Hublot, Three Japanese Companies Sign As Global Sponsors For World Baseball Classic

Swiss watch brand Hublot, along with a trio of Japanese companies -- video game producer GungHo Online Entertainment, logistics specialist Nippon Express and financial services giant Nomura Securities -- are in as global sponsors of the World Baseball Classic, which begins March 6. As top-tier sponsors, those companies get branding on outfield walls and dugouts at the six WBC venues, along with rotational behind-the-plate signage, media inventory and hospitality. All global sponsors except Nomura are running ad campaigns using WBC IP and imagery, said MLB VP/Int'l Media Sales & Marketing Partnerships Dominick Balsamo. As was the case in prior WBCs, sponsors get branding on jerseys and batting helmets. As of today, the U.S. team uniforms are unsponsored. GungHo (jersey) and Nippon Express (helmet) are sponsoring Japan's team, while LG has Korea's helmets and jerseys. Banco BHD has branding on the jersey of defending champion Dominican Republic, while AT&T (jersey) and Comex (helmet) are sponsors of Mexico. A total of 23 brands have purchased WBC team sponsorships. Delta Airlines is in as a supplier, but does not hold an exclusive position. MLB licensees will have a large WBC presence -- Majestic's jerseys, New Era's caps and Nike's underlayer will be worn by 15 of the 16 teams participating. Mizuno supplies Team Japan. Other WBC licensees are Antigua (apparel), Outerstuff (kids/youth apparel), Topps (trading cards) and Wincraft (novelties). Fanatics will be running concessions in Zapopan, Mexico, where Pool D is playing games; Miami; San Diego; and L.A. See a full list of WBC sponsors.