Serena Williams "wasted little time in commemorating her record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title" in the Open era with a "brand-spanking pair of new red-and-black shoes." With the number 23 etched into the side, the Nike trainers were "paraded around by the 35-year-old as she soaked up the post-match pleasantries." Serena beat sister Venus in straight-sets 6-4, 6-4 (London DAILY MAIL, 1/28).
Dubai-based int'l sports investment and rights agency MBuzzSport signed a one-off deal for League Championship side Wigan’s FA Cup match at ManU on Sunday. The MBuzzSport logo appeared on the back of the Wigan shirt, the front of the warm-up kit and the subs’ bibs at Old Trafford. It is the second investment in U.K. football by parent company MBuzz, which also sponsored League One side Sheffield United’s shirt in the club's '14 FA Cup semifinal (SPORT 360, 1/28).
Chelsea announced a partnership with hotel booking app HotelTonight. Beginning with Chelsea's Feb. 4 match against Arsenal, HotelTonight will expand its proprietary GeoRates to stadiums, providing attendees at Stamford Bridge with location-based, extra-discounted hotel deals bookable from their smartphones during and after the match (HotelTonight).