Former Rangers midfielder Ian Black said that Scotland's football authorities "should drop gambling firms as sponsors or change the regulations on players' betting." Black, who was punished for a gambling offense in '13, said that "reform is needed." He added, "They've got a cheek taking money from betting sites as sponsors and then doing players for betting." The Scottish Professional Football League said that investment by bookmakers has "benefited all 42 clubs" (BBC, 1/16).
La Liga and consulting firm G2 Strategic extended their partnership, continuing a collaboration that began in Nov. '16. The new deal substantially increases the scope of G2's work with La Liga, which includes participation in a committee of club execs who will evaluate a range of innovations and new strategies designed to adapt ticketing policies to evolving demographic trends and improve the experience of attending matches for a broader market segment (G2 Strategic).
British Athletics announced a three-year sponsorship deal with convenience store group SPAR (UK) Ltd. through '20. SPAR will become the title partner of the British Athletics Indoor Championships for the next three years. It will also act as events partner through '20 (ATHLETICS WEEKLY, 1/17).
PR firm Burson-Marsteller fully integrated its specialized int'l sport consultancy firm, TSE Consulting, and formed a new unit, Burson-Marsteller Sport, under which TSE Consulting will operate (Burson-Marsteller).
Esports organization ESL announced Intel as the official headline sponsor of the ESL Premiership for '18. Intel is collaborating with Currys PC World to highlight its processors in gaming machines sold by the retailer. Through the deal, ESL can secure the future of the U.K.'s esports national championships and begin an expansion program aimed at growing esports at the grassroots level in the U.K. (ESL).
Brasileiro side Atlético Paranaense partnered with food retailer Copacol for the '18 season. Copacol's branding will be featured on both sides of the club's team shirts, as well as on its training and travel wear (SOCCEREX, 1/17).
