Former F1 driver Niki Lauda has agreed to a new hat sponsorship deal with Austrian gambling company Novomatic. Lauda said, "I'm not allowed to talk about financial details of the deal. However, this campaign is certainly unique" (KURIER, 1/12). ... Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen has agreed to a new premium sponsorship deal with health insurance provider Pronova BKK. The company will offer its services to team players and promote its partnership with healthy living campaigns. It will also sponsor the family enclosure at the Bay Arena (Pronova BKK). ... Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) club Alba Berlin signed a deal with the Ampelmann brand. The brand will be featured on the 24-second shot clock at home games at the O2 World. In addition, the company has created shirts with an Alba Berlin theme featuring the Ampelmann logo (Alba Berlin). ... Brazilian side Figueirense "signed a two-year extension with their shirt sponsor Liderança Serviços ahead of their return" to Brazil’s top division. The service company’s logo "will be displayed across the shoulders of the side’s home and alternate playing shirts" throughout the '14 and '15 seasons. Financial terms "were not released" (SOCCEREX, 1/13). ... Malaysia Cup champions Pahang "signed a three-year deal" worth close to RM3M ($920,000) with Puma (SPORTS247.MY, 1/13). ... League Championship Birmingham City FC announced a new partnership with online cash payment provider Ukash. The link-up wil allow Blues fans without credit or debit cards to buy tickets and merchandise as well as make bets using online cash (Birmingham FC). ... The Int'l Swimming Federation has extended its partnership with Chinese company Midea through '17. Midea will continue to sponsor the World Swimming Championships in '14, '15 and '16 as well as the World Championships in '15 and '17 (FINA). ... Specsavers has signed on to become the official eyecare partner of the Australian Open. Specsavers will give players a pair of polarized sunglasses designed by Australian designer Alex Perry (AD NEWS, 1/14).
