The 2011 MLS Cup-Champion LA Galaxy and Herbalife announced a record 10-year extension to their existing agreement that will see the global nutrition company continue as the official presenting sponsor and jersey sponsor of the Galaxy.

The landmark extension to the partnership will run through the 2022 MLS season and is valued at over $44 million, unhealthy making it the single largest and longest sponsorship agreement for an MLS club in League history.

“Herbalife bet on the Galaxy six years ago and now the MLS has exploded in popularity and growth. For them to renew their partnership for this extended length is a tremendous mutual reward for both of us and a demonstration of their belief and faith in the MLS, vcialis 40mg ” said Tim Leiweke, order CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). “To have this kind of stability and strength in a partnership that will take us into the next decade is refreshing for the sports industry.”

Michael O. Johnson, Herbalife’s chairman and CEO, added: “We made our first commitment to the LA Galaxy and MLS more than five years ago and we are delighted to carry on by committing to a long-term relationship. We continue to believe in the global appeal of the club, and the sport of soccer, to promote a healthy, active life. The LA Galaxy have created much excitement for the sport among soccer fans and among our independent distributors around the world.”

As the Galaxy’s official jersey sponsor, the Herbalife name will continue to appear prominently on the front of the club’s jersey, which is one of the top selling jerseys in MLS. Additionally, Herbalife will remain the Galaxy’s official and exclusive nutrition partner, with the entire line of the Herbalife products available to the club’s players and coaching staff.

The Galaxy and Herbalife also announced that as part of the extension agreement, $2.5 million will go toward supporting charitable efforts between the Los Angeles Galaxy Foundation and the Herbalife Family Foundation to benefit vulnerable and underserved children. In conjunction with this initiative, the LA Galaxy and Herbalife have announced a joint program benefiting Children’s Institute, Inc. (CII), which will see the organization receive a $1 million donation over 10 years to support fitness and nutrition programs at a new facility CII is planning in Watts, Calif. In addition, players from the Galaxy, Herbalife Independent Distributors and employees from both organizations will provide volunteer support to other CII locations.

“We are proud that we are able to help improve the lives of vulnerable children in our communities through the Los Angeles Galaxy Foundation and the Herbalife Family Foundation,” Johnson added.

In 2005, Herbalife became the official nutrition company of the LA Galaxy. In 2007, it became the official jersey and presenting sponsor of the LA Galaxy. Over the past five years, the Galaxy have emerged as a truly international brand with worldwide recognition.

The club continues to be the benchmark by which all others are measured in Major League Soccer, winning the Supporters’ Shield in each of the last two seasons and reaching MLS Cup twice in the last three years, culminating with a memorable 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo in front of more than 30,000 fans at The Home Depot Center in MLS Cup 2011.

Additionally, the Galaxy have expanded their global footprint through international tours of Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, the Philippines and South Korea, as well as friendlies in Southern California against international powers such as AC Milan, Barcelona, Boca Juniors, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid. In the last five years alone, the Galaxy have played in front of nearly 750,000 people and millions more on television.

by Ismail Uddin

Präzision, asthma Zuverlässigkeit und Qualität aus Deutschland: Das sind Werte, advice die Timo Boll international bekannt gemacht haben, discount vor allem im tischtennisbegeisterten China. Es sind aber auch die Werte, die das im internationalen Bergbau tätige Consulting- und Engineering-Dienstleistungsunternehmen RAG Mining Solutions GmbH, Herne, verkörpert.

Um den Bekanntheitsgrad auf dem Zielmarkt China zu verstärken, hat das Unternehmen Timo Boll als Partner verpflichtet. Ab März 2012 tritt der Tischtennis-Weltstar bei Wettkämpfen und ihm Rahmen von Aktionen als Repräsentant des Unternehmens auf. Mit RAG Mining Solutions Logo wird Boll erstmals bei der Tischtennis Team-WM ab dem 25. März 2012 auf Top-Spieler aus China treffen.

Ebenso wie Bergbau nicht eines Mannes Sache ist, ist auch Tischtennis ein Mannschaftssport. Aus diesem Grund trägt Boll gemeinsam mit seinen Mannschaftskollegen Süss und Baum das RAG Mining Solutions Logo auch bei den Wettkämpfen im Team von Champions-League-Sieger Borussia Düsseldorf sowie bei der WM im deutschen Nationalteam, das in der Weltrangliste hinter China den Platz zwei belegt.

British discus champion Jade Nicholls has announced a sponsorship deal with media communications company DWPub for the Olympic Games 2012.

The athlete will compete against the world’s best throwers to fight for the Olympic title. She is currently ranked third best discus thrower within the Commonwealth countries.

Nicholls, who is based in Crawley, has been using Twitter, blogs and the local press in Sussex to promote herself and has been featured on BBC Sussex radio. DWPubwill use its expertise and Media Suite services to help push her further into the media spotlight. 

Daryl Willcox, chairman and founder of DWPub, said: “We decided to sponsor Jade Nicholls in the Olympics when she reached out to local businesses for help. Jade is already using a blog and social media to keep people updated on her Olympic progress and we can help by ensuring she is getting the widest coverage possible.”

The DWPub Media Suite offers four powerful services that help PR professionals and journalists connect to create opportunities for timely press coverage. FeaturesExec Media Database, ResponseSource Enquiry Service, SourceWire News Distribution and the JournalistDirectory Freelance Database are used by 120 of the top 150 PR companies. 

“I have been an athlete for ten years and this is the most important event to-date, especially considering the Olympics is taking place on home ground,” said Jade Nicholls. “DWPub will assist in improving my visibility in the media in the run up to July and August when I’ll hopefully be on course to win a medal for the UK.”

The women’s discus games begin on 3 August 2012.

Gloops, a Japanese company that develops and operates social applications for mobile phones, has been named the title sponsor for Major League Baseball’s Japan Opening Series on March 28 and 29, MLB announced on Monday.

The Gloops Japan Opening Series will feature the Mariners and A’s playing a two-game set in Tokyo.

“We are very excited to have Gloops as a title sponsor for Japan Opening Series 2012. Gloops is a popular Japanese company that develops Major League Baseball-themed gaming applications,” MLB senior vice president of international business operations Paul Archey said in a statement. “We look forward to working with Gloops on the highly anticipated opening of the 2012 MLB season in Japan.”

With the title sponsorship deal, the Gloops event logo will appear on both teams’ batting helmets, and the company also will sponsor Oakland’s jersey patch.

MLB Players Association director of business affairs Timothy Slavin said in a statement, said: “We are delighted to have Gloops join us in bringing Major League Baseball to the great fans of Japan. Gloops’ support for the sport is truly appreciated, as is the support of the Boeing Company and all the sponsors involved in helping us kick off the 2012 MLB season in Tokyo.”

Along with Gloops, The Boeing Company, the world’s leading aerospace company and a longtime corporate partner of the Mariners, will sponsor the patch on Seattle’s jerseys and a clinic for young ballplayers in Ishinomaki, Japan. A group of kids from the clinic will participate in a special pregame ceremony prior to the opening game.

Other corporations have reached sponsorship deals for the Gloops Japan Opening Series 2012, including Bank of America, Lawson Ticket, SANKYO, Sato Pharmaceutical and Ito Ham.

by Ismail Uddin

Motorbase Performance has confirmed it will run under the Redstone Racing banner for the 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season.

The team will field three Ford Focus STs for the year ahead, with Aron Smith joining Mat Jackson and Liam Griffin in the line-up.

Redstone replace Airwaves as title sponsor after three seasons.

Motorbase boss David Bartrum said: “It’s fantastic news to have Redstone increase their involvement with the team and take the mantle of title sponsor. It’s a testament of how sponsorship within the BTCC works well from an exposure point of view as well as the business-to-business side. Redstone have a good heritage of sponsorship in the BTCC and last year they decided to return and see how it works now. I’m happy to say they have been pleased with the results and they are a fantastic company to work with for us too.

“We’re thoroughly looking forward to this season, having learnt a lot about the cars last year and over the winter. Our pre-season plans have gone well and we’re looking forward to round one with cautious optimism. Clearly other teams have been working hard too with WSR turbo charging its BMWs and Dynamics, 888 & Pirtek moving over to the NGTC regulations – I’m sure they will be up to speed very quickly and hopefully it will be a very competitive season that we all enjoy.

“I would also like to say a huge thanks to Airwaves, who have been our title sponsor for the last three seasons and helped us push the team in the right direction. We’re delighted to continue that involvement with them this year as a strong supporter. Again this just shows how well the marketing works for these companies in the BTCC.” 

Redstone Sales Director Richard Archer added: “We enjoyed a great season with the team last year and are delighted to have title sponsorship in 2012. Redstone Racing and the vendors supporting us throughout the season are strategic to all our marketing activities this year. We look forward to sharing an exciting season with the team and providing a uniquely exhilarating experience to our customers, staff and suppliers alike.”

by Ismail Uddin

Mopar has renewed its sponsorship of the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, check the longest continuous running title sponsorship in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

“We are proud to reaffirm our long and historic partnership with the NHRA and the Bandimere family,” said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts, and customer-care brand. “Together, we have made the annual visit to Bandimere Speedway’s Thunder Mountain an iconic stop on the NHRA schedule. The Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals is the flagship event for our brand, our fans, and our customers, and this agreement reinforces our commitment to our home track and to NHRA Drag Racing.”

The 33rd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals is scheduled to take place July 20-22 and will kick off the three-race NHRA Western Swing, which also includes stops in Sonoma and Seattle, and a five-race sprint to the start of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship.

“We are excited to extend the partnership with Mopar, which represents the longest-standing title-rights sponsorship in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Since 1989, Mopar has been involved with this event, which is a testament to not only NHRA’s value proposition, but the dedicated team at Bandimere Speedway. We appreciate Mopar’s continued commitment and dedication to NHRA.”

John Bandimere Jr., president and CEO of Bandimere Speedway, said: “All of us at Bandimere Speedway are thrilled to know that our relationship with Mopar’s sponsoring of the Mopar Mile-High Nationals is continuing. The Mopar brand has become synonymous with NHRA and Bandimere Speedway. We love working with the entire Chrysler/Mopar Group.”

Mopar’s renewal of its title sponsorship of the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals is another example of the brand’s commitment to the NHRA and drag racing. Mopar expanded its drag racing program this year with the addition of four-time NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin Jr., who campaigns his Mopar/JEGS.com Dodge Avenger. Mopar also has increased its involvement in the sponsorship for 2012 of the Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car campaigned by Don Schumacher Racing driver Matt Hagan, the 2011 NHRA Funny Car champion.

“Involvement in the NHRA is the cornerstone of Mopar’s motorsports program, as evidenced by the increased presence we have for the 2012 season,” said Gorlier. “Mopar customers and influencers are fans of the NHRA, and our participation is an excellent way to demonstrate the power and performance of Mopar parts and products to this audience.”

by Ismail Uddin

Volvo Cars has signed New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin to a global endorsement deal and his first major sponsorship deal since he burst onto the NBA scene.

Details will be announced later today (March 19) at a press conference at Chelsea Piers in New York City.

Volvo is owned by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co.

According to a statement from Volvo, Mr. Lin “is expected to help in the marketing efforts of Volvo in several international markets and help establish the brand with younger and performance-oriented customers.”

Speculation has been abroad in recent weeks that the 23-year-old Mr. Lin, who was born in the U.S. of Taiwanese immigrant parents, was negotiating with Volvo, and that he would be the focus of an ad campaign for the brand’s important, and expanding, Chinese automotive market. Volvo hopes to double its global sales to 800,000 by 2020; it sold about 47,000 cars in China last year.

In an interview in Germany in September, Volvo’s VP-Global Marketing Richard Monturo said the company is focusing on social media and digital. “We think the primary device in auto marketing is the internet,” said Mr. Monturo. “We have teams focusing on how we can upgrade the user experiences in all our social presences. We’re using the ‘designed around you’ idea but trans-creating around the world.”

Mr. Lin may fit with that strategy. The 6-foot-3-inch guard, who ascended to NBA fame amid a eruption of “Linsanity,” blogs in both Mandarin and English. His Twitter feed has more than 664,000 followers.

Lin was signed by the Knicks late last year after appearing in 29 games with Golden State. In his 12 starts before the All-Star break, Mr. Lin averaged 22.5 points and 8.7 assists, and New York had a 9–3 record. Just this past Saturday, Mr. Lin scored 19 points to help the team defeat the Indiana Pacers, 102-88, under their new interim coach, Mike Woodson.

by Ismail Uddin

The Marussia F1 Team announced on Friday a new partnership with Burrda Sport.

The sport brand is providing the team with racing apparel for the 2012 season, discount as well as bespoke collections for its brand new merchandise range and personnel based in its UK headquarters.

Tri Distribution, herbal Burrda Sport’s official UK and South African licensee, is the provider of official licensing and merchandise programmes for national and international brands in various sports.

Tri Distribution, under the brand Burrda Sport, has been working over the winter months to design and manufacture a distinctive range of race wear which is seamlessly integrated into the Marussia F1 Team brand and trackside environment. Making the most of Burrda Sport’s experience in sports-specific textiles, the clothing has been designed to reflect the team’s professional approach to racing whilst at the same time contending with the varying extreme weather conditions experienced across the different continents visited by Formula One.

A travel range will ensure that the same professional image is maintained when the team is travelling to the 20 Grand Prix destinations this year. Furthermore, a range of factory wear ensures consistency and practicality back to the team’s operational staff based in Banbury, UK. The Burrda Sport brand will be visible across all three Marussia F1 Team ranges, as well as having a presence within the team’s trackside environment at races.

Andy Webb, CEO, Marussia F1 Team, said: “We’re delighted to continue our run of new partnerships to coincide with the start of the new season. Designing an appropriate range of team apparel is a far from straightforward task but Burrda Sport have proved that they are more than equal to the challenge. We have already received the first of our trackside clothing and we are very impressed with the quality and design. The new range will ensure that the distinctive Marussia F1 Team identity is reflected in the team’s appearance across our on and off-track locations and that our professional approach to racing is as obvious on the outside as it is within the team.”

Simon Skene, Director, Tri Distribution, added: “The partnership represents a fantastic opportunity for Tri Distribution to showcase the design and quality of the Burrda Sport brand at the highest level. Formula One represents the pinnacle of motorsport, allowing us to share the ambition and challenge with one of the most distinctive teams on the grid. Within a dynamic global market, our passion for excellence, innovation and a challenge has us extremely excited about the season ahead and our desire to share in the success of the Marussia F1 Team.”

by Ismail Uddin

Korean Air has become the official and highest-ranking ‘Prestige Partner’ sponsor of the 2014 Asian Games and will underwrite air tickets, case luggage and most areas related to air transport.

At the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) advisory board meeting in Bangkok, allergist Thailand yesterday, Chairman and CEO of the Hanjin Group, Yang Ho Cho; President of OCA, Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah; and head of the 2014Incheon Asian Games, Yong-soo Kim all signed a MOU.

Korean Air plans to participate in the construction of Wang San Marina which will be used during the games and the Hanjin group will also give its full support and build a brand new hotel to accommodate teams.

Cho formerly served as ceo of the PyeongChang 2018 bid and is now working as an advisor to the 2014 Incheon Asian Games organizing committee. Through his airline’s support he hopes to improve the level of sports on the continent and is also the only Asian on Prince Albert of Monaco’s Peace and Sports foundation.

The 2014 Asian Games will greatly promote tourism in Korea and contribute to the domestic economy.

The airlines is well known and in 2011, Business Traveler named Korean Air the best Asian airline for the fifth consecutive year as well as Travel & Leisure magazine named it in the world’s top 10 international airlines.

by Ismail Uddin

TXU Energy has signed a two-year sponsorship agreement with Major League Soccer’s (MLS) FC Dallas.

“The beautiful thing about soccer and FC Dallas is they’ve got such a terrifically diverse audience,” said Donna Egen, manager of promotions and brand management for Irving-based TXU.

The sponsorship covers the North Texas State Soccer Association, which FC Dallas represents for marketing, said Matt McInnis, FC Dallas vice president of business development and partnership marketing.

Egen said TXU will have opportunities to market at soccer clinics and FC Dallas events, including games at the club’s Frisco stadium.

“We want to be able to talk to the Texas electricity customers that are out there, and build brand awareness of that group,” she said.

The deal does not include electricity service because FC Dallas Stadium is located within a regulated area of the Texas electricity grid and therefore doesn’t have the option of selecting a provider. CoServ Electric, a cooperative based in Corinth, provides energy for the area the stadium is located in.

FC Dallas officials said the deal with TXU is a partnership that will also focus on the environment and energy conservation.

“That’s something very much in line with our priorities when we reach out to the community and bring our events to them,” said Cesar Velasco, senior director of communications, public relations and international marketing for FC Dallas.

TXU adds FC Dallas to a sponsorship list that also includes the Dallas Mavericks , Dallas Stars and American Airlines Center.

TXU marks FC Dallas’ first energy sponsorship in at least a year. The team is still seeking a stadium naming rights sponsor after Pizza Hut’s departure late last year, as well as a jersey sponsor.

by Ismail Uddin