Health insurance company IKK Classic "has signed a sponsorship deal" with the German speed skating union (DESG). As part of the one-year deal, the company's logo "will be visible on the outfits of speed skaters and short track athletes" (SPONSORs, 11/10). ... Italian coffee brand Lavazza was announced as official coffee partner of the Australian Open, the first food and beverage company in the world to partner all four Grand Slams. Lavazza will be served at more than 30 on-site outlets, a two-story, custom-built coffee destination café, two coffee carts, corporate hospitality areas, dining spots and restaurants and a barista dedicated to the Player Café (Australian Open). ... Pro12 club Munster Rugby confirmed that adidas extended its contract as the official kit manufacturer to the province for a further five years, commencing in July. The five year deal is the third extension to the contract that was first signed in '07 and will see adidas continue to supply Munster Rugby with kits until the end of the '20-21 season (Munster Rugby). ... The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced Indian digital payment platform FreeCharge as the "on-ground official partner of VIVO Indian Premier League for a period of two years." FreeCharge's branding will be "prominently visible on all major indoor and outdoor platforms" of the IPL (PTI, 11/10).
