The head of sponsorship for HSBC, Giles Morgan, who has been critical of the payment of player appearance fees, said he was disappointed that the world number one and two players, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, would not play in the HSBC-sponsored World Championship.

Both players were in China this week to player a lucrative exhibition match that is understood to have paid US$3 million in appearance fees.

Speaking at a business forum, Morgan said he believed asking sponsors to pay for appearance fees as well as prize funds is unsustainable.

Morgan said other sponsors are also concerned about the sponsorship fees they are paying and that golf is not immune to the global financial difficulties.

“On one hand we are delighted to have 13 of the world’s top 20 here, but of course we’re disappointed not to have the two top players in the world,” Giles Morgan, group head of sponsorship for HSBC, told the Daily Telegraph.

“Both have sent me apologies, but this is an event which should be regarded by all players – as it is by the tours and the media – as one of the top events in the world.

“Therefore I feel strongly that the top players should be here. I believe that golfers have a responsibility to their sponsors.

“Without the sponsors there isn’t professional golf. I speak on behalf of the industry.

“I feel very strongly, as I know a number of sponsors do – particularly in a downturn, particularly when there are financial difficulties around the world – that golf cannot be immune either.”

F3 Nutrition has signed an endorsement deal today with Alistair “The Reem” Overeem.

The extremely popular Overeem is one of the top fighters in the world and a highly ranked heavyweight athlete within the UFC organization.

“Three-time world fighting champion Alistair Overeem now joins Vitor Belfort, Eddie Alvarez, Arianny Celeste, Dan Bailey and Lauren Brooks in representing F3 Nutrition and its full line of elite sports supplements,” said Mark Post, President of F3 Nutrition. “With a UFC heavyweight title fight in the works, now is the right time for Alistair Overeem to sign on with F3’s Nutrition program. He takes his supplementation program very serious, and with his input, we created a regimen that improves his effectiveness while allowing him to maintain his, weight, size and speed. The team here at F3 Nutrition looks forward to working with ‘The Reem’ and watching him become the new UFC heavyweight champion in the coming year.”

“I have been working with the management team at F3 Nutrition on perfecting my nutrition program for several months now, and today I can say with complete confidence that I feel more energetic and overall a healthier athlete,” said Overeem. “I have found that F3’s pre and post-workout products fit all of my training needs. I actually crave F3’s Annihilate™ and their protein shakes because they taste so good and keep me energized throughout my entire training sessions.”

A British-born Dutch mixed martial artist, Alistair Overeem now lives in Delray Beach, Florida and trains out of JACO Hybrid Training Center with the famed team of fighters known as the Blackzilians. He has amassed a professional MMA record of 36-11 with 15 wins by knockout and a 10-4 Kickboxing record. He is the former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, Dream Heavyweight Champion, K-1 World Grand Prix Champion, and made history by being the only fighter in combat sports to hold a world title in both mixed martial arts and kickboxing at the same time. Overeem is currently ranked as the number two heavyweight in the world by Fight Magazine and is one of the top heavyweights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Andrew Luck is teaming up with Riley Hospital for Children in an effort to promote healthy lifestyles for Indiana’s children.

Together, they plan to design a new program that will encourage children to make better choices when it comes to physical fitness, nutrition and education.

The program, called “Change the Play,” will provide children with more information and tools to make healthier decisions will be unveiled later Tuesday.

“This is an ambitious goal, but if anyone can make a difference, I believe it will be Riley and Andrew working together,” said Dr. Jeff Sperring, president and CEO of Riley at IU Health, in a statement provided by the hospital. “We want to see all Hoosier kids grow healthier, stronger, happier.”

Luck understands the importance of good role models and points to his parents as his inspiration for becoming physically fit and mentally active.

He hopes this program helps Indiana’s children make the same choices.

“I know the importance of having good role models in your life,” said Luck said in a statement.  “As a kid I was fortunate that my parents embraced a healthy lifestyle and encouraged us to be physically and mentally active, using sport as play. They taught us the benefit of exercise, good nutrition and informed decision-making, which helped me develop a strong foundation. I believe that by working with Riley, we can help make that kind of difference in the lives of Indiana kids, and I am looking forward to it.’

Indianapolis selected Luck with the No. 1 overall draft choice and is 4-3 behind their new franchise quarterback.

The arrangement with Riley is a four-year partnership that could be extended beyond that.

Ram Truck brand announced an official multi-year sponsorship of two-time FIM Snowcross World champion, six-time national snocross champion and 10-time ESPNWinter X Games medalist Tucker Hibbert.

Hibbert, 28, is the most decorated snowmobile athlete in history. He is one of only three athletes to claim the gold (medal) five-peat and will compete for the first-ever gold six-peat at the 2013 Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo., Jan. 24-27.

“Wintertime capability and durability are fundamental Ram Truck attributes, so our involvement with America’s top snowmobiler is a natural association,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico. “Tucker Hibbert and his crew have been faithful Ram customers for many years and their Heavy Duty trucks have served them well.”

As part of the sponsorship, Ram will be recognized as the official truck partner of Hibbert and his Monster Energy/Arctic Cat team. Ram trucks will support Hibbert and his team throughout the International Series of Champions (ISOC) season and the 2013 Winter X Games. The snowmobile enthusiast market reflects a high proportion of truck owners and represents a new marketing and promotion venue for the Ram Truck brand.

“Ram is the perfect partner for my race team,” Hibbert said. “We need reliable trucks all season long for our races and events, and the hardworking Ram trucks will get the job done.”

Each year, Hibbert’s team heads out in search for mountains with early snow to test their snowmobiles. Feet of snow cover the narrow mountain trails, but their Ram truck always powers through to get him and his crew to their testing destination.

“Folks up north are already gearing up for the winter season and pickup trucks are their No. 1 choice for transportation and towing,” Diaz said. “Tucker and his team will be able to cover more miles, more comfortably and more reliably in a Ram truck.”

Hibbert’s first race is the International Series of Champions (ISOC) National Snocross Series season open at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minn., Nov. 23-25. 

Sunrise Sports & Entertainment announced today that Weston Jewelers has renewed and expanded its marketing partnership as the Official Jeweler and Watch Store of NHL’s Florida Panthers, the BB&T Center and Club RED.

The partnership is highlighted by enhanced in-arena signage and LED exposure for Weston Jewelers throughout the BB&T Center, including the presenting sponsorship of the arena’s Rockstar Lounge for visiting artists and promoters.

“We are thrilled and honored to renew this partnership with Weston Jewelers” said SSE president Michael R. Yormark. “Weston Jewelers’ decision to renew and upgrade this partnership with SSE is indicative of our organization’s ability to deliver measurable results and the return on investment that clients are looking for.”

Weston Jewelers’ fine jewelry and watches will also be featured in a display case located in the new high-end, all-inclusive Club RED. Additionally, as part of the partnership Club RED Members will be offered VIP cards that can be used for discounts and unique shopping experiences at Weston Jewelers.

Weston Jewelers is a family owned business that sells world renowned brands of jewelry such as Bvlgari, Cartier, Roberto Coin, Hublot, Audemars Piguet and many more.

Bank Windhoek on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment towards Athletics Namibia, apoplectic with a sponsorship of N$300, allergy 000 (US$34,721) for the 2012/2013 season.

According to a statement issued by Bank Windhoek, the sponsorship agreement aims to make athletics the leading sport code in Namibia through a professional and scientific approach.

It also aims to create opportunities for athletes on all levels and to make athletics a sport accessible to all Namibians interested in participating therein while also promoting athletics to as many schools, pupils and teachers as possible, while it also aims to provide high-level competitions for the development of athletes at elite levels.

Several events, including the Bank Windhoek Grand Prix Series, the Senior National Track and Field Championships and the Confederation of African Athletics Southern Region (CAA SR) Senior Championships, which are planned for 2012/2013, will also be supported through the agreement.

“The rise of athletics in Namibia in recent years would not have been possible without the unwavering support of partners like Bank Windhoek. I am therefore glad that we are able to cement our partnership through this sponsorship agreement as it is one based on trust, commitment to athletics excellence and dedication to the promotion of athletics at grassroots level,” said Frank Fredericks, president of Athletics Namibia.

Christo de Vries, the managing director of Bank Windhoek said they had confidence in the leadership of Athletics Namibia.

“Bank Windhoek has confidence in the leadership of Athletics Namibia as Namibia’s official body to organize and stage local and international athletic events in Namibia and to promote and develop the sport in Namibia to the benefit of all athletes in all the regions,” he said.

“The sponsorship agreement with Athletics Namibia will be reviewed annually and adapted to the specific needs of Athletics Namibia. Bank Windhoek has always believed that athletics is the most accessible sport code with the widest reach to Namibians of all ages.” 

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Panini Group, the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company today announced an extension of their partnership through a new multi-year agreement.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Panini will continue to be the exclusive trading card and sticker partner for the NBA globally, expanding its current development and distribution of trading cards and products worldwide, with a particular focus on China. The relationship will be managed by the Panini Group’s U.S. subsidiary, Panini America. 

This renewal reinforces Panini’s unparalleled position as the only company in the world to manufacture official trading cards and stickers for the NBA, NFL, NFLPA, NHL, NHLPA, MLBPA, and FIFA World Cup. Panini’s array of NBA products, which include “National Treasures” and “Prestige,” is designed to attract new and existing collectors, and to establish a high-end marketplace for NBA trading cards and related products domestically and internationally.

“Our companies share a collective interest in promoting our brands worldwide,” said NBA Executive Vice President Global Merchandising Group Sal LaRocca. “Panini has continually demonstrated the ability and commitment to creating products that appeal to our fans on a global basis.”

“The popularity of the NBA game globally is unmatched and, with new NBA superstars emerging, it’s an exciting time to collect NBA trading cards, which are not only fun but highly sought after in the secondary trading card market,” said Panini America CEO Mark Warsop. “In the last three years, there has not been a more valuable modern-day trading card than our National Treasures NBA product that included a 1-of-1 Blake Griffin NBA Logoman Rookie card that sold on the secondary market for $38,000. This new long-term agreement with the NBA serves as the foundation to our future growth and our long-term commitment to the trading card category.”

The Panini Group has exclusive relationships with some of the NBA’s most recognizable players, including five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers. 

NetCracker Technology announced today that it will be sponsoring Andrew Kurka, doctor a U.S. National Paralympic Alpine skier, clinic at the annual Adaptive Spirit SkiTAM event, bronchi which will be held from April 4–7, 2013, in Vail, Colorado.

Adaptive Spirit is a not-for-profit, non-commercial trade association headed up by leading U.S. cable operators. In addition to securing funding for the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team, Adaptive Spirit is dedicated to increasing knowledge and awareness of the team and the Paralympics.

“At NetCracker, we take seriously our responsibility to support remarkable individuals and deserving communities so they can achieve their full potential. Our corporate social responsibility initiative enables us to continue sharing our success with the broader community,” said Joanna Larivee, NetCracker’s Senior Director of Marketing. “By sponsoring Andrew Kurka, NetCracker not only supports a remarkable athlete, but also honors the exceptional athleticism and competitive spirit of the entire U.S. National Paralympic Ski Team.”

Eagerly awaiting the coming ski season, Kurka said, “I am very excited about the opportunity that NetCracker’s sponsorship will provide. With NetCracker’s support, I will continue working towards my ultimate goal of competing in the 2014 Paralympics in Sochi, Russia.”

AC Milan have inked a new sponsorship deal with betting and gaming leader Cogetech S.p.A to make the Italian company the ‘Premium Sponsor’ for the Serie A giants for the 2012-13 season.

Adriano Galliani, vice president and CEO of AC Milan, and Fabio Schiavolin, CEO of Cogetech S.p.A, signed a deal this morning to make the Italian company (world leaders in betting and games) a 

The agreement was reached in the presence of Infront president Marco Bogarelli who was fundamental in making the deal between Cogetech and the rossoneri happen. 

From the pitch-side to the website and the rossoneri’s social medias, Cogetech will be clear to see via their main porduct: IziPlay Poker. Cogetech will in fact be dedicating a poker room exclusively to the rossoneri fans available on their IziPoker.it platform. 

Fabio Schiavolin, CEO of Cogetech S.p.A, commented on the deal: “This partnership with Milan falls under the new strategy we had outlined for sponsorships for the year. Our aim is to be constantly present and far reachjing in the world of Italian football. To become a Premium Sponsor of the most successful club in the world makes us very proud and is a huge achievement for our company. AC Milan are universally considered a dynamic and well structured club, as well as being an excellent team, capable of withstanding from a professional point of view our communication strategy.”

Adriano Galliani, vice president and CEO of AC Milan, added: “We will make the Milan model available to them. That is; a laboratory of ideas, initiatives and activities created especially to guarantee maximum visability and communication. We can offer unique content that will maximise the sponsorship deal. That is why we are the leaders amongst the Italian clubs in attracting the big multinational and national companies.”

The Australian Masters has a new naming rights sponsor in scotch whisky brand Talisker.

Event owner and promoter, bronchi IMG has announced that through the support of Diageo Australia, erectile the 2012 Australian Masters would be renamed the Talisker Masters.

The Talisker Masters will be played at Kingston Heath Golf Club from 15-18 November, adiposity 2012 and will feature defending champion and Ryder Cup hero, Ian Poulter; 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell and Australia’s leading golfer and World #6 Adam Scott.

Talisker is hand crafted by the sea on the Isle of Skye, one of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in Scotland – the home of golf.

On the announcement, Tim Salt, Managing Director of Diageo Australia said: “Scotch whisky and golf are arguably two of Scotland’s greatest gifts to the world, and so it seems fitting that Talisker – the celebrated Scotch whisky from the Isle of Skye – and the Australian Masters come together to write a new chapter in the tournament’s long tradition.

Victoria’s magnificent landscape and world-renowned sandbelt courses offer the perfect environment to bring Talisker’s rich history by the sea to life.”

Aside from defending champion, Ian Poulter, the Talisker Masters will also feature past champions in Robert Allenby (2003 and 2005); Stuart Appleby (2010); Richard Green (2004); Craig Parry (1992, 1994, 1996); Bradley Hughes (1993 and 1998) and Peter Senior (1991 and 1995).