The BBC reported that the Irish Football Association "has agreed to a lucrative commercial deal" with adidas. The "multi-million pound deal" will see the German company come on board as Northern Ireland football's main sponsor for the next four years. The deal, which will be worth between £3M ($4.7M) and £4M ($6.2M), "follows months of negotiations between the parties." The new sponsor and new strip are "set to be unveiled to the public next week" (BBC, 7/10).
BEAUTY FIRST: European beauty brand Oriflame has extended its sponsorship with the Women's Tennis Association for two years. Oriflame's support of the WTA will expand to include digital and marketing rights along with player advertising rights and sponsorship of the WTA's season-ending Championships. Oriflame will also become an official partner of the WTA's Tennis Festivals in China and continue as a partner of the WTA's annual pre-Wimbledon party (WTA).
IF THE SHOE FITS: French sports equipment company Babolat has agreed to a partnership with Wimbledon. Babolat will become the official shoe brand of Wimbledon and will equip ball boys and girls with footwear during the event (Babolat).
BOUNCING IN: Sports balls and equipment manufacturer Molten will renew its sponsorship with Basketball Ireland beginning in September. The sponsorship deal means the Molten 12-panel basketball will be the official ball for Basketball Ireland for all int'l and domestic games, including schools, colleges and universities. Under the agreement, Molten will provide Basketball Ireland with a range of its top basketballs plus additional funding to support the organization's work in developing the sport in Ireland (Molten).
PARTNERSHIP: The Australian Rugby Union and UN Women Australia have agreed to a partnership that will allow the two organizations to work together on raising awareness about the role women play in leadership and sport. The agreement will also ensure young men and women are provided with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to become leaders in their communities, workplaces and families (Australian Rugby Union).
