World Rugby and Dentsu Inc. announced Tuesday they have entered into an agreement giving a "substantial package" of official local sponsor and supplier rights to the Japanese advertiser for the Rugby World Cup 2019. The agreement, struck in conjunction with IMG, will "allow Dentsu to facilitate sponsor and supplier-level deals in Japan, taking advantage of growing interest in the event." Rugby's premier event will be held in Asia for the first time, beginning Sept. 20, 2019, and "will involve matches played between 20 teams from around the world at 12 venues in Japan" (KYODO, 10/11).
TAKING OFF: Serie B side Hellas Verona "announced a partnership with Air Dolomiti, an airline based in the province of Verona." Air Dolomiti, a wholly-owned subsidiary of German airline Lufthansa, "becomes the second-tier club's first ever official carrier" in a one-year deal (SOCCEREX, 10/11).
RUM RUNNERS: Venezuelan rum producer Santa Teresa has been confirmed as a partner of The Rugby Players' Association. Santa Teresa has produced rum in Hacienda Santa Teresa, Venezuela, for more than two centuries (RPA).
MARKETPLACE BRIEFS ...
UFC announced it partnered with Iconic Faceoff, which will serve as the global sports brand's European social gaming partner for three events in '16. These events include UFC 204, 205 and 207, which is scheduled to take place on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas (UFC).
Alpecin was confirmed as the title sponsor of the Katusha-Alpecin cycling team for the '17 season. The team includes Tony Martin, Alexander Kristoff and Ilnur Zakarin. Through the partnership, the German company is pursuing its int'l strategy as a sponsor of cycling (Alpecin).
Serie B side Spezia has expanded its partnership with automated ticketing systems company Etes. Spezia will wear Etes' logo on its playing shorts for the remainder of the '16-17 season. Etes initially became a sponsor of the club in the summer of '15 (SOCCEREX, 10/11).
Sailing team Alex Thomson Racing secured a partnership with energy drink brand Rich Energy as the team prepares for the start of the solo, unassisted race, the Vendée Globe on Nov. 6 (Alex Thomson Racing).
The German Ski Federation (DSV) has renewed its partnership with Lotto Bayern. The state-owned lottery will stay on as an official partner of the men's World Cup downhill and giant slalom races in Garmisch-Partenkirchen until '18. As part of the deal, which was brokered by Lagardère Sports, Lotto Bayern will receive ad space in camera view in the finish area (DSV).
