Xerox Secures Global Partnership with WTA

Xerox, the world’s leading enterprise for business process and document management has revealed a multi-year, multi-million dollar global partnership with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

Under the agreement, Xerox will become the WTA’s exclusive supplier of business services and office document technology.

During the first year of the agreement, Xerox will activate at 18 WTA tournaments around the globe, accessing significant global marketing, digital, broadcast and content rights throughout the WTA season, including ePlayer, mobile and social networking applications.

Additionally, Xerox will become a partner of the prestigious TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships – Istanbul, which in 2012 set records for attendance, broadcast coverage and digital fan engagement.

“Xerox is one of the world’s leading iconic brands, and to have them not only as a sponsor but as a partner is a real plus to the WTA family,” said Stacey Allaster, Chairman & CEO of the WTA. “Through their services and products, Xerox will add significant business value to the WTA and our tournaments, and as a marketing partner we know they will build on the popularity of women’s tennis and work with us to take the WTA to the next level of success. 2013 is a milestone year for the WTA as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of women’s professional tennis and the announcement of this worldwide partnership with Xerox is a fantastic way to start the season.”

“Since its inception in 1973, the WTA has fostered a long-held commitment to innovation, which has seen our organization grow to become the world’s leading professional sport for women,” added Allaster. “Partnering with Xerox, a brand with a heritage of innovation, a strong commitment to excellence and unrivalled global business services is a perfect fit for the WTA.”

“While on the court fans are witness to outstanding competition, off the court the WTA is running a complex business with multiple stakeholders – fans, players, tournament officials, sponsors, media, and more,” said Christa Carone, Xerox’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The future success of the WTA depends on operational discipline and ingenuity in meeting all their stakeholders’ needs. That’s where Xerox comes in. As a WTA partner, Xerox plans to be behind the scenes helping to simplify the WTA’s various operations – from IT support and HR services to communication and marketing services – so the WTA can focus on serving up world class tennis and remarkable fan experiences.”

The announcement marks the sixth new sponsorship agreement secured by the WTA over the last two and a half years, after BNP Paribas, Rolex, Oriflame, Peak and Jetstar. The WTA Board is expected to approve the Xerox deal this week. GroupM Entertainment & Sports Partnerships (ESP) negotiated the partnership for Xerox, and manages their global sports and entertainment partnership portfolio.