Sports goods retailer Puma has announced a contract extension with AB de Villiers, medical the newly appointed captain of the South Africa Cricket ODI and T20 teams.

De Villiers said, apoplectic “I have had a long and successful relationship with PUMA over the years, and am very happy to be continuing my association with them. PUMA’s product has always been of a very high quality, and I am looking forward to trying their new products out, and extending my affiliation with the brand.” 

The agreement will run beyond 2015 and includes the sponsorship of cricket footwear and lifestyle product off the pitch. To match his top form, De Villiers will sport Puma’s new Evo Speed boot from mid-2012. 

“Puma is delighted to have continued our association with AB,” said Puma South Africa’s Marketing Director Brett Bellinger. “AB has been a fantastic Puma ambassador over the past years and we value what he brings to the Puma brand by way of performance as well as lifestyle appeal. Puma will continue to supply AB with his cricketing boots as well as all lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories.”

De Villiers’s relationship with Puma began in 2006 when he signed his first contract with the sportslifestyle brand. He re-signed in 2009 and has now extended his contract for the second time. 

“We wish AB continued good form and ongoing success in his captaincy of the ODI and T20 national teams,” added Bellinger

Del Monte Fresh Produce Inc. has agreed a sponsorship deal with the Miami Heat basketball team making the food company the official fresh fruit NBA franchise.

As well as collaborating on advertising and promotional programmes, treat Del Monte and Miami Heat will also be working together to support several South Florida community outreach events such as the Heat Season of Giving, ed the Miami Heat Family Festival, generic and the Heat Back to School Event.

In addition, Del Monte will, as the official sponsor of the Fresh Fan Poll on the Heat Facebook page, sponsor a six-week online promotion designed to encourage healthy living.

“We are thrilled to be associated with an iconic, championship sports organisation who has not only become winners on the court, but off the court as well,” said Emanuel Lazopoulos, senior vice-president sales, marketing and product management at Del Monte Fresh Produce. “This collaboration will reinforce the Del Monte brand in South East Florida, were both organisations are based, and will help us in our local community involvement efforts. We will also have the opportunity to reach the millions of Heat fans worldwide.”

Eric Woolworth, president of business operations for the Heat group, added: “By supporting healthy eating and active living, it is clear that both organisations share important core values. The Miami Heat is proud to be associated with the Del Monte brand.”

The Madison Square Garden Company and Chase have announced they have expanded their marketing partnership, making Chase the “Official Card” of MSG and providing Chase credit and debit cardmembers with exclusive access to events and experiences across MSG’s venues and sports and entertainment franchises.

The long-term marketing partnership naming JPMorgan Chase as MSG’s first-ever Marquee Partner was announced in September 2010, making JPMorgan Chase the preeminent multi-platform, multi-venue, multi-media partner of MSG.

Chase cardmembers will now have exclusive presale and preferred seating access to tickets for more than a thousand live entertainment and sports events at MSG’s New York and Chicago venues annually, including the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, top name artists and performers and a variety of family shows. In addition, Chase will offer cardmembers with Ultimate Rewards access to unique, behind-the-scenes experiences and one-of-a-kind, “can’t buy” opportunities. Chase Ultimate Rewards is an industry-leading rewards program that offers virtually limitless opportunities to earn and redeem rewards without earnings caps, airfare blackout dates or points expiration.

Cardmembers with Ultimate Rewards may access these experiences via Chase Customer Service or at www.chase.com/msg, a comprehensive website that features content, special ticket access and unique offers across MSG properties and venues that are available exclusively for Chase cardmembers.

In addition, Chase cardmembers will receive a variety of special offers and benefits for using their cards at MSG venues and when purchasing Knicks and Rangers individual and season tickets, including discounts on merchandise and exclusive gifts with purchase. For example, purchasing Knicks or Rangers tickets with a Chase card will qualify cardmembers for a concession voucher.

“JPMorgan Chase has been a longstanding partner of The Madison Square Garden Company, beginning with the first Madison Square Garden in 1879 to becoming the Marquee Partner in 2010. We are excited to expand our partnership further to offer Chase customers even more unique, exclusive benefits,” said Scott O’Neil, president, MSG Sports. “The best way to get access to tickets to see the top artists and sporting events in New York and Chicago, and the only way to experience incredible money-can’t-buy, behind-the-scenes experiences, is to be a Chase cardmember.”

Steve Pamon, Head of Sports & Entertainment Marketing, Chase, added: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with The Madison Square Garden Company. The inside access to world-class venues and entertainment is amazing and enables Chase to offer cardmembers even more access to unique experiences that may otherwise seem unattainable.”

As the Marquee Partner of MSG, Chase receives an unparalleled level of access for its customers and premier brand exposure across MSG’s properties and brands. The multi-platform partnership is fully integrated across MSG’s sports, entertainment and media properties, and includes MSG’s iconic venues (Madison Square Garden, Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, The Chicago Theatre), entertainment brands and events (Radio City Christmas Spectacular), professional sports teams (New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty), regional television networks (MSG, MSG Plus), and digital platforms.

A central part of the relationship is Chase’s integration in Madison Square Garden Arena’s historic three-year, top-to-bottom Transformation, including several of the building’s new signature elements. The new Seventh Avenue entrance to the building will become Chase Square at Madison Square Garden and feature interactive kiosks, new retail locations and a broadcast area. Inside the Arena, the two spectacular new Chase Bridges will be suspended above the floor offering a one-of-a-kind view of the action.

The 1879 Club presented by J.P. Morgan, an exclusive space for event attendees with a casual and intimate environment to relax before or after an event, opened as part of the first phase of the Transformation this season. The Madison Square Garden Transformation will provide an enhanced experience for fans, athletes, entertainers, partners and suite holders from the first row to the last, and is being funded entirely by MSG.

The Quaker Oats Company, a division of PepsiCo, has become the shirt sponsor of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club for the 2012 season.

The club have named Quaker as the official Breakfast Foods & Nutritious Snacks Partner of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team, and the centerpiece of the partnership is the shirt sponsorship which prominently features the famed Quaker logo in a powerful yet classic design. This is only the Fire’s second jersey sponsor in the club’s 15-year history.

Throughout the partnership, Quaker and the Chicago Fire will team up to reach thousands of families, on-and-off-the-field and demonstrate the importance of eating right and staying fit. As part of this shared commitment, Quaker will provide the Chicago Fire players with nourishing breakfasts and snacks to help them fuel their performance throughout the season.

“It’s an honor to partner with a trusted Chicago-based brand like Quaker Oats that shares the same sense of community as the Chicago Fire,” said Chicago Fire owner Andrew Hauptman. “As a sports team, we know the importance of staying active, eating right and hope to inspire others to do the same. Our players are incredibly proud to don the Quaker name as they hit the field during the 2012 season.”

For more than 134 years Quaker has had a longstanding tradition of keeping families happy and healthy both nationally and locally in Chicago.

Jose Luis Prado, President, Quaker Foods and Snacks North America, said: “Quaker Oats has been providing nourishing breakfasts and snacks to families for more than a century. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. We are excited to work with the Chicago Fire to make a positive impact in the community and across the country.”

In addition to the redesign of the Chicago Fire jerseys, Quaker and the Fire will unveil a variety of exciting activities as the season gets underway. As a trusted food brand, Quaker will connect with more than 6,000 families nationwide and locally in Chicago as the title sponsor of the Chicago Fire Juniors, the Fire’s youth player development program and the premier youth program in MLS.

Toyota Park home to the team will also now feature the “Quaker Corner” a new seating section dedicated to an exciting experience for Chicago Fire supporters, where they can show their passion and love for the game, catch great views of the action on the field, enjoy delicious Quaker products and score fun prizes.

As an official Breakfast Foods Partner of Major League Soccer (MLS), Quaker Oats will also have a presence at MLS First Kick, the MLS All-Star Game and the MLS Cup.

Hurst Boiler has extended its sponsorship of Adam Flamholc Racing team for the 2012 NHRA Championship Drag Racing (quarter mile) and ADRL (American Drag Racing League eighth mile) racing seasons.

“We first became involved with Adam Flamholc Racing 4 years ago after seeing him race in Richmond, ed VA,” said Jeff Hurst, VP Sales & Marketing of Hurst Boiler & Welding Co., Inc. “Each time Adam has raced in the US, Hurst Boiler has participated in sponsoring him. Adam is proudly displaying the Hurst logo on the front of the Flamholc racecar for the 2012 season. And I have to say that the flame in our logo suits drag racing very well!”

Adam Flamholc has been a licensed dragster since 1991. In 2005 Adam stepped up from sportsman racing to the professional class called Pro Stock. With the help from sponsors including Hurst Boiler, Flamholc Racing became the first team outside the US to run a 6.60’s time in the class. In their first year in the FIA European Dragracing championship, Flamholc racing finished number three in the points, and won the European finals at Santa Pod (in England) in 2011. At the same event they also took the European record (5.96s).

In 2008 Flamholc Racing moved into Pro Mod, or Pro Modified, a class or division in the sport of drag racing used in the NHRA (quarter-mile) and the ADRL. ADRL will feature Pro Mod racing for its 2012 season. Boasting a doorslammer racing history, featuring full-bodied racing sedans that are replicas of production vehicles, the widely-popular Pro Mod class will mix supercharged, nitrous and turbo cars into one incredibly competitive division, adding even more excitement to the ADRL’s thrilling race schedule.

Adam will be driving the Hurst sponsored car in the upcoming 8th Annual US Street Nationals at Bradenton, FL January 27-29, 2012; the 18th Annual Snowbird Nationals at Orlando, FL Jan. 31st – Feb. 5th, 2012; as well as all ten events in ADRL 2012 (Pro Mod) beginning March 30 at Baytown, TX.

“This is really something we have dreamed of,” said Adam. “None of this would have been possible without our business partners. A very big thank you goes out to our main sponsors: Hurst Boiler & Welding Co. and Amalie Oil.”

Grey Goose, a leading Vodka brand has announced today a collaboration with professional golfer Matt Kuchar, a three-time PGA Tour winner. 

Beginning this month, the celebrated athlete will serve as an official spokesperson for the Grey Goose golf program, a leading consumer activation platform for the brand. The announcement also marks a new and exciting era of “Grey Goose 19th Hole,” a Grey Goose Entertainment original television program exclusive to Golf Channel that has captivated golf enthusiasts for the past ten years.

“Grey Goose Vodka has maintained a long-standing commitment and a strong presence in the golf arena.  We are honored to welcome such a stellar athlete to the brand,” said Michelle D. Beauchamp, brand director of Grey Goose at Bacardi USA. “Matt Kuchar’s sportsmanship, athleticism and competitive drive represent the best of the sport of golf.”

As the Grey Goose golf spokesperson, Matt Kuchar will appear on the premier episode of the new “Grey Goose 19th Hole” on January 26 and represent the brand in all facets of its golf program which includes supporting retail point of sale, hosting meet-and-greet sessions at PGA Tour events and helping develop the Grey Goose Collection golf gear.

“As a longtime fan of Grey Goose off the course, I am really excited about joining the family and representing the World’s Best Tasting Vodka as an official spokesperson,” said Kuchar. “I am proud to be aligned with Grey Goose as the leading super-premium vodka brand continues its longstanding tradition in golf.”

Kuchar is the fourth-highest ranked American golfer in the world. Known as the all-American family man with a striking smile and wholesome demeanor, Kuchar has demonstrated arguably the most consistent golf performance on the course since 2009.  He is one of only two golfers to have had 20 top-ten finishes over the past two years and is the winner of three PGA Tour events. Kuchar was most recently a member of the victorious United States Presidents Cup and World Cup teams.

In 2010, Kuchar won the PGA’s Vardon Trophy and the PGA Tour’s Byron Nelson Award, both recognizing the player with the lowest scoring average, as well as the PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Award for leading the money list in 2010.

James Ellington’s failed attempts to get Olympic sponsorship on auction site eBay has finally gained the British sprinter some notice from sponsors after shaving brand King of Shaves signed a deal with the Olympic hopeful.

Ellington thought he had succeeded in covering his travel, accommodation and uniform costs for the London Games when he received a $53,700 offer on eBay.

It turned out to be a hoax. But a shaving product manufacturer has stepped in to sponsor the 26-year-old Londoner.

“Going on eBay gave me amazing exposure, but unfortunately the winning bidder wasn’t genuine,” Ellington said Tuesday. “I couldn’t be happier that the deal has been sorted. Now I can focus on winning a medal for Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics.”

Ellington ran the third leg when Britain won the 4×100 relay at the European Team Championship last year. But a string of injury problems meant Ellington missed out on major sponsorship deals or national lottery support.

“I personally want to thank all of the people who emailed, tweeted and wrote to me,” said Ellington, whose 20.52 seconds in the 200 in France last year was the fastest time by a British athlete at a non-altitude venue. “I’ve been so touched by all of your messages of support and even donations to my cause. Whatever I manage to achieve at London 2012, I’m doing it for you.”

Ellington offered to wear branded uniforms at training and media events at “all appropriate opportunities” until the end of the Olympics in exchange for sponsorship. He estimated that he needed at least $46,000 — half in wages and the rest to cover expenses.

Ellington’s new sponsor, King of Shaves, previously sponsored British skeleton competitors Kristan Bromley and Shelley Rudman at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

The PGA Tour and the USA Today Sports Media Group have announced today that they have entered into a five-year official marketing relationship through 2016.

As part of the agreement, erectile USA Today receives the exclusive U.S. rights to use the association and Tour logos for sales and marketing purposes for the print and digital extensions of USA Today sports.

The PGA Tour will have the opportunity to purchase advertising at preferred rates and to develop several Tour-themed special sections over the course of each year of the agreement.

“The PGA Tour is one of the premier sports brands in the world, viagra 40mg and we’re honored that they’ve selected us as their partner, especially for the long term,” commented Tom Beusse, President of the USA Today Sports Media Group.

Tom Wade, Chief Marketing Officer for the PGA Tour, said: “We welcome the opportunity to work with the USA Today Sports Media Group and look forward to developing our relationship and leveraging this platform to bring added value to our entire family of corporate sponsors.”

Merrill Squires, SVP, Leagues and Properties for the USA Today Sports Media Group, added: “The PGA Tour is extremely forward thinking when it comes to creating value and impact for its sponsors.They really understand the unique capabilities and assets we can bring them to help maximize great content and marketing opportunities for the PGA Tour and its sponsors. We can’t wait to begin our collaboration with them.”

USA Cycling has added to his growing list of sponsors with a agreement with SPY, a Southern Californian based purveyor of technical sunglasses, goggles and prescription eyewear

Along with supporting the development of America’s next generation of world champions and Olympic medalists, this multi-year partnership allows SPY to build upon its heritage in cycling and technical eyewear development, further integrating its brand, products, events and athletes, including USA Cycling Professional Road Race National Champion Matthew Busche and Cyclo-cross stars Jonathan Page and Nicole Duke, into the broader USA Cycling universe of high-performance athletes, events and community.

As a part of the partnership, new USA Cycling model Performance Screw sunglasses, replete with SPY’s patented Scoop anti-fog technology, are being produced this spring in the colors of Ol’ Glory exclusively for USA Cycling members.

SPY is activating its sponsorship through a number of USA Cycling platforms, including presence at 17 USA Cycling National Championship events and supplying high-performance product for use by USA Cycling’s development teams.

Also the 70,000-plus members of USA Cycling and its 3,000 registered clubs and teams will be afforded special opportunities on all SPY-related products as part of a USA Cycling membership.

The partnership was reached in conjunction with sports marketing and entertainment company Wasserman Media Group, which was retained by USA Cycling to assist in establishing greater sponsorship value and identifying potential partnership opportunities for the national governing body.

“As a company of dedicated cycling enthusiasts and competitive athletes, including an active Category 1 Cyclo-cross racer as its president and CEO, SPY is the perfect partner for USA Cycling, whose members will directly benefit from the utility of SPY’s quality, technical eyewear in every discipline,” said USA Cycling President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Johnson. “SPY is a hands-on partner and we have some exciting programs planned to elevate the brand of USA Cycling, avail SPY’s incredible product to our constituency, and raise awareness of cycling and bicycle culture in the U.S. as a true lifestyle interest.”

Michael Marckx, SPY president and CEO, added: “We are a coastal San Diego brand with a history in cycling across its entire spectrum — road, mountain, BMX, ‘cross and fixie — as SPY was launched with the highest-quality technical eyewear possible for bike fanatics, which includes ourselves and our friends who also ride and race. It’s wonderful that we are able to provide immediate value in the way of our new, exciting technical eyewear, goggles and Rx frames to everybody in the mix, even as we look forward to working with USA Cycling on great programs that will mutually enhance our shared interests and improve the cycling experience in myriad ways for USA Cycling members across the country and internationally.”

In the last two weeks USA Cycling has added Grape-Nuts and Exergy to its sponsorship roster.

Janet Evans has entered into a new endorsement contract with Arena after qualifying for the U.S. Olympic trials.

The swimwear company announced the deal Tuesday. This past weekend in Austin, patient Texas, anabolics the 40-year-old Evans eclipsed the qualifying times for the 400- and 800-meter freestyle, though she is still far off the speed she’ll need to be a realistic contender for the Olympic team.

Still, Evans is happy with the progress of her unprecedented comeback. She retired after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and went more than 15 years without competing in a top-level event.

Evans says she’s “excited about this new chapter in my life” and picking up the support of Arena will make her even more motivated to make it to the London Olympics.