Nissan has been named as the fifth top-tier sponsor for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. 

Organizers didn’t disclose financial details, but said Wednesday the deal with the car maker for the Olympic and Paralympic Games exceeded “the requirements from Rio 2016 for the category.”

The committee said Nissan will provide 4,500 vehicles to transport athletes, officials and journalists during the games.

Nissan is the sixth domestic sponsor for the games. The others are Bradesco,Bradesco Seguros, Claro and Embratel. The sole tier-two sponsor is Ernst & Young Terco.

Rio 2016 Olympic committee president Carlos Nuzman said during a news conference in Rio that the games have surpassed the initial goal of $570 million in sponsors. The mark had already been surpassed before the Nissan deal, according to the committee.

The current worldwide Olympic partners for the 2016 games are Coca-Cola, Atos, Dow, GE, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter & Gamble, Samsung and Visa.

“This partnership demonstrates the value of the Rio 2016 brand and the strength and attractiveness of the Brazilian consumer market,” Nuzman said. “After six months of negotiations that also involved other applicants, Nissan submitted a proposal that ensures a consistent mix of products, services and financial backing, proving to be the ideal automotive partner.”

Nissan said it has a plan to support local organizers’ goals, including a program to support young athletes, promote the games’ legacy and marketing ideas “to spread the Olympic experience.”

Nissan President and Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn said in a statement, said: “Our multiple connections with Brazil are deep. As a showcase for the energy and vision of Brazil, the Olympic Games are a natural fit for Nissan.”

Organizing committee CEO Leonardo Gryner said the deal with Nissan will help the city “tackle operational challenges in a vital area such as transport.”

The 2016 Games in Rio will be the first in South America.

by Ismail Uddin

The Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC have announced a three-year partnership with officeproductsnorthwest (OPNW).

OPNW will receive prominent signage locations at CenturyLink Field and supply both teams with office and furniture needs.

“We are proud to add OPNW to our team, health ” said Seahawks and Sounders FC president Peter McLoughlin. “Their innovative approach, wide-range of products, superior service and commitment to community is a perfect match for the Seahawks and Sounders FC.

The Seattle market has rapidly embraced OPNW, an alternative to the “big box” companies due to their unique business model. OPNW is part of a billion dollar buying group that enables the company to offer low, competitive prices. They provide the latest technology and integrated systems to streamline ordering efficiencies, including next day delivery. OPNW provides low pricing and volume ordering while maintaining the customer service and support of a local business.

“We are thrilled to be a sponsor of the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders FC,” said Paul Zimmerman, President of OPNW. “We are committed to supporting the Northwest community and look forward to a winning partnership.”

by Ismail Uddin

Innovative Health Solutions, health LLC (IHS), makers of H2O Overdrive™ and H2O Overdrive Hydrate™, announced today that NHL player, Jamie McBain, current defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes, has signed on with H2O Overdrive as an athlete ambassador.

“Performance is always on my mind,” said McBain. “H2O Overdrive is a great way to make sure I am performing at my peak. It is a great tasting drink that actually helps me when I am holding up some of these bigger and stronger guys in the corners.”

McBain has been with the Carolina Hurricanes since 2009 and will play his third NHL season this year. His game-day routine is simple — before he puts on his gear, he likes to sit on the bench and mentally prepare.

“During the game, I try to keep myself completely hydrated between periods,” said McBain. “H2O Overdrive helps me do that.”

H2O Overdrive™ is pleased to have McBain as an athlete ambassador.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Jamie McBain. He is an exemplary athlete and we are excited that he chose H2O Overdrive,” said Randy Olshen, Co-Founder of IHS.

McBain will join over 100 athlete ambassadors currently supporting H2O Overdrive™.

“Our athletes not only love the taste of H2O Overdrive, they love the targeted physiological benefits that it delivers,” said Terry Giles, Co-Founder and Developer of H2O Overdrive.

“We designed H2O Overdrive as our professional formula specifically for our athletes,” Giles said. “It has a scientifically developed formula of over 30 essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, protein, complex carbohydrates and a balanced electrolyte matrix designed to ensure hydration at the intracellular level and it contains only three grams of sugar (1/10 the amount of sugar in other sports beverages).

“Our other formula, H2O Overdrive Hydrate, was designed to meet the hydration needs for a wider range of active individuals and athletes of any age,” he said.

H2O Overdrive Hydrate™ has zero grams of sugar and delivers the same balanced electrolyte matrix and 3 grams of 100% whey protein isolate, 9 grams of complex carbohydrates and over 30 vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential to hydration, energy, stamina, performance and recovery.

by Ismail Uddin

USA Sevens LLC have announced the addition of national broadcast sponsors Subway, Caesars Entertainment, 5-hour ENERGY, and DHL for the upcoming USA Sevens International Rugby Championship, round 5 of the HSBC Sevens World Series at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas on February 10 – 12.

In-stadium benefits of the sponsorship for each partner consist of signage that includes permanent logos on and surrounding the field, jumbotron messaging and virtual in-broadcast signage. With live coverage throughout the weekend from NBC, NBC Sports Network and Universal Sports, each sponsor will also retain rights during broadcasts including tagged tune-in promotion on NBC and commercial inventory.

“The premier group of world-class brands who have partnered with us for the 2012 USA Sevens accentuates rugby’s rapid growth in the U.S.,” said Jonathan First, president USA Sevens Rugby. “Each of these organizations has a unique opportunity to showcase their brands to fans of the fastest growing sport in America. And with a worldwide broadcast reach of 333 million homes, the tournament is an ideal platform for brands looking to reach a global audience.”

Additional sponsors include GUINNESS, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Station Casinos, Qantas, adidas, Pepsi, Callidus Cloud and Digital Simulation.

“Last year we were pleased to offer U.S. viewers their first chance to see live action of the HSBC Sevens World Series, and the response was overwhelmingly positive,” said Jon Miller, president of programming for NBC Sports. “As the popularity of rugby continues on its rocket-like trajectory, we expect increased viewership to return to NBC Sports for the 2012 USA Sevens tournament, and we know this year’s event will provide another spectacular viewing experience.”

USA Sevens fans can view live coverage of the event on NBC, NBC Sports Network and Universal Sports Network during the following times:

Saturday, Feb. 11: 3:30 – 6 p.m. EST on NBC; 7 – 9 p.m. EST on NBC Sports Network

Sunday, Feb. 12: 12:30 – 2 p.m. EST on Universal Sports Network; 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. EST on NBC Sports Network; 4:30 – 6 p.m. EST on NBC

National teams from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, United States, Uruguay and Wales will all compete in the USA Sevens tournament.

by Ismail Uddin

Leading performance compression and triathlon apparel brand 2XU adds acclaimed professional triathlete and five-time World Champion Terenzo Bozzone as a brand ambassador.

He will train, race and recover in 2XU compression, triathlon, cycle, run and casual performance apparel until 2015.

Starting his career with several World Championship titles, 26-year-old Bozzone has since claimed numerous podium finishes across the globe and was voted Tri Mag’s 70.3 Athlete of the Year.

The 2XU sponsorship comes at an opportune time for Bozzone, who is in peak training for next month’s Ironman in New Zealand. Last year, Bozzone pushed fellow 2XU ambassador and 10-time Ironman New Zealand Champion Cameron Brown to race record pace and finished a close second. With the March 3, 2012 Ironman New Zealand on the horizon, a fiery contest is sure to reignite between these two.

“Long term, Kona is where I want to succeed,” said Bozzone. “But, Ironman New Zealand is where I want to compete well.

“I want to take Cam Brown off his throne in the nicest way possible. With 2XU’s on my side, I’ll be heading into my 2012 with more confidence, support, drive and hunger for the title. This partnership was an easy choice for me. I can’t wait to get started.”

2XU Co-Founder and Director of Product Development Jamie Hunt is equally thrilled with the new partnership.

“Working with athletes of Terenzo’s calibre is integral to 2XU’s high performance formula,” said Hunt. “His passion for triathlon, technical apparel and excellence in performance are echoed 2XU. This partnership will open up exciting new ventures in the future.”

With roots in New Zealand and regular training and racing stints in the United States and Europe, Bozzone is an outstanding choice for 2XU, whose presence on the international triathlon circuit is slated for more growth in 2012 especially in the United States.

As the official supplier of compression to the Australian Institute of Sport, Ironman, Triathlon New Zealand, and the triathlon powerhouse teamTBB among many others, a formal alliance with Bozzone marks a logical one for 2XU.

With a commitment to engineering world-class products which deliver tangible benefits to the wearer, 2XU sets the benchmark in high performance compression. Ongoing testing, research and consultation with professional sporting bodies and athletes are integral to the brand’s winning formula.

by Ismail Uddin

Lucas Oil Products has signed a historic extension of its long-running relationship with NHRA, medstore a relationship that has grown to become one of the most important and all-encompassing sponsor relationships in NHRA.

The multifaceted contract extension includes title rights of the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, for sale a continued designation as the official oil of NHRA, naming rights at historic Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, and, most importantly, series sponsorship of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

“Lucas Oil is an integral part of NHRA,” said NHRA President Tom Compton. “Forrest, Charlotte, and the entire company have become much more than a sponsor but true friends to the entire NHRA racing community and everyone here at NHRA. Everyone in the sport owes a debt of gratitude to Lucas Oil.”

The extension was officially signed at NHRA’s corporate headquarters in Glendora, Calif., with NHRA’s employees in the audience.

The centerpiece of the extension is the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. Through the end of the new agreement, Lucas Oil will celebrate 14 years as the sponsor of one of the most important and vital series at NHRA. The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series features eight classes, encompasses 24 regional and 19 divisional events around the country, and showcases the skills and talents of tens of thousands of racers. The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series is also conducted at all 23 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, with 16 showcasing the Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car categories. These NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events are featured in 16 one-hour programs, produced in high definition, and broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN2HD. The Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car categories are where many of today’s NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series drivers got their start, including Alexis DeJoria, Courtney Force, Spencer Massey, Brandon Bernstein, and Morgan Lucas, among others.

“We are excited to announce a renewed and expanded marketing partnership with our friends at NHRA,” said Forrest Lucas, CEO of Lucas Oil Products. “The NHRA is noted for its exciting, fast-paced events with some of the most dynamic racing in sports, including the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. We are excited to continue our involvement with the NHRA family of racers.”

In addition, Lucas Oil will maintain its status as the Official Oil of NHRA and retain title-rights sponsorship of the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd Int’l Raceway in Brainerd. Lucas Oil also renewed its naming-rights sponsorship of historic Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, home of the world’s most prestigious drag race, the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, held every Labor Day weekend.

Other aspects include broadcast elements, on-site display, signage, ability to utilize the NHRA official logo on products, and the opportunity to conduct consumer promotions.

In addition, Lucas Oil is the primary sponsor for several NHRA Full Throttle and NHRA Lucas Oil race teams. In the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, Lucas Oil serves as the primary sponsor for five race teams: the GEICO/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster of driver Morgan Lucas, the MavTV/Lucas Oil Top Fuel dragster of driver Brandon Bernstein, the Lucas Oil Ford Mustang Pro Stocker of Larry Morgan, and the Lucas Oil Buells of Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Hector Arana Sr. and Hector Arana Jr. Needless to say, Lucas Oil’s footprint in NHRA is significant and touches all aspects of racing.

by Ismail Uddin

Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious hotel, the luxurious Emirates Palace, today announced a two-year sponsorship agreement with Robert Rock, the newly crowned champion of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

Rock captured the imagination of the golfing world with his stunning victory at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, which saw him eclipse some of the greatest names in golf, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer.

Super-star Robert Rock spoke of starting a new Golf Academy in Abu Dhabi, which is considered the first of its kind in the area, and aims to promote the sport in this region. He unveiled his plan after signing a two-year agreement with his sponsor the Emirates Palace Hotel today.

“It is the right time to start my plan, the academy will be training young-ones in U.A.E to play this game, and raise knowledge of Golf regionally. I believe that the emirate of Abu Dhabi has a great infrastructure to design and start the academy then run it in the next few years,” Rock said during the press conference.

Rock added, “I’m delighted to be part of the Emirates Palace family. To win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship was the greatest achievement of my career, a great thrill that will always be associated with the Emirates Palace, where I was lucky enough to stay for the duration of the tournament.” “The Emirates Palace is unlike any hotel that I have ever stayed. I’m proud and honored by the association and look forward to a successful two years.” Rock captured the imagination of the golfing world with his stunning victory at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, which saw him eclipse some of the greatest names in golf, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer.

The Emirates Palace is synonymous with refined quality and style, attributes that Rock showed in abundance during four days of sustained excellence, which saw him win the tournament by a stroke.

It was Rock’s second European Tour victory in seven months following his maiden win at the BMW Italian Open last June. 

Bugra Berberoglu, General Manager of Emirates Palace Hotel, said, “We are pleased at the Emirates Palace to sign an agreement, as the official sponsor, for two years, with the new golf world champion Robert Rock. Emirates Palace, as we all know, has been always interested in this kind of sport and Rock, the rising star, will be an excellent choice to be our Gold Ambassador in the UAE.

“We are looking forward to working closely for two years with Mr. Rock, the newly crowned champion in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf tournament, to raise the name of Emirates Palace and Abu Dhabi city in the world of this fascinating sport, which is an interest to millions around the world. “On this occasion I am pleased to reiterate the important role played by the Emirates Palace in the service of the community through our sponsorship of sports, cultural, heritage and artistic activities to boost tourism in Abu Dhabi, which is known today as one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.”

The Stobart Super Rugby League has announced that Heinz, allergist | one of the world’s most famous brands, generic will be an official partner of the Stobart Super League in 2012 and 2013.

In a significant six-figure two-year deal, nurse the Heinz Big Soup branding will feature prominently at all Stobart Super League matches, including on a specially-commissioned matchball which will be unveiled during the Easter programme.

The Heinz Big Soup logo will be displayed on the fleet of Stobart trailers that are currently being rolled out across the country and feature on the sleeves of all 14 clubs’ playing jerseys. Heinz will also have pitchside signage at all 14 Super League stadia and sponsor the man-of-the-match award at televised fixtures on Sky Sports.

The deal with the internationally acclaimed brand is the latest development in a strategy which will see a number of official partners align alongside the competition’s title sponsors, Stobart. It builds on Heinz’s ground-breaking association with Rugby League forged during last year’s Four Nations and is in addition to the sponsorship of the 2012 World Club Challenge by Heinz Big Soup.

“I am delighted to be able to welcome Heinz as an official partner of the Stobart Super League and am looking forward to working with them over the course of the next few months in what is already shaping up to be an exciting Super League season,” said RFL Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer.

“The Super League’s ability to attract blue-chip brands such as Heinz and Stobart is a testament to the appeal of the competition and I have no doubt that our partners will benefit from the excitement generated by the 2012 season.

Heinz Big Soup Brand Manager Ruth Carberry said: “We are very excited to be an official partner of the Super League.  The Heinz Big Soup and the Super League partnership is perfect, as both brands share the same values and appeal to the same type of consumers.

“We are confident that our sponsorship of Super League will help to drive awareness and encourage trial of our tasty Heinz Big Soups.”

The Ladies Professional Golf Association have announced that Volvik, the Korean golf ball company, is now a Marketing Partner of the LPGA, the Symetra Tour, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf and the LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals.

Highlights of the deal include exposure on LPGA Tour telecasts on Golf Channel, exclusivity as the Official Golf Ball of both the Symetra Tour and LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, and Presenting Sponsorship of the Teaching and Club Professional‟s Front Row Experience.

LPGA Chief Marketing Officer Jon Podany, said: “A major goal of the LPGA is to showcase the colorful personalities and distinct style of our players. Volvik’s unique style of colored golf balls positions perfectly with our ‘See Why It’s Different Out Here’ campaign. Volvik is a strong supporter of the LPGA and several of our players, and we love how they bring ‘color’ to the game.”

The partnership includes the extension of Volvik’s sponsorship of the “Volvik Shot of the Day” which will air on Golf Channel during domestic LPGA Tour telecasts.

Starting with the 2012 season, Volvik will launch marketing efforts on the LPGA’sofficial developmental tour, the Symetra Tour. As one of the leaders in the colored performance golf ball market, Volvik will showcase its trademark product on the driving range at each domestic event as the Symetra Tour’s exclusive range ball and will be included in gift packages at several tournament Pro-Ams. The partnership will also expand the company’s support for Tour players. Volvik will have a team of five Symetra Tour professionals who will serve as brand ambassadors and will also introduce a player incentive award that recognizes a top player who uses Volvik in a statistical category for their performance throughout the season.

Volvik will also begin its involvement with the LPGA Foundation, the LPGA’scharitable division, and has been named the Official Golf Ball for LPGA-USGA Girls Golf. In addition to gaining exposure through both digital and print outlets within Girls Golf, Volvik will uphold its philanthropic mission by donating 2,500 golf balls to be used at Girls Golf sites and programs throughout the year.

The deal also activates Volvik’s partnership with the LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) and provides Presenting Sponsorship rights for the “LPGA Front Row Experience Presented by Volvik.” The program offers fans the unique opportunity to get inside the ropes to demo equipment and receive free instruction from an LPGA Teaching Professional on the tournament driving range. Volvik will be provided with onsite signage and product sampling at participating events, as well as a digital branding and marketing presence on LPGA.com and through direct membership contact.

Earlier this month, the LPGA announced a 2012 tournament schedule that features five new tournaments – four of which are in North American – and $6 million more in tournament purses.

Additionally, LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan announced that the Tour had renewed 10 of 11 corporate marketing partners with expiring contracts in 2011. The Tour also launched new ad spots last week featuring 12 different LPGA players as part of the continuing “See Why It’s Different Out Here” marketing campaign, which continues to engage fans and showcase player personalities.

American tennis player Ryan Harrison has renewed his Babolat racquet sponsorship deal for a futher four years.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed but Harrison, generic who splits his time between Texas and Florida, has used Babolat racquets and strings since he was 12 years old. He is currently ranked 95th in the world

“Ryan’s renewal with Babolat is a vote of confidence in the brand, the equipment and the service he receives from Babolat. Harrison’s charisma, passion and dedication to tennis represent our brand values,” said Seth McKinley, Babolat International Sports Marketing Manager. Currently ranked No. 91, Harrison plays with the Babolat Pure Storm LTD racquet and Pro Hurricane Tour/VS hybrid strings.