Brazilian Club Palmeiras Looking For Ways To Renew Title Sponsorship Deal With Kia

Brasileiro B club Palmeiras "is looking for a way to keep Kia as a sponsor," according to Bruno Braga of LANCE NET. In a meeting over the weekend, Kia execs "made it clear" to the club they were looking to spend "a lot less" than the R$18M ($9M) it paid last season when the team was in the top flight. One of the solutions could be Kia reducing its sponsorship and moving its logo "to the back of the jersey, or signing a four-month agreement." Last season, Kia was the club's main jersey sponsor (LANCE NET, 2/5). UOL's Ricardo Perrone reported the main reason for Palmeiras insisting on renewing with Kia is to "keep a good relationship" with its kit manufacturer adidas. The German company has a stock of jersey's with Kia's logo on the front that should last until midway through '13. Palmeiras would also "lose out on some money" as it receives royalties from adidas for jersey sales. The club even played Sunday's game with Kia's logo on the front of the jersey "even though the contract has expired" and no new agreement has been reached (UOL, 2/5).