The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have renewed their deal with Marston’s Beer making the beverage maker the official beer of the England cricket team for a further four years.

The sponsorship, which began in 2007, encompass the next two home Ashes series in 2013 and 2015.

Marston’s has made a significant commitment to cricket and currently has business relationships with nine County sides as well as providing support for non-First Class clubs and leagues. Its brand of beer is available at five Test grounds.

The company has leveraged the sponsorship via extensive promotion in pubs and supermarkets over the past four years including opportunities for fans to win exclusive tickets to private dinners and receptions at Lord’s and ‘Best Seats in the House’ at other Test grounds.

Des Gallagher, Head of Brands Marketing at Marston’s, said: “The on-going relationship has proved hugely successful for both parties and we are one of the ECB’s longest standing team partners. We were delighted to see England become the world’s number one Test side earlier this year and have been impressed by the huge support for international cricket in this country across three different formats.”

ECB Head of Commercial Partnerships Mark Pearce, added: “Marston’s is a major ECB partner and they have provided excellent support for our game from the grass roots through to the international arena over the past five years. We are delighted that they have chosen to renew their sponsorship for a further four year period which will encompass England’s defence of the Ashes here in 2013 and 2015.”

NBA’s Miami Heat has partnered with Tsingtao beer to market the beverage maker’s dance competition TV show in China with one of the Asian nation’s most popular sports.

On Tuesday, Heat stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat Dancers joined Tsingtao Brewery Co. President Mingbo Sun in announcing the multi-year deal.

A news conference was held on a stage placed on the court at American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami. Miami Heat President Pat Riley, head coach Erik Spoelstra and owner Micky Arison were also on stage.

Sun told the Business Journal that the company chose to partner with a professional basketball team because young people in China love the sport, and the Heat partnership, in particular, holds great promise.

“They [the Heat] are the most likely to be champions,” Sun said.

The partnership is mainly for TV visibility, both in the U.S. and in China, where Heat games are broadcast and where some Americans play in their basketball association.

Tsingtao also has a Chinese version of the American “So You Think You Can Dance” TV show, and part of the partnership might include sending winners to the U.S. to learn from the Heat dancers, said RBB Public Relations, which is handling some media details for the Heat.

Chris Maragno, the Heat’s VP for corporate partnerships, said the team began exploring partnerships with Chinese corporations about a year ago, around the time James and Bosh joined the team, after learning their games were broadcast there.

He said players already have exposure in China because of endorsements with companies like Nike. He said the Heat would continue to explore partnerships in the future.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) have secured a multi-year merchandising agreement with MISSION Athletecare, with the Athlete-Engineered product becoming the“Official Athletecare” of the League

The first NBA branded products Court Grip and Power Grip will debut when the NBA tips off the 2011-12 season on Christmas Day.

Developed in conjunction with Miami Heat All-Star Dwyane Wade, Court Grip features a patent-pending technology that helps combat court slippage and was tested extensively by Wade as well as the NBA Trainers Association (NBATA) where it was unanimously approved.

“My game is all about change of direction, speed and quickness and I am constantly looking for ways to get added traction,” said Wade. “I wanted to develop a product that truly helps players at all levels improve their performance. Court Grip helps me focus on my game and make my moves confidently without worrying about court conditions.”

Casey Smith, head athletic trainer for the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks and Chairman of the NBATA said, “Maintaining traction on courts is an issue for players and Court Grip addresses the problem better than anything we’ve ever used. We’re pleased to have helped bring this game-changing product to market.”

Power Grip features a unique and proprietary formula designed as a liquid-chalk technology, that instantly dries hands to provide a more secure and confident grip on the basketball. True to the MISSION athlete-engineered process, Power Grip was jointly developed and tested with New York Knicks All-Star Carmelo Anthony who uses it as a “go-to” product to keep his hands dry and improve his grip on the ball.

Josh Shaw, founder and president of MISSION Athletecare, said: “We’re very excited to launch our new partnership with the NBA. Starting with Court Grip and Power Grip, we will continue to lead the charge in developing game-changing innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of today’s athletes.”

Already considered one of the most successful sports accessory launches in sporting goods history, MISSION debuted Court Grip and Power Grip at the end of September exclusively at Foot Locker stores nationwide and online at Eastbay.com and will be available soon at Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Sports Authority, Hibbett Sports, Modell’s and on MISSION’s website.

Mark French, President of Mission Basketball division, added: “We could not have asked for a better retail partner to launch both Court Grip and Power Grip. As the destination for the avid basketball player, and with the tremendous in-store and out-of-store multi-media marketing that Foot Locker and Eastbay have put behind this launch, the adoption of these game-changing products has come much faster than we anticipated.”

Co-founded by some of the world’s elite athletes, including NBA superstars Wade, Anthony, Brandon Jennings, and Steve Nash, MISSION is focused on solving problems unique to athletes. The company has over two dozen product innovations that cover Muscle Care, Foot Care, Grip Enhancement, Anti-Chafe and Sunscreen – as well as some exciting new categories launching in 2012.

Multi-platform insurer Geico has penned a three-year extension to become the “official automobile insurance company” for the NHL in the U.S.

Geico has been aligned with the NHL since 2010.

Geico said it would expand activation under the new deal to support the upcoming outdoor Bridgestone Winter Classic, apoplectic the NHL’s All-Star Weekend and the Stanley Cup playoffs and Finals.

Marketing will be anchored by two new hockey-themed commercials timed to break for the Winter Classic, medstore which will air on NBC on Jan. 2.

According to Geico, the commercials “will highlight some notorious hockey rivalries and will commemorate the 75th anniversary of Geico by looking back at some historical hockey moments.”

The deal also includes in-ice brand position, dasher boards and “custom integration” across all NHL-controlled media properties such as NHL.com, NHL Network and NHL Radio.

During the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Philadelphia’s Citizen Bank Park, Geico will activate at the fan festival in Spectator Plaza, hosting a “Guess the Gecko” contest for chances to win prizes, an accuracy shooting contest, a hockey suit-up challenge and trivia games.

Bill Brower, Geico’s marketing director, said: “The NHL is a great fit for us as we already support 18 NHL teams, local and national broadcasts.  It’s great to be a part of something that is fun and exciting for the fans and we are very pleased to be associated with such an important segment of American sports.”

Keith Wachtel, svp-integrated sales for the NHL, added: “Geico’s commitment to activate against the sport of hockey across the League, broadcast rights-holders and our member clubs is a great way to reach our avid and passionate fan base.”

USA Diving has signed a multi-year agreement with Hilton HHonors making the Hilton Worldwide hotel chain the official hotel partner of USA Diving.

As part of this partnership, ed Hilton HHonors will support the organization and offer benefits to USA Diving members.

USA Diving President and CEO Linda Paul, ampoule said: “USA Diving is pleased to welcome Hilton HHonors into our family of sponsors. Their support of USA Diving and the Olympic movement will provide tremendous opportunities for our athletes and organization.”

Hilton Worldwide’s portfolio of brands will serve as the official meet headquarters for this week’s USA Diving Winter National Championships in Knoxville, hospital Tenn., as well as several premier 2012 events, including the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for diving, the USA Diving Age Group National Diving Championships, the USA Diving Junior National Diving Championships and the AT&T National Diving Championships. In addition, Hilton HHonors will be the title sponsor of the Hilton HHonors Junior East Championships and the Hilton HHonors Junior West Championships in 2012.

Hilton Worldwide will offer USA Diving athletes, professional members, families and fans a discount booking portal for hotel stays at Hilton Worldwide’s participating hotel brands, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations.  Each confirmed hotel night stay that is booked via the portal will directly support USA Diving’s programs.

“We are proud to become the official hotel partner of USA Diving and support the Olympic Hopefuls on their journey to London,” said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, global customer marketing, Hilton Worldwide. “This partnership will allow us to strengthen our commitment to the U.S. Olympic movement by providing opportunities for athletes, families and fans to share exciting Olympic experiences together while enjoying first-class hospitality.”

Respect Your Universe, Inc. (RYU) announced today the signing of top MMA Welterweight Fighter Jon Fitch to their first athlete endorsement deal.

Fitch, who is noted as one of the highest ranked pound-for-pound Mixed Martial Artists (MMA) in the UFC.

John Wood, President of RYU, said: “We are all very excited to have Jon join the RYU team as our first Mixed Martial Arts athlete. Jon embodies the spirit and essence of respect, honor, strength and nature; the pillars of RYU. We look forward to working with Jon and his team in the continuing growth of RYU.”

With a MMA record of 26-3-1-1, Fitch has defeated impressive fighters throughout his UFC career (beginning in 2002) and holds wins over Diego Sanchez, Paulo Thiago and Mike Pierce as well as two wins over one of the most dominant Welterweights in the UFC — Thiago Alves. Fitch’s UFC record is 13-1-1 and is tied second for most consecutive UFC wins (eight) with Royce Gracie.

Currently, Fitch is training out of the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, where he is preparing for his first UFC fight in almost a year that will take place on December 30^th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“It is an honor to represent RYU as their first premiere athlete in the UFC,” said Jon Fitch.”The quality of their products and the values that they stand for are the same qualities that I have displayed in the octagon and will continue to value on my quest toward becoming the UFC Welterweight Champion.”

As a UFC Veteran, Fitch has a background in Wrestling, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under David Camarillo and is a MMA, Wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu Seminar Instructor in addition to being an American Kickboxing Academy Team Captain.

Prior to his UFC career, Fitch graduated from Purdue University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and a Minor in History. At Purdue, Fitch was a four-year letter winner in NCAA Division I Wrestling receiving the 2002 Purdue University Red Mackey Scholarship, the “Most Dedicated” Wrestling Award in 2002 and was also the 2002 Wrestling Team Captain.

This announcement follows RYU’s recent partnership with the UFC.

Best Buy Co., Inc. announced  today a new sponsorship deal for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Season with the American retailer serving as primary sponsor of Carl Edwards’ No. 99 Ford for two races and the Matt Kenseth No. 17 Ford for nine races.

In addition, Best Buy will serve as associate sponsor for each.

“Best Buy is thrilled to announce this new NASCAR sponsorship deal with Roush Fenway Racing,” said Drew Panayiotou, senior vice president of marketing for Best Buy. “Roush Fenway Racing is a great fit for Best Buy Racing. NASCAR continues to be a relevant way for us to connect with our customers. Our goal is to reach our target audiences in a meaningful way, while maximizing the value of our marketing and sponsorship investments.”

Roush Fenway co-owner Jack Roush, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce this partnership with Best Buy. Best Buy is an industry leader and a top brand globally. They do a great deal to market and support their teams and we are pleased to be working with an organization that is as enthusiastic about racing as Best Buy. We feel it is a great fit with our organization and we look forward to a great partnership together.”

Best Buy has been a NASCAR sponsor for the past 7 years.

L.L.Bean, sale a leading outdoor equipment and apparel merchant, have announced a multi-year partnership with snowboarder Seth Wescott.

Wescott will serve as a brand ambassador and work with L.L.Bean outerwear product developers to provide insights on new designs and conduct product testing. Mr. Wescott will make appearances on behalf of L.L.Bean as the company celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2012.

Wescott has reached the podium in every major snowboardcross event in the world and is widely recognized as a true pioneer and global ambassador for the sport of snowboardcross (SBX). In addition to his competitive career, the avid outdoorsman can be found big mountain riding among the peaks of Alaska’s mountain ranges for a month each spring or catching waves on his surf board along the Maine coastline and around the world throughout the year. A native of Farmington, Maine, Wescott recently returned from a back-country adventure in Antarctica where he explored challenging terrain while product testing L.L.Bean outerwear in preparation for his 2011-2012 season.

Steve Fuller, L.L.Bean Chief Marketing Officer, said: “Seth and L.L.Bean share many of the same values – a love and respect of the outdoors and a passion to educate and inspire youth to enjoy the outdoors. He will be a great brand ambassador both here in Maine and around the world.”

The partnership between L.L.Bean and Wescott also includes support of one of his charitable initiatives, Level Field Fund, which helps bridge the gap in funding for uniquely talented athletes. L.L.Bean will contribute to Level Field Fund-Maine in an effort to help fund talent and fuel dreams of Maine’s aspiring athletes in need of assistance.

The English Football League have announced they have added a new Official Charity Partner, erectile Prostate Cancer Charity, symptoms for the 2012/13 season.

The announcement follows a vote by more than 65, viagra 000 Football League fans, club chief executives and Football League staff who selected their preferred charity from a shortlist of six.

The six shortlisted charities were: Anthony Nolan, British Heart Foundation, Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, NSPCC, The Prostate Cancer Charity and St John Ambulance.

Greg Clarke, chairman of The Football League said: “Congratulations to The Prostate Cancer Charity on their selection as our 2012/13 Official Charity Partner. The competition was extremely tough again this year, with all six shortlisted organisations presenting very worthy causes and specialised plans to engage with all 72 Football League communities.”

“I would like to thank all those who took the time to vote.  I’m sure that Football League fans up and down the country will continue the incredible support they have shown our chosen charities over the last three seasons.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men; killing one man every hour, every day. The Prostate Cancer Charity’s specialist nurses support thousands of men with the disease whilst the charity also invests in vital scientific research.

Owen Sharp, chief executive of the Charity, added: “This is the biggest cancer in men and football is the biggest sport for reaching and involving men. So, partnering with The Football League is an incredible opportunity for us to reach and support thousands of football-mad men who will face this cancer.”

“To put it into a match day context, between the time a supporter goes through the turnstile, watches the game, gets a half-time cuppa, and then leaves the ground after the final whistle, two men have died from prostate cancer. That is why we are so grateful to be able to work with The Football League and its 72 Clubs and Communities to raise funds and help us fight this disease.”

As the Official Charity Partner, The Prostate Cancer Charity will receive exposure across all League clubs, raising awareness and funds. There will also be a dedicated week of action in 2013 and presence at each of the five Football League Finals.

Ex-footballer turned broadcaster, Mark Bright, and ambassador of the Charity has backed their selection.

Bright commented: “This is a massive result for The Prostate Cancer Charity – I’m so proud to be a committed ambassador. This disease kills one man every hour, but not enough people know about it. For so many people – prostate cancer is just not on their radar.”

“This partnership means so much because we will be reaching the men on the terraces with a message we need to drive home. It will also raise vital funds, so the Charity can reach more men with its specialist nurses, information and support. 2012 is such a big year for everyone connected with The Prostate Cancer Charity.”

Prostate Cancer Charity will replace current partner Help the Hospices and will build on the exposure gained from previous partner Help for Heroes and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

NRG and The Kraft Group have announced a comprehensive sustainable energy supply agreement for Gillette Stadium, here home of the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution.

Under the agreement, NRG will triple the amount of clean, renewable solar power generated at Patriot Place, Kraft Group’s shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Kraft Group and NRG will also pursue the addition of a full-sized wind turbine that would elevate Patriot Place to be one of the largest renewable power installations at a major sports venue in the United States. In addition, NRG will provide all the additional power for the nearly 70,000-seat stadium and the more than one-million-square-foot retail and entertainment complex.

NRG, which is one of the leaders in providing clean energy solutions to American businesses and consumers, owns and operates 485 megawatts (MW) of wind power and is the largest solar power company in the United States with more than 900 MW of solar generation in operation or under construction by the end of 2011 and an additional 1,000 MW in development.

The new, custom-designed one-megawatt solar power installation will provide up to 60% of Patriot Place’s power, reducing carbon emissions by more than 800 metric tons every year and helping to make the fan and customer experience even more enjoyable. A combination of standard and translucent solar panels will partially cover Patriot Place’s outdoor walkways, generating power while providing shade and cover for visitors throughout the year. Additional rooftop panels will provide more power, bringing the expected annual output of the new solar power system to 1.1 million kilowatt hours.

David Crane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Princeton, N.J.-based NRG, said: “We are excited to help The Kraft Group succeed in its vision to be a leader in making sustainable energy an integral part of its operations. The Patriots have a unique bond with their fans, and through the incorporation of renewable energy in and around Gillette Stadium, The Kraft Group is sending a strong and highly visible message to the hundreds of thousands of visitors each year that renewable energy is a smart choice for business and consumers.”

Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of The Kraft Group, added: “Since the construction of Gillette Stadium, we have focused on long-term sustainability and energy efficiency. We introduced solar power with the addition of Patriot Place, and NRG will help us take our renewable energy efforts to new heights. In addition to being good corporate citizens and a desire to leave behind a healthy environment for our children and grandchildren, we also believe that this is good business.”

The new one-megawatt project is in addition to an existing 525-kilowatt photovoltaic power system at Patriot Place, creating one of the largest solar power systems at an NFL stadium. Construction of the new system is expected to be complete in time for the 2012-2013 NFL season.

This comes after iSportconnect reported NRG secured an agreement with MetLife Stadium, New York Giants and Jets home.