In Hawaii, Duane Shimogawa reported that Sony has "renewed its title sponsorship" of the PGA Tour Sony Open in Hawaii for another four years through '18, which "happens to be the 20th anniversary of its sponsorship." Sony is "among the five longest-running tournament sponsors on the PGA Tour" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 11/20). Meanwhile, Champions Tour Allianz Championship Dir Ryan Dillon said that the event has "renewed its sponsorship" with Allianz (MIAMI HERALD, 11/21).
SLOW PROGRESS: MLSSOCCER.com's Chris Bianchi reported Rapids President Tim Hinchey has "made securing a shirt sponsor for next season a 'top priority.'" Hinchey admitted that when he first joined the Rapids in '10, he "thought it would be significantly easier to secure a shirt sponsor than it has proven to be." But he "remains confident that he’ll be able to get the job done." Hinchey said, "It’s complicated. You’re asking about a significant, seven-figure investment at a minimum of three years; average over the league is $2.6 million per year. That’s not a small ask" (MLSSOCCER.com, 11/20).
NEW RIDE: AUTOMOTIVE NEWS' Ryan Beene reported Kia Motors "plans to return to the Super Bowl next year with new advertising to help launch its new K900 rear-wheel drive flagship sedan" in the U.S. The car was introduced yesterday at the L.A. Auto Show (AUTONEWS.com, 11/20).
STAYING BUSY: In Charlotte, Rick Bonnell writes signage around Time Warner Cable Arena makes it “apparent the Bobcats’ business side has made progress this year in selling sponsorships” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 11/21).
