Mastercard To Expand Sports Sponsorship Presence In India

Mastercard "is planning to expand its sponsorship presence in India by getting involved in local sporting events," according to the PTI. Mastercard, which currently sponsors sports like golf and football in India, is in talks to finalize the details that are expected to "further enhance its presence in the country." Without "giving further details," Mastercard Senior VP of marketing, Asia Pacific Sam Ahmed said, "We are assessing some local sports sponsorships and we are currently negotiating. We already sponsor entertainment in India ... but we see sports, especially certain types of sports, that enable us to have that conversation with consumers." He added that India was "going through a massive digital change and time was right" for the company to link sports, entertainment and technology together. Ahmed: "Indian consumers love all three platforms. What you will see from Mastercard is more of a link between the three to really help Indians in their digital journey" (PTI, 1/27).