Breeders' Cup and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club announced a new partnership. In a "first of its kind partnership" for the QREC, the thoroughbred horse racing brands will "exchange presenting sponsor titles at their respective championship races -- HH The Emir's Sword Festival at Al Rayyan Racecourse in Doha and the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in San Diego, California" (GULF TIMES, 1/25).
Watch manufacturer Officine Panerai has become an official partner of the 35th America's Cup. Officine Panerai extended its partnership to include two teams -- defending champion Oracle Team USA and first-time challenger SoftBank Team Japan -- and will produce limited-edition timepieces with a focus on both territories (America's Cup).
The Welsh Rugby Union "faces a hunt for a new sponsor for the Premiership with Principality Building Society's backing of the league set to end." Principality has been the title sponsor for the top flight of club rugby since '05-06 but this season is set to be its last. The current deal expires this year and the governing body insists that "no final decision has been made and that discussions are ongoing" (SOUTH WALES ARGUS, 1/25).
HSBC has awarded its global brand creative account to Saatchi & Saatchi, replacing J Walter Thompson, "after a competitive pitch process." Saatchi & Saatchi will create a "new multichannel brand positioning" for HSBC. Saatchi & Saatchi has worked for HSBC since '12, "when it won a place on its roster." The agency "handles" the brand's sponsorship of rugby and golf tournaments, asset management, insurance and HSBC Premier (CAMPAIGN LIVE, 1/26).
Strathmore water has been announced as the national supplier of bottled water for both the IAAF World Championships London 2017 and the World Para Athletics Championships. More than 1 million bottles of water will be supplied by the water brand. Strathmore water will be available at the London Stadium for athletes, officials, volunteers and all those attending the events (IPC).
Mobile football game New Star Soccer developer New Star Games named football media brand Goal its official in-game sponsor. Goal will appear in New Star Soccer as the in-game match sponsor, with the brand appearing on advertising hoardings around the pitch, on pre-match introduction screens and as the way players get the latest news (Goal).
