Maria Sharapova’s "exclusive line of high-end gummy candies will be available" at the frozen-yogurt chain Pinkberry's topping bar and for in-store retail. Sugarpova, launched in '13, "will be the first independent brand featured and marketed in Pinkberry stores in this capacity." For the Pinkberry partnership, brand execs "worked with Sharapova and her Sugarpova team to create mini versions of three popular varieties for the topping bar" (QSR, 2/27). ... The Malaysian Ministry of Tourism & Culture "has become a sponsor of Malaysian Super League side Kelantan FA.'' Kelantan, known as the Red Warriors, received $304,000 in sponsorship from the Ministry of Tourism & Culture. The deal will see the club "promote the Visit Malaysia 2014 campaign in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup" (SOCCEREX, 2/26). ... CIMB Group has signed on as official and title sponsor of the 29th Women’s World Squash Championship that will be held in Penang from March 15-23. The deal was "a huge financial boost for squash" (THE STAR, 2/27). ... Milton Keynes Audi "has extended its partnership" with Football League One side MK Dons for a further season. This latest renewal "will take the partnership into its sixth year" (SOCCEREX, 2/26). ... Spanish energy company CEPSA renewed its partnership with the Spanish Motor Racing Federation (RFEDA) for the upcoming season. CEPSA will be present at all national races and will offer "special discounts to all organizations and clubs associated with RFEDA" (AS, 2/27).
RONALDO, NADAL TEAM UP: Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal "are teaming up in Brazil." Ronaldo's sports marketing agency announced on Thursday that it reached a "deal to manage Nadal's advertising contracts in Brazil." The agency said that the "non-exclusive" agreement was reached with Goramendi Siglo XXI, which handles Nadal's image rights worldwide (AP, 2/27).
