MKTESPORTIVO.com reported that Argentinian club Estudiantes de La Plata have "closed" a sponsorship deal with DirecTV. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but team President Enrique Lombardi said that it was "the largest sponsorship deal in the history of Estudiantes." The deal is for three years and is the third sponsorship agreement that the club has agreed to in '12. At the start of the year, adidas agreed to be the club's official supplier of sporting materials and in April, Banco Provincia opted to sponsor the sleeves of the squad's uniform (MKTESPORTIVO, 8/8).
NEW RIDE: La Primeira Division's SC Braga have reached a sponsorship deal with official Mercedes Benz dealer Carclasse. The agreement will see all of the players and coaching staff drive a Mercedes. As part of the deal, Mercedes also provided the club with a new team bus. The new vehicle has "Conquest Warriors" displayed on both sides along with the team's name (SC Braga).
DOWN UNDER: The Australian Open Squash Championships announced HI-TEC Sports as the major sponsor of the 2012 HI-TEC Australian Open. The tournament in Caberra will feature more than 100 of the best men and women competing to be the champion. HI-TEC is a manufacturer of specialized squash shoes and are intending to make major new product announcements during the HI-TEC Australian Open in Canberra (Australian Squash Open).
NO THANKS: SPONSORSHIPNEWS.com reported that Adelaide-based building product retailer Stratco has opted not to renew its deal with A-League club Adelaide United for the '12-13 season (SPONSORSHIPNEWS.com, 8/9).
BREAKDOWN: The AAP reported that Australian GT Championship team Erebus Racing "were hoping to enter the V8's in '13 after getting a nod of approval from Germany" for their plans to run a Mercedes-backed car. But on Wednesday, "their hopes were dashed" when the Australia/Pacific arm of the auto manufacturer called off the negotiations. It "remains unclear" if the news will put an end to Erebus Racing's intention to join the V8's field (AAP, 8/9).
ICE COLD: German Hockey League club Cologne Sharks extended its partnership with Japanese automaker Toyota for another two years. Toyota will be featured on stadium boards and on the ice, as well as on the players' jerseys and shorts. In addition, Toyota will provide the players, coaches and supporting staff with a total 40 vehicles (Cologne Sharks).
