Kyle Nape, vice president of global sales and marketing at SANY America. “Many of our customers are NASCAR fans, so this partnership is a great way for us to get our name out there. We’re looking forward to a great season with a great team.”

“SANY America chose to partner with NASCAR and TBR as it continues to strengthen our commitment to North America and our growing customer base,” said Kirk Erlinger, director of sales and dealer development for SANY America. “We continue to expand our footprint in North America and want to be able generate more excitement with our company. Being a part of NASCAR and TBR does exactly that.”

Baldwin is excited about opportunities that lie ahead for both companies. “As an organization, we’re proud to have brought a new ‘Global 500’ company into NASCAR,” he said. “Both TBR and SANY America are achieving a milestone together. We look forward to being able to show them great benefits that a NASCAR sponsorship can offer.”

Driving the No. 7 car full-time for the third consecutive year, Blaney joined TBR in 2010. In 2011, his first full season with Tommy Baldwin Racing, Blaney earned the team’s best finish and tied his career-best result with a third-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway.

The No. 7 SANY-branded car features a large rendition of the SANY brand logo on the hood of the car, and the word SANY emblazoned in red on the rear sides, trunk and roof. The company name “SANY” comes from the English pronunciation of the Chinese characters that mean “three ones.” The three ones refer to the three primary goals in the corporate vision: “To build a first-class enterprise, to foster first-class employees, and to make first-class contributions to society.”

SANY America is the American subsidiary of China construction equipment manufacturer SANY Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., the sixth-largest manufacturer of heavy construction equipment in the world.

Potential NFL High Draft Pick Geno Smith Agrees Panini America Trading Card Deal

Panini America, viagra the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company, ailment announced that it has reached a trading card agreement with former West Virginia superstar quarterback Geno Smith for the 2013 NFL season.

The deal is Smith’s first officially licensed NFL and NFL PLAYERS trading card deal and will include Smith’s first licensed autographed trading cards.

“Geno Smith is an incredibly talented young player blessed with the kind of otherworldly skill set that sports fans and football card collectors alike absolutely love,” said Panini America CEO Mark Warsop. “Our unique partnership with him will help us deliver the most sought after Rookie Cards and autographs of one of the most sought after players in the entire 2013 rookie class – all season long.”

During a spectacular four-year career at West Virginia, Smith passed for more than 11,000 yards and 98 touchdowns and earned First Team All Big-East honors in 2011 and the 2012 Orange Bowl MVP Award.

Smith’s first officially licensed trading cards will appear in Panini America’s 2013 Score Football product that is slated to release in May. In addition to traditional trading cards, Smith will be featured on product packaging and in social media initiatives throughout the length of the agreement.

Panini America is the only company in the world that manufactures licensed trading cards and stickers for the NBA, NFL, NFL PLAYERS, NHL, NHLPA, MLBPA and FIFA World Cup.

Ferrari Reveal Four New Commercial Deals for 2013 Season

Ferrari have announced they have secured four new sponsors for the start of the 2013 Formula One season.

The Maranello based team revealed the arrival of its first Chinese sponsor, tadalafil Weichai Power, cialis which is part of the Weichai Group, a top one hundred company in China, with a presence in Europe, North America and South East Asia: it will be a Scuderia partner for at least four years. 

The news on the commercial front does not stop there however. Hublot, which since last year has been the Official Timekeeper and Watch Supplier to Ferrari, has strengthened its ties by becoming an Official Sponsor of the Scuderia. The relationship between these two prestigious marques is extended both in terms of time – the agreement now goes on for longer – and in terms of reach, as it will cover the whole range of the Maranello company’s activities, including the Ferrari Challenge, which it has sponsored since 2012. 

Another partner strengthening its relationship with the Scuderia is Kaspersky Lab. The Russian company, a European leader in the field of anti-virus solutions and one of the main suppliers globally in the area of IT security for the end-user, is consolidating the presence of its branding with the team and, at the same time, increasing the level of technical collaboration with the company. Finally, it should be noted that TNT has also moved on from being an Official Supplier to be a Sponsor of the Scuderia: the energy drink’s logo has already been seen on the cars at last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix. 

“China, Russia and Brazil: I think we can legitimately claim with satisfaction to have bucked the current trend in sponsorship, not only as regards Formula 1, but also when looking at sport in general,” Stefano Domenicali told www.ferrari.com. “These are significant achievements, which alongside the vital support of our long time partners such as Philip Morris and Shell and more recent ones like Santander, strengthen our position going into what will be a very demanding season, from every point of view.”

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IBM Becomes Official Analytics Partner of RFU

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and IBM have announced a strategic five year partnership.

As Official Analytics Partner for the RFU, IBM will implement a leading analytics solution to provide fans with real-time insights into the game, including information about individual performance by players – the IBM TryTracker.

In a first for rugby, IBM’s Predictive Analytics software will analyse historic and current rugby data provided by Opta, the world’s leading sports data provider, to provide valuable in-game stats. It will give viewers access to insights that will heighten their understanding of what to watch for in each game and explain what needs to be done to increase the likelihood of a team win against specific opponents.

The IBM TryTracker will include the ‘Keys to the Game’, to provide play-by-play insights during the game, and predict three crucial areas of performance specific to each team ahead of match day. For example, the system may predict that if a side hits their target in these aspects of their game then they are more likely to increase their chances of victory, for example the proportion of scrums won or rate of successful kicks. The data collected and provided by Opta for all England internationals is analysed by IBM, before being hosted on RFU.com.

In addition, the platform will feature a new way to represent ‘Momentum’, which depicts visual graphics of the match as it unfolds – and identifies key moments, decisions and turning points based on every facet of the game. It will also determine the match’s ‘Key Influencers’ by analysing every action of every player to reveal which three players are having the biggest positive impact on their team’s overall performance. Results are based on position specific historical data, and will show the average performance of the player’s teammates.

As well as providing the analytics for IBM TryTracker, the agreement also includes the implementation of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) transformational plan for the RFU. Using IBM Analytics will allow the RFU to better understand information on rugby fans, their needs and preferences, to enable the organisation to communicate with supporters and participants in a more personalised way.

Sophie Goldschmidt, Chief Commercial Officer, RFU: “We’re delighted to be working with a company of IBM’s calibre. This important new long-term agreement will enable the RFU to give fans even more insight and understanding into what’s happening on the pitch and why, as well as ensuring we remain at the forefront of new technology to enrich the overall fan experience. Our plans also involve utilising IBM’s expertise to further benefit the grassroots game and enhance performance at the elite level.”

“In sport and business, data is a game changer, “said Martin Guillaume, Media and Sports Leader for IBM Global Business Services UK and Ireland. “IBM is powering new consumer experiences with advanced real -time analytics. By doing this, we offer a new way to enjoy the game, by uncovering insights that matter, enhancing the fan experience and providing vital feedback to players and stakeholders.”

This technology builds on what is already in use in well known global tennis tournaments such as Wimbledon, The Australian Open and The US Open.

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New Balance Sponsors Athletics Ireland

Global athletics brand New Balance has been named as the new sponsor for Athletics Ireland in a multi-year deal.

The new partnership sees New Balance supply the Irish track and field team with a full selection of team wear, viagra 40mg including performance apparel for use in competition in all Irish events, apoplectic World Championships and European Championships. New Balance will also supply training and warm up items and leisurewear for medal ceremonies, travelling and public appearances.

Tom Carleo, New Balance Vice President of Footwear Running/Outdoor said, “When the opportunity to create a partnership between New Balance and Athletics Ireland arose, we jumped at the chance to work with them. It will be a pleasure to design product that is both modern and heritage inspired that will make the athletes and their fans proud. The collaboration with Athletics Ireland and the significant growth we have experienced here reinforce our ambition to become the number one running and athletics brand in the world.”

John Foley, Athletics Ireland Chief Executive Officer said “New Balance is genuinely passionate about growing athletics in Ireland and supporting the current and future crop of athletes who are part of the Irish team. Working together I’m sure we will be able to elevate Ireland’s athletic profile even further.”