The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Sprint have announced a comprehensive multi-year marketing partnership that will make Sprint the Official Wireless Service Partner of the NBA.

As part of the partnership Sprint will reach the broad and passionate fan base of the NBA through a wide array of assets, including marquee league events, television and digital exposure, and customized NBA mobile content for its customers.

A key element of the Sprint – NBA partnership is the development of a new custom app called “Sprint NBA Mobile” which will be the most comprehensive app in the marketplace for NBA fans. The app will include access to in-game and post-game video highlights, news, scores, stats, live home and away radio broadcasts, in addition to providing direct access to live ESPN NBA Games via Sprint TV’s ESPN Channel. “Sprint NBA Mobile” will be available on Android phones exclusively to Sprint customers by the tip-off of the season and will be offered at no additional cost with unlimited usage with an Everything Data Plan. The “Sprint NBA Mobile” app will also be updated with additional elements throughout the course of the season.

Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO, said: “Only Sprint delivers the NBA without limits to fans with truly unlimited plans, so fans can watch and listen to live games from their phones or check scores and stats as much as they want without worry.”

NBA Commissioner David Stern, added: “NBA fans are leading an increasingly mobile lifestyle, which makes Sprint an ideal partner to help them connect with our game at anytime, from anywhere. We look forward to working with Sprint to provide fans unlimited access to the NBA, beginning with the launch of the new, jointly developed Sprint NBA Mobile application.”

Sprint will also unveil a marketing campaign to support the partnership with broadcast and digital elements that show how Sprint’s Unlimited data plan provides its customers access to the NBA through the Sprint NBA Mobile app.

Sprint will serve as the presenting partner of digital promotion for Christmas Day games and will also be the presenting partner of the NBA All-Star Balloting program, which allows fans globally to vote to determine the starters for the NBA All-Star Game. It will also be the title partner of the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and the NBA All-Star Pre-Game Concert, held before the NBA All-Star Game. Sprint will be an associate partner of NBA All-Star Jam Session, and the presenting partner of the NBA All-Star E-Recycling event, an electronic waste collection and recycling event. In addition to Sprint’s involvement with NBA All-Star activities, it will also be an associate partner of the NBA Draft and the presenting partner of NBA Green Week.

This agreement continues the NBA’s recent commercial activity with deals with Gatorade, Budweiser, Auto Trader and Under Armour.

Familia Camarena Tequila have announced that they will continue their marketing sponsorship with the NBA’s Orlando Magic.

It will be the tequila’s second season as a sponsor of the franchise. Under the second year of the agreement, sale Familia Camarena will maintain in-arena brand exposure and frequent exposure during the Magic’s English and Spanish radio broadcasts.

Gerard Thoukis, pills Director of Marketing for Camarena, said: “Familia Camarena Tequila’s inaugural year with the Magic was an exciting foray into the Florida market for the brand. We embrace the opportunity to continue positive momentum and exposure with the only team in the “big four” sports leagues to play in the city of Orlando and look forward to many more great seasons with the Magic.”

Chip Bowers, Orlando Magic Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Marketing, added: “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Familia Camarena Tequila. The 2010-11 season was an exciting year of new beginnings for us, from the opening of Amway Center to the start of our new partnership with Familia Camarena Tequila. We look forward to another exciting season with Familia Camarena Tequila at the Amway Center, home of the 2012 NBA All-Star game.”

Familia Camarena has dived head-first into the sports marketing world since the company’s inception in 2010. Besides this deal with the Magic, the company has also extended its agreement with the Phoenix Suns and signed sponsorship agreements with teams in both the NFL and MLB.

Johnstone’s Paint has extended its title sponsorship of The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy for a further three seasons.

The announcement was made at Wembley Stadium, with the release of thousands of multi-coloured balloons to symbolise Johnstone’s commitment to ‘bringing colour to the beautiful game’ through until 2014/15, extending the premium paint brand’s association with The Football League to nine years – the longest sponsorship in the competition’s 29-year history.

Speaking about the deal, Football League Chairman Greg Clarke said: “I am delighted that we have extended our successful sponsorship with Johnstone’s Paint.

“They have worked extremely hard to help us raise this competition’s public profile and popularity with supporters. I look forward to further strengthening our relationship during this next stage of our partnership.”

The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has gone from strength to strength during the first six seasons of the sponsorship following a package of reforms designed to raise the appeal of the competition. Changes included the scrapping of extra-time, increased regionalisation in early rounds and a renewed commitment from clubs to fielding first-team sides in matches.

Only clubs in Leagues 1 and 2, participate in the tournament which offers the opportunity of a dream final at Wembley Stadium and for Johnstone’s the sponsorship has developed brand strength and visibility.

Johnstone’s Paint Marketing Director, Jason Metcalf, said: “More than five million fans have watched Johnstone’s Paint Trophy matches, in grounds and on television, since the sponsorship began and Johnstone’s Paint has also engaged with up to two million people through numerous community projects.

“So with this in mind, it is clear to see why we are all so thrilled to be extending our sponsorship. It has been one of our biggest success stories and we couldn’t be happier to be reinforcing our relationship with the clubs and their legions of fans.”

Successful community projects include a search to honour selfless non-league managers in 2010, along with a competition for young bloggers to write about their teams’ trophy exploits last season.

A shirt amnesty for World Emergency Relief in 2009 – where communities in South Africa were given hundreds of football shirts to train and play in – was also a resounding triumph.

Britain’s longest-running professional basketball club, symptoms Leicester Tigers, has announced a new sponsorship deal with two multi-million pound Leicester-based companies, Anand International and Daewoo International (Europe).

Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders held a Press Conference to formerly announce the one-year support package, which has been instrumental in keeping Great Britain captain Andrew Sullivan at the club for the rest of the British Basketball League season.

Vic Sethi of Anand International and Daewoo International (Europe) said: “I am a firm believer that it is every individual’s duty to give back to the community by any method one can. I along with my family had decided to support and sponsor the Leicester Riders basketball team as it attracts people of every age to watch and mix with the players and management after the game.

“There is a fantastic atmosphere at the club, where people of different communities get together and mix. Leicester is my home town and I love to support the amenities around us which involve youth and get communities together.”

Riders’ General Manager Russell Levenston, head coach Rob Paternostro and Andrew Sullivan made the announcement during a press conference hosted by Pukaar News, on December 1 at Phoenix Square, Leicester.

Riders’ General Manager Russell Levenston added: “I would like to thank Vic Sethi for all his support and I really look forward to working with him.

“Without support from companies like Anand Daewoo International we would not have been able to bring in the GB captain Drew Sullivan. It is an exciting time for Leicester Riders basketball at the moment.”

The European Handball Federation (EHF) has obtained a long-term sponsorship agreement with Intersport, ampoule the biggest sporting goods retailer worldwide for the Men’s and Women’s EHF European Handball Championships (EHF EURO).

The contract runs from 2012 to 2016 and covers the next six events. Infront Sports & Media the marketing partner of the EHF broquered the deal.

As an Official Sponsor of the EHF EURO, pills Intersport will be present at all the final events, benefitting from prime advertising space in camera view and logo integration on all official print and online publications. Intersport can also take advantage of activation and promotional opportunities onsite as well as a range of corporate hospitality options and tickets. Furthermore, it obtains the right to use the official tournament logos.

Franz Julen, CEO of Intersport International Corporation, said: “Team sports in general and handball in particular are a core competency of most Intersport shops. This is why Intersport has been supporting this dynamic and popular sport for many years. Thanks to the extensive media coverage of the EHF EURO events, we will be able to address our customers in key markets such as Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe through a high impact and emotional environment that will significantly increase awareness of the Intersport brand.”

EHF President, Tor Lian, added: “I am delighted that a major international sports brand such as Intersport has chosen to sign a long-term agreement to partner the European Handball Federation’s flagship national team event. Both the Men’s and Women’s EHF European Championships involve the sport’s top stars and leading national teams and attract extensive media, TV and spectator interest across the world, providing the ideal platform for international companies to promote their brands.”

The Men’s EHF EURO 2012 is scheduled from 15 to 29 January in four cities across Serbia. The women’s event follows from 2 to 16 December in the Netherlands. The events take place every two years with 16 of the best national teams fighting for the European Championship title.

NBA team Houston Rockets have gained an “Official Logistics Partner” in the form of GAC, drugs a global provider of shipping, logistics and shipping.

The marks GAC’s first foray into basketball and its first sports sponsorship in the United States. Internationally, GAC is already an active sponsor and supplier of specialist logistics for sports like football, sailing, golf and motor racing. The company is also a broadcast sponsor of the FA Cup on ESPN STAR Sports in Asia.

Lars Heisselberg, GAC Group Vice President – Americas, said: “Due to its huge following, both in the U.S. and around the world, basketball is a natural addition to the GAC sports portfolio. Basketball is all about teamwork, timing, dexterity, precision and smart moves – all the qualities that GAC’s customers look for in a logistics partner.”

Established in 1967, the Rockets made Houston their home from the 1971-72 NBA Season, and under the ownership of Leslie Alexander, they gave the city its first two major professional sports titles when they won back-to-back NBA Finals in 1994 and 1995. The team also reached NBA Finals in 1981 and 1986.

Tad Brown, Houston Rockets and Clutch City Sports & Entertainment CEO, added: “We look forward to our partnership with GAC, a company aligned with our organization’s position as an international sports marketing property, and based here in Houston, Texas, the energy capital of the world.”

Heisselberg continued: “Next year marks a decade since GAC entered the United States market. Having established our roots in Houston, we see our support of the Rockets as an ideal platform to underline our strategic focus in the region.”

As the “Official Logistics Partner”, GAC will enjoy brand visibility at all home games played by the Rockets at Toyota Center in Houston. Sponsorship also opens up business networking opportunities through the Rockets Partner Forum.

English League Two team, Rotherham United FC, have been handed a boost by getting a second major sponsor for their new stadium, Ben Bennett Jnr. to sponsor the East Stand, which will be the Family Stand, joining Eric Twigg Foods and Pukka Pies who agreed to sponsor the West Stand last month.

Ben Bennett, owner of Ben Bennett Jnr, said, “I am very proud and delighted to be sponsoring the new family stand.

“I have supported the Millers for sixty-one years after watching my first game on Boxing Day in 1950 and it is very important to me that we sponsored the family stand because my wife, son, daughter and my grandchildren all support the club, with my eldest grandchild following the club all around the country.

“I am thrilled to bits to see the club move into the new stadium and I am looking forward to spending many happy hours there.”

Rotherham’s Head of Commercial Steve Lewis said, “I am ecstatic that the club have secured another major partner for the new stadium, and equally delighted to be extending our long term relationship with Ben Bennett Jnr who are all Rotherham United supporters. I am looking forward to continuing this association into the new stadium and for many years to follow.”

Multinational corporation Procter & Gamble have announced they have become a major sponsor of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).

It follows P&G’s support of the ROC’s spectacular centenary gala dinner in Moscow last month.

P&G’s collaboration with the ROC is part of the American Fortune 500 company  worldwide partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) – a 10-year global partnership spanning the next five Olympic Games, including London 2012 and Sochi 2014.

Alexandr Zhukov, the President of the ROC and the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, said: “P&G is a committed partner of the International Olympic Committee. We are glad that P&G is now united in partnership with Russian Olympic Committee.

“This is especially important in view of such important competitions as Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, London 2012 Olympic Games and, of course, the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014.”

Last month P&G announced a host of top athletes as UK Brand Ambassadors for London 2012, including triple Beijing 2008 gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy and 2009 heptathlon world champion Jessica Ennis.

They have also signed-up 14-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps to promote Head & Shoulders, one of the hundreds of products P&G manufacture.

Patricia Lopez, P&G general manager for Eastern Europe and vice-president, said: “Procter & Gamble is proud to support the Russian Olympic Committee and Russian Olympic team. This collaboration is about much more than a sponsorship.

“For P&G, it’s about bringing together P&G purpose of improving people’s lives and Olympic purpose to build a better world through sports. It is also about supporting athletes and serving moms and families as a company and through our brands.”

P&G also committed to unveil a major programme in support of youth development through sport in collaboration with the ROC, they claimed.

“P&G is committed to supporting athletes today and helping support the development of athletes of the future,” said Lopez.

“We will be asking people to join us in this effort – fostering the winning spirit in Russia now and for generations to come.”

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) have secured a multi-year partnership with Under Armour, Inc., a leading developer of branded performance apparel, footwear and accessories.

As part of this partnership, Under Armour will be able to feature its endorsers which include Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks, Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Bobcats, and Greivis Vasquez of the Memphis Grizzlies — in official NBA uniforms to promote its basketball footwear in promotional campaigns, brand advertising, and at retail. Additionally, Under Armour and the NBA will team up to refurbish community basketball courts throughout the US.

Matt Mirchin, Senior Vice President, Global Sports Marketing, Under Armour, said: “Partnering with the NBA allows us to showcase our innovative basketball footwear and roster of young, talented players through a platform that represents the pinnacle of the sport. We share a passion with the NBA to help young basketball players get better, and our joint court refurbishment program will create more access to functional basketball courts where the next generation can hone their skills.”

Mark Tatum, NBA Executive Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships, added: “Under Armour is a dynamic performance brand that is adept at capturing the imagination of athletes and sports fans alike. With its dedication to enhancing the athlete experience, Under Armour is an ideal fit to help us expand access to the game in a variety of communities through the refurbishment of basketball courts.”

The agreement comes on the heels of Under Armour’s November 1 debut of its “Are You From Here?” campaign, the brand’s largest basketball campaign to date. The “Are You From Here?” campaign depicts the dedication to training, commitment to hard work and passion for the purity of basketball that defines young basketball players striving to be the best. Featuring Jennings, Walker and Williams, the highly acclaimed campaign launched with a 60-second spot and has continued via 15-second spots and two-minute vignettes that debuted on ESPN throughout November and December.

This fall, the brand also launched its newest basketball footwear including the UA Micro G Bloodline — a collection of shoes inspired by Jennings’ path to the NBA. All of the “Are You From Here” spots.

An additional aspect of this new multiyear partnership is Under Armour’s commitment to refurbish five basketball courts in local communities. Through this refurbishment initiative, Under Armour will be able to reach the broad and passionate fan base of the NBA by supporting the game of basketball at a grassroots level. The court refurbishments will be undertaken with NBA FIT as part of the NBA Cares Community Caravan. Under Armour plans to refurbish an additional five basketball courts throughout the year.

The Elite Football League of India (EFLI), the first sanctioned American Football competition in the country, have announced today that Schutt Sports, the world’s leading maker of football helmets and faceguards, has become the first million dollar corporate sponsor of the EFLI, committing 2,000 helmets, 2,300 face guards, 2,000 shoulders pads and additional accessories and equipment to the league.

Robert Erb, Schutt Sports president and CEO, said: “We’re obviously excited about putting the game’s best helmets and equipment on the EFLI players, but beyond that, we’re in complete agreement with EFLI’s vision for the role of football in the country and throughout the region. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a brand to get into a market with over a billion people and also has the opportunity to be a game-changing influence in the lives of young athletes. We’re tremendously excited about this partnership and the future of American Football in India and the region.”

Schutt has committed approximately $1 million worth of equipment to the EFLI, including 2,000 premium football helmets, 2,300 carbon steel face guards, 2,000 O2 Flex premium shoulder pads and an additional fiscal commitment per team for accessory equipment has been allotted.

“We share the same passion, intensity and devotion to the game as the player. Players know what they want, they know why they want it and they know they’ll succeed when they get it. For nearly a century, we’ve made their gear – all with the sole purpose of empowering players to focus and perform at the top of their game,” concluded Mr. Erb.

Sunday Zeller, EFLI founder and co-CEO, added: “The EFLI thanks Schutt for their confidence and support. We look to the future in partnership, united in peaceful creation. This sponsorship opportunity in the sports equipment sector was highly competitive.

“The invitation extended to Schutt and the decision to accept was based on their commitment to safety and true concern for the athletes; their well-being and growth in the sport of football. The EFLI will continue to remain selective with regard to corporate sponsorship. I will personally review and select each and every sponsor with equally thoughtful consideration,”

Schutt Sports is the world’s leading maker of football helmets and faceguards with a 55% helmet market share at all levels (youth, HS, college & pro) and 75% market share in faceguards (youth, HS, college, & pro).

The Elite Football League of India (EFLI) is India’s first professional American-style football league, recognized by the Government of India and the Sports Authority of India. Formed in August, 2011, the league is introducing American-style football to the Indian market and its large consumer base with city-based teams of Indian players and coaches trained by professional American football coaching talent including Ron Jaworski, Mike Ditka, Michael Irvin and Brandon Chillar.. The inaugural season of the EFLI will be played from November 2012 through February 2013.The first season of EFLI will be held at a custom-built stadium in Pune between eight teams from Mumbai, Goa, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Punjab and the host, Pune.