A new two-year extension has been agreed by Turkish Airlines to continue its main sponsorship agreement with the Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu (TFF), cheap governing body of the nation’s soccer.

The deal with Turkey’s flag carrier is believed to be worth US$5.8m and will see the company sponsoring the Turkish national soccer team as well as Spor Toto Süper Lig teams Besiktas, cough Bursaspor, allergist Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor.

They are added to a long list of sports teams, organisations and athletes to receive the backing of Turkish Airlines. Other partners include Champions League quarter-finalists Manchester United, Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk, Los Angeles Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant, tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, the Turkish Basketball Federation and continental basketball competition the Euroleague.

Hamdi Topçu, chairman of Turkish Airlines, stated: “We have close relationships with the Turkish football and basketball federations and we are proud of those ties, we are proud of being a part of their successes. We support culture, arts and sports very much, because they connect people from different countries, they present an image of a vibrant and exciting world.

“We have renewed our agreement as the main sponsor of the TFF and now we have a wider scope to take more under our wings. We will continue to do what we have done previously, but we want to do a lot more in the future.”

TFF president Mahmut Özgener said: “We have changed the system of our lower leagues. 2. Lig and 3. Lig are no longer regional leagues so now there are away games for all the teams all over the country. Turkish Airlines are paying the expenses for accommodation and transfers for all of those teams in those divisions.”

Guus Hiddink, manager of the Turkish national soccer team, added: “When you are flying all around the world like I do, you are amazed by the way Turkish Airlines presents itself. The carrier’s logo read ‘Globally Yours’ and I hope it flies us globally to the 2014 World Cup, but first we need to go to 2012.”

Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Boston Red Sox have renewed its partnership with Absolut Vodka.

The Absolut Clubhouse seating area at Fenway Park will continue to play host to a “series of events and game day experiences while serving as a private venue before, during, and after the Red Sox home games,” for the fifth year running.

Additionally, the spirits company, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard USA, announced that it also will serve as the official vodka of Fenway Park in 2012 when the ballpark celebrates its 100th anniversary.

PwC has been appointed as the Official Professional Services Provider of the Sochi Winter Games in 2014.

In this exclusive role, viagra PwC works with the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee on over 70 projects in the areas of planning, apoplectic preparation and staging of the Games, taxation, human resources, sustainability, marketing, financial planning and budgeting, among others.

Robert Gruman, Partner and Advisory Leader at PwC Russia, said: “For over 20 years, PwC has worked hard to contribute to the development of the modern Russian business community and the country at large. Russia’s success in being entrusted to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi is a testament to how far this country has come during those years. We recognize that Sochi 2014 is modern Russia’s chance to showcase itself to the world. PwC, in its turn, is extremely proud to have been entrusted by the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee to help plan, prepare and stage the Games – and to help deliver a larger legacy of socioeconomic development that the Games make possible.

“In working with the Organizing Committee, PwC has the chance not only to provide strategic advice, but also to offer practical solutions for a range of management, sustainability and planning challenges. We are helping the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee to pioneer a new approach to preparing the Games, implementing a project-oriented organization. We are forming a unique model for managing large-scale national projects, which can be adapted to other events of a similar scale. We are also able to share international experience acquired by PwC in carrying out projects for Olympic and Paralympic Games in other countries. We are committed to assisting Russia in hosting the best, most innovative Olympic and Paralympic Games ever.”

Alongside the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, PwC have already carried out successful projects in the areas of governance, operational and tactical planning, and the effective management of the Organizing Committee’s activities.

PwC assisted the Organizing Committee in setting up its budgeting and reporting processes, and carried out a comprehensive analysis of the Organizing Committee’s personnel and resource planning needs.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, added: “When holding such large-scale events as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is critical to have business partners you can rely on. PwC has been active in Russia for more than 20 years and has made significant contributions to Russia’s economic development. PwC has expanded the boundaries of business and brought global best practice to Russia. The firm has always been distinguished by the fresh approach and original thinking of its people in meeting new challenges, which is exactly why we have chosen them. Working together with PwC and based on global best practice, we have developed an advanced model for managing the Sochi Games. Ahead of us lies the larger task of managing the Games’ legacy.”

erectile helvetica, health sans-serif; font-size: 12px;”>The PGA TOUR announced yesterday, allergist March 23, that General Electric (GE) had agreed a new three-year Official Marketing Partnership that advances GE’s healthymagination commitment in local communities.

The initiative brings PGA TOUR players and consumers together with GE innovations that increase access and improve quality and efficiency around the world.

Healthymagination innovations will be showcased at eight PGA TOUR events in 2011, on the course through on-site exhibition and for audiences watching at home.

GE becomes the Official Medical Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Sponsor and Official Electronic Medical Records Management Solutions Sponsor of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour.

Tom Wade, PGA TOUR chief marketing officer, stated: “The PGA TOUR is very excited to partner with GE and healthymagination. GE is a dynamic company that is bringing its innovation and knowledge to the PGA TOUR in an exciting, interactive way.  We see this as an opportunity to educate both our players and our fans about their own health in a fun and creative way. We’re grateful for GE’s support of the PGA TOUR and look forward to working together in the coming years.”

In addition to the agreement, PGA TOUR members Jim Furyk and Sean O’Hair have joined GE as ambassadors for the healthymagination program, helping to activate the partnership with consumers and media.

Mike Barber, vice president of healthymagination, added: “We are eager to partner with the PGA TOUR as well as Jim Furyk and Sean O’Hair as another step forward in our healthymagination commitment to deliver better health to more people. Through the PGA TOUR sponsorship, GE will share high-tech innovations – like ultrasound, MR and Lunar body composition testing – with millions of consumers.”

Cycling’s Tour of Britain sprint competition has signed delivery service provider Yodel as its official sponsor and logistics partner for this year’s race.

The deal is estimated to be worth a low six figure sum under the highest tier sponsorship which will see the Sprint competition renamed the Yodel Sprints Competition, with three Yodel sprints taking place during each of the Tour’s eight stages.

Yodel will take ownership of the official jersey, worn by the leader of the sprints competition, with the design released in April at the launch of the Tour of Britain, under the terms of the agreement. The Prostate Cancer Charity supports the points jersey, so this deal leaves just the yellow jersey and king of the mountains jersey with no partner as of yet.

Yodel will help to deliver the UK’s largest road cycling race in their capacity as official logistics partner and a large portion of their sponsorship is believed to be made up of value in kind.

Hugh Roberts, chief executive of Tour of Britain organisers the SweetSpot Group, stated: “This is excellent news for the Tour of Britain and we look forward to Yodel becoming synonymous with the sprints jersey at this year’s event.  I’m sure that cycling fans will be drawn to each of the Yodel Sprints during the Tour to witness the action first hand. It is very encouraging for us as an organisation to have secured another top tier partner ahead of this year’s Tour, and bodes well for what will be another highly successful year for The Tour of Britain.”

Jonathan Smith, chief executive of Yodel, added: “Yodel and the Tour of Britain are the perfect match, with both parties being all about speed and team work, absolute relevance at both a national and local level, and having an all-important green focus. Delivering the Tour of Britain is a huge logistical feat, and we are proud to playing be our part in that this year. We are sure that many of them will flock to the Yodel Sprints, where some of the most exciting action in the Tour of Britain will unfold.”

A major multi-year renewal has been agreed between Soccer United Marketing (SUM), the commercial arm of Major League Soccer (MLS), and American brewing company Anheuser-Busch (AB) that covers MLS, US men’s and women’s national soccer teams and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF).

AB brands Budweiser and Budweiser Chelada will continue in their co-sponsorship capacity as the official beers of MLS for a furhter four years. According to an official press release on the MLS website, both brands ‘will continue to have logo rights for advertising and promotions, and co-branded promotional merchandise.

Under the terms of the agreement, Budweiser will continue to act as the official beer sponsor of the US men’s national soccer team – with global logo, advertising and promotional rights covering the United States’ involvement in World Cup events and the 2012 Olympics – while Bud Light will have a similar deal in place with the US women’s national soccer team.

Sports Business Journal (SBJ) is reporting that industry sources have valued the deal at more than US$10 million annually once all facets are taken into account.

Mark Wright, Anheuser-Busch vice president of media, sports and entertainment marketing, stated: “Anheuser-Busch has a rich history in soccer, and we’re thrilled to continue our role as an ambassador of the sport through SUM’s top properties. Not only do we have a chance to grow the sport nationally through our sponsorships of Major League Soccer and the Mexican national team’s in the US, but Budweiser and Bud Light’s sponsorship of the US national teams allows us to reach soccer fans on a truly global level.”

Kathy Carter, SUM president added: “SUM is excited to announce our renewal with Anheuser-Busch, one of the most visible and committed corporate partners of soccer in the United States. A long-standing relationship exists between Anheuser-Busch and all three of these properties: MLS, US Soccer and the FMF. There is no question that Anheuser-Busch has been integral to the growth of Major League Soccer, a league that Anheuser-Busch believed in even before the first MLS ball was kicked in 1996.”

SUM holds all commercial rights to MLS; the United States Soccer Federation (USSF); promotional and marketing rights to Mexican national team games played in the United States; and the marketing and promotion of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. SUM also manages promotional and marketing rights in the United States for Mexico’s most popular sports team, Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas).

After it was announced that they would be ending their sponsorship deal with English Premier League soccer club Aston Villa in May, apoplectic FxPro have confirmed a new deal to sponsor French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.

Under the terms of the new partnership, pills the financial services company, who signed a sponsorship agreement with the Virgin Racing Formula One team for the 2010 season, will become the official partner of the 2004 UEFA Champions League finalists until the end of the 2011/2012 season.

Etienne Franzi, president of AS Monaco said of the deal: “I am delighted to welcome FxPro to Monaco and to announce their support of our team. It is always a cause for celebration when you have an opportunity to work with a brand that shares your commitment and vision for success. FxPro already has a global presence and, partnering with our football club, will enhance this even further.”

FxPro will receive their logo branded on the Ligue 1 team’s shirts as well as around the team’s home ground, the Stade Louis II stadium.

Denis Sukhotin, FxPro founder stated: “FxPro is committed to developing the strength of our brand through sponsorship. We are delighted to be partnered with such a prestigious and high profile team in AS Monaco FC, one that shares our passion for excellence and success. FxPro is expanding its profile in key markets so the choice of a popular and historic team, in one of the world’s wealthiest locales is a natural fit for the future ambitions of the business.”

Nathalie Abela-Aubery of Monaco Sportcom, head of the club’s marketing rights division, added: “We are very pleased to have confirmed the arrival of FxPro as one of the official sponsors of AS Monaco FC. This dynamic and evolving partnership is part of the renewal of the sporting ambitions of the club.”

The San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer (MLS) have formally announced partnerships with both 7up Bottling Company and Farmers Insurance.

Under the terms of the agreement with the soft drink manufacturer, 7up Bottling’s beverages including Snapple, carbonated soda and Deja Blue Water – will be sold at all Earthquakes home games.

Additionally, the company will also receive other serving rights, such as the placement of a beverage sampling and booth displays inside Buck Shaw Stadium.

Both 7up and Farmers Insurance will have the right to use the Earthquakes trademark throughout the Bay Area

The PyeongChang bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics has received a further boost after the organisers announced that Taeyoung Engineering & Construction has signed up as the latest national sponsor.

The US$266, ambulance 000 deal has been unveiled as the three candidate cities for the Games – PyeongChang, Munich and Annecy – enter the final straight in the bid race.

Taeyoung Engineering & Construction is a prominent Korean construction firm, and the company’s president, Jong-Young Park, said: “It would be a wonderful honour for us to have the Winter Games come to Korea, and I know the region and its people would offer a very special welcome to all the athletes and fans from around the world.”

PyeongChang 2018 bid committee chairman and CEO Yang Ho Cho added: “Over the course of the 2018 Winter Games campaign we have been delighted and moved by the level of support we have from corporations, our local and national government, and the overwhelming encouragement of the Korean people.”

Sporting footwear manufacturer Mizuno has lead a host of new partners who have signed on to support British Handball in the build-up to London 2012.

Under the terms of the agreement Mizuno will be the preferred footwear supplier to both the men’s and women’s teams, who will use the company’s new handball-specific shoe, the Wave Stealth.

Feet Fresh deodorant powder and Global Sports Jobs join Mizuno in their support for the GB team’s, while the women’s team will be based at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre after also completing a deal with GLL.

British Handball’s chief executive, Paul Goodwin stated: “We are delighted to welcome all our new partners on board. They are all offering different services and products, but each one is playing an important part in helping to make the GB handball teams a success as we prepare for the London Olympics.

“But they are also helping create a lasting legacy for handball in this country, something they can rightly feel proud of.”