The PGA of America assigned Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc as their official Hotel and Resort forming a multi-year partnership starting at the PGA Expo in Las Vegas.

In addition, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members will enjoy exclusive access to PGA of America events as part of the recently launched “Game on With SPG” program. SPG members who bid their frequent-stay points using the SPG Moments platform can earn unique access to skybox, Wanamaker Club, International Pavilion and daily grounds tickets to marquee spectator events, including the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and Senior PGA Championship.

Allen Wronowski, PGA President, said: “On behalf of the 27,000 men and women PGA Professionals worldwide, we are delighted to partner with Westin Hotels & Resorts, as it is named ‘The Official Hotel and Resort of The PGA of America, the Westin brand is synonymous with providing the finest in accommodations and destinations for luxury, business and consumer travelers, and this is another example of how the game of golf and The PGA’s most illustrious spectator events are prime destinations for their travel, recreation and vacation needs.”

PGA members will receive a 10 percent discount on Starwood hotel rooms. Golf fans will also enjoy historical highlight reels played in their guest rooms and suites at Westin Hotels beginning one month prior to each PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and Senior PGA Championship.

“Westin’s sponsorship of The PGA of America emphasizes our commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Bob Jacobs, vice president, North America Brand Management, Sheraton and Westin, for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Through this exciting partnership, we can provide great golf experiences to Westin loyalists and attract new travelers and golf enthusiasts to the brand.”

“We are delighted to offer our SPG members access to some of the world’s best golf through our new partnership with The PGA of America,” said Chris Holdren, senior vice president, Starwood Preferred Guest. “Working with The PGA of America makes it possible for our members to connect with their passion for golf in unique ways. For example, our members can tee off in the ‘Play Like the Pros Invitational,’ enjoy top PGA Championships from the comfort of a skybox or gain access to private receptions.”

English Premier League Champions, ailment Manchester United, have struck up a ground breaking four-year agreement for delivery company DHL to sponsor its training apparel, a deal that two people familiar with the matter said is worth about $66 million.

The contract is the first time any Premier League club has sold rights to sponsor only its training wear and is worth about half of the $132 million the team receives from principal sponsor Aon Corporation.

The amount of money DHL is paying for the contract is more than most other teams in the 20-team Premier League get from their main sponsors. Only Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City make more than $16.5 million from their main shirt sponsor, according to official figures and U.K. media reports. DHL has been United’s official logistics partner for a year and helped arrange this summer’s off-season tour to the U.S.

“This strategic partnership will see DHL getting more involved in the behind the scenes operations of Manchester United and supporting the club in its continued success,” said John Pearson, CEO DHL Express.

Aon, the shirt sponsor, is “very pleased with the benefits we are seeing from our principal sponsorship of Manchester United and having our name on the front of the team shirt,” Aon Corp. spokesman David Prosperi said in an e-mail. “We welcome DHL to the Manchester United family.”

David Gill, Manchester United’s Chief Executive Officer said: “This deal breaks new ground in the English game, we are delighted that DHL has chosen to pioneer training kit sponsorship with the Club.  Their global presence and international standing are a perfect fit for the world’s most popular football club.”

The plan comes as United plans an initial public offering in Singapore to raise $1 billion later this year, three people familiar with the IPO plans said last week. A stake of up to 30 percent may be sold, said one of the people.

Thanks to a series of sponsorships in recent years the team’s commercial revenue has surged to about $165 million annually, bringing that part of the business in line with income from television and matches at United’s Old Trafford Stadium.

The club also plans to announce next month a sponsorship deal with Malaysian snack-maker Mamee Double Decker Bhd Mister Potato brand.

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Fulham Football Club and Electronic Arts Inc announced the launch of their new two year partnership, with EA SPORTS™ becoming the Club’s Official Video Game Partner.

EA SPORTS launches FIFA 12, the very popular soccer video game franchise on Friday the 30th September. EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, global videogame competitions and breakthrough digital experiences.

Throughout the season, Fulham and EA SPORTS will be holding a range of Club events and experiences that Fulham fans will be able to get involved in.

EA SPORTS will be producing a Fulham specific FIFA 12 game sleeve featuring 3 star players, which fans will be able to download for free from the club’s website around the launch of FIFA 12.

A EA SPORTS gaming trailer will be attending selected match days over the course of the season at Craven Cottage, so fans can try out the FIFA 12 and play against their friends and family.

Plus there will be a Pro Player Tournament at the training ground to determine which Fulham player is the best FIFA 12 gamer. EA SPORTS creative will also be visible via the Club’s LED perimeter board system at home matches.

Nick Harford, Football Business Lead at EA SPORTS said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Fulham Football Club and look forward to providing a series of FIFA 12 gaming experiences for both fans at Craven Cottage and players at the Motspur Park training ground.”

Alistair Mackintosh, CEO at Fulham Football Club said: “Partnering with EA SPORTS is a fantastic opportunity to offer our fans a unique gaming experience on match days at the ground, and on-line. We are very excited at the prospect of seeing our players in this state of the art game, and welcome EA SPORTS as Official Video Game Partner.”

Canadian Solar Inc. portfolio of soccer clubs continued with their sponsorship agreement with Fulham Football Club (FC), to become their official solar energy sponsor in a two year deal.

The solar energy company is one of the largest in the world and has already signed two top european teams such as Hannover 96 and 1. FC Nuremberg in Germany’s Bundesliga.

As part of this sponsorship, Canadian Solar will receive dedicated marketing, hospitality and advertising privileges. Canadian Solar’s logo will be featured at all home games on the digital perimeter advertising system and in other prominent, high visibility areas of the stadium. Canadian Solar will also be featured on the Fulham FC website homepage and other advertising platforms.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Canadian Solar’s Chairman and CEO said: “We are very pleased to kick-start our partnership with Fulham and are proud to be named as official solar energy partner. We have a tremendous respect for the athletes, and share in their commitment to winning. We have a long-standing history in supporting top sports clubs, particularly in Europe. These sponsorships provide an ideal way to broaden the awareness of the Canadian Solar brand as well as providing us with strong channel support for our customers.”

The Cottagers finished 8th in the Premier League last season, and currently competing in the UEFA Europa League playoffs, Fulham is one of the best known clubs in the UK. Owned and chaired by Mohamed Al Fayed, the club is committed to its fans and partnerships which are integral to the brand and the club’s history and heritage.

Fulham Football Club CEO, Alistair Mackintosh, said: “Fulham is delighted to partner with Canadian Solar for the forthcoming seasons. They are a leading brand in the solar industry that complements and embodies the core values and principles of Fulham. The partnership will, I am sure, be mutually beneficial and we look forward to successful seasons working together.”

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Newly promoted Real Betis Balompié have announced a shirt sponsorship deal with Cirsa Gaming as it prepares for its return to La Liga.

The club has agreed a two-season deal with Spain’s leading gaming and leisure activities company. The Cirsa logo was due to make its debut for Sunday’s highly anticipated season-opener, only for Betis’ derby clash with Sevilla to fall victim to the ongoing player strike. The Spanish Football League (LFP) and the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) are to continue talks today after failing to agree an end to strike action on Monday.

A club statement said: “Notably Cirsa Gaming Corporation is a Spanish company, a leader in its field, which will make it easy to establish a relationship and enter into joint venture opportunities. The Real Betis Balompié intention is to generate enough resources to provide the supporters of the club with better performance in the not too distant future.”

Betis was relegated from La Liga in 2008-09, but won the 2010–11 Segunda División, finishing four points ahead of Rayo Vallecano.

TAG Heur have been named the Official Watch of Rugby World Cup 2011 it was announced by Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL).

The deal will allow the Swiss manufacturer to deliver timing solutions for the event.

RWCL chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted that TAG Heuer has joined the impressive portfolio of commercial partners for Rugby World Cup 2011. 

“The creation of this partnership with one of the world’s most recognisable brands further enhances the enormous prestige and attraction of Rugby World Cup in the global market place.

“TAG Heuer’s passion and dedication to precision and performance are values that are shared by Rugby World Cup and we look forward to working with TAG Heuer to promote Rugby around the world as the global Rugby community counts down to an event that promises to be a resounding success.”

TAG Heuer has enjoyed a long-standing association with sporting events, stuff and some of the world’s leading athletes, shop including TAG Heuer Ambassadors Maria Sharapova, viagra 60mg Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. 

Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO & President of TAG Heuer, said: ‘Partnering with Rugby World Cup 2011, one of the world’s largest sporting events, is another demonstration of TAG Heuer’s dedication to elite sport. It is this legitimacy in sport and lifestyle that has helped drive TAG Heuer’s success as one of the world’s most aspirational luxury brands’.

Sports marketing company, here Total Sports Asia (TSA) have brokered a deal to make Allianz Malaysia the first ever title sponsor of the Penang Bridge International Marathon.

The event will be held on 20 November and will see an estimated 30, link 000 local and international marathon participants taking part in the run.

Since the introducrtion of the Penang Bridge in 1985, malady the annual Penang Bridge International Marathon has become Penang’s signature event which brings runners from all over the world, be it amateur or professional to the “Pearl of the Orient”.

As the title sponsor, Allianz will be launching promotional campaigns aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle. It will be working with TSA to leverage their sponsorship deal with the event.

Allianz Malaysia CEO Jens Reisch commented, “We at Allianz strongly believe that as a leading insurer in Malaysia, we need to play a part in promoting healthy living amongst Malaysians. We will be launching campaigns before and during the event to encourage people from all walks of the country to participate in a more active lifestyle.”

Danny Law, Penang Bridge International Marathon Chairman and Heng Kianf, Penang State Exco for Tourism Development and Culture added “I would like to thank Allianz for sponsoring the event this year. I am delighted that one of the world’s leading insurance companies is becoming our Title Sponsor. Their support and contribution will ensure that the Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon 2011 will be a major success.”

Marcos Luer, TSA Group CEO, said: “The partnership between Allianz and the Penang Bridge International Marathon is a perfect match. Both are aiming to create a healthier, better Malaysia. We will work with Allianz to create innovative sponsorship activation concepts to successfully leverage their title sponsorship and connect with their target group.”

World Soccer Giants, Manchester United, are on the verge of signing a sponsorship deal with Malaysian snacks maker Mamee Double Decker Bhd. next month, sources close to the matter have said.

The main components of the deal are with Mister Potato, a brand of potato crisps and chips made by the Kuala Lumpur-listed company, with the official announcement in the middle of September. The brand’s market share in Malaysia for potato products was as much as 48 percent last year, according to the company’s website.

The plan comes as the record 19-time English Premier League champions plan an initial public offering in Singapore to raise $1 billion later this year, three people familiar with the IPO plans said last week. A stake of up to 30 percent may be sold, said one of the people. The club wants to cut financing costs and raise money that could be used for players. It spends about 45 million pounds ($74 million) a year to service a 500 million-pound bond.

The club, which Forbes magazine estimates is now worth $1.8 billion and Deloitte LLP says is the richest in revenue behind Real Madrid and Barcelona in a list published in February 2011, has about 190 million of its 330 million fans in Asia.

Manchester United declined to comment on the deal, as did Paul Anand, an outside spokesman for Mamee Double Decker.

Manchester United said in a statement this month: “The multitude of local events we run with global and local partners, and a prospective forthcoming tour of Asia in 2012, necessitate expanding our footprint both with people and office space,” Manchester United said in a statement earlier this month. “This is consistent with the huge appeal of Manchester United in the region, borne out of nearly 40 years of visiting.”

Canadian Solar Inc., one of the world’s largest solar companies, announced that the Company is now the official exclusive sponsor of German top-league soccer teams Hannover 96 and 1. FC Nuremberg.

Canadian Solar will become part of one of Germany’s oldest sports, rich in tradition. Both new partnerships were arranged by SPORTIVE.

Canadian Solar will become the official sponsor of Hannover 96 and 1. FC Nuremberg starting in the 2011/2012 season through to the end of the 2013/14 season. In return, Canadian Solar will receive dedicated marketing, hospitality and advertising privileges. Among other activities, Canadian Solar’s logo will be prominently displayed on stadium signage, interview boards, the official team photo and other advertising spaces at all top league home games.

“Soccer is one the world’s most dynamic and most popular sports.  The sport is clearly number one in Germany, which guarantees high visibility for our brand. Canadian Solar is active in the north and in the south of Germany, and we are proud to be associated with two leading professional teams representing both parts of the country,” said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar.

Ranking fourth in the 2010/2011 top league season, Hannover 96 delivered its best season in the club’s history positioning it to return to the European soccer theater after 19 years. Their successful and inspired game has delighted the entire Hannover region. “Canadian Solar is a good match toHannover 96: modern, innovative and creative as well as competitive and market-oriented. I am pleased about this partnership, which reveals how important and attractive the brand Hannover 96 is for nation-wide operating companies,” said Martin Kind, General Manager of Hannover 96.

Canadian Solar will also support the traditional 1. FC Nuremberg soccer club as its exclusive sponsor. Having achieved 47 points and ranked 6 in the country, the “Club” is celebrating its second-best season since 1988.

Ralf Woy, Executive Board Member of FC Nuremberg, said: “The partnership with Canadian Solar proves that the ‘Club’ is also a good advertising medium for international companies. Canadian Solar expands our sponsor family and makes a valuable contribution to the further establishment of the Club inGermany’s top-league.”