Big Bash League cricket club Sydney Sixers announced a partnership with the New South Wales Government for the upcoming Champions League in South Africa. The Sixers will sport the Sydney.com logo on their apparel for matches that will be broadcast across the world including in the U.K., U.S., Europe and Africa, as well as into Australia on Fox Sports (Sydney Sixers). ... Auto manufacturer Volkswagen is welcoming world champion cyclist Alison Shanks as an official Ambassador, cementing its commitment to supporting the New Zealand Olympic team (Volkswagen). ... European Handball Federation Marketing GmbH and Vietentours announced a renewal for another year as travel and ticket partner for the VELUX EHF FINAL4 (Vietentours).
POWER OUTAGE: The Football League is "on the lookout for a new title sponsor," with current partner Npower poised to pull the plug on its three-year sponsorship at the end of the season. It is understood that the energy company has carried out a brand and strategy review overseen by its top marketer, Debbie Britton, who joined from AXA in January, and is "now looking to take its marketing in a 'different direction'" (MARKETINGMAGAZINE.co.uk, 10/2).