The Gift Of Gold: Phelps Signs Record Sponsorship With Mazda

Phelps' Deal Is Largest Ever For Western Celebrity In China

U.S. Gold Medal-winning swimmer Michael Phelps has signed an agreement to become the brand spokesperson for Mazda in China, the largest-ever single sponsorship deal for a Western celebrity in China. Phelps will exclusively endorse the new Mazda 6 model in various ad efforts that include TV, print and outdoor activation, as well as personal appearances. Terms of the deal were not disclosed (DMG Entertainment). In N.Y., Stephanie Gaskell reports the deal will pay Phelps more than $1M (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/5). BRAND REPUBLIC's David Blecken reports initial ads featuring Phelps are expected to debut in China in the first half of '09 (BRANDREPUBLIC.com, 1/5).