FIFA Lands Hisense for Russia World Cup -- Sponsor Spotlight

(ATR) One of China’s largest consumer electronics companies is now an Official Sponsor of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Hisense has been number one in Chinese TV market shares for the past 13 years and currently ranks third overall in all global TV shipments, according to a FIFA statement.

As an Official FIFA World Cup Sponsor, Hisense will be involved in various global marketing and advertising activities for both the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Hisense logo will be seen on advertising boards in stadiums and on-screen credits and the company’s televisions will be the official televisions of the competition.

"We are honoured to take on our biggest challenge yet, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and we believe that the competition will vastly improve global awareness and economic value for Hisense as a truly international brand," Liu Hongxin, president of the Hisense Group, said in a statement.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said world football’s governing body is delighted to welcome Hisense on board.

"We look forward to working with them to promote the competition, particularly in China, where the company is a market leader in consumer electronics, and where the popularity of football continues to grow," Samoura said.

USOC Inks Tape Supplier for Next Two Games

KT Tape and the United States Olympic Committee will be teaming up through the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

KT Tape, category leader in kinesiology tape and sports medicine taping products, signed on with the USOC last year ahead of the Rio Olympics and Paralympics and will continue to provide product for athletes, coaches and the USOC sports medicine staff.

"KT Tape was a valuable addition to our sports medicine staff leading into the Rio Games, and we are excited to extend our relationship through the Tokyo 2020 Games," said Dr. Bill Moreau, USOC managing director of sports medicine. "Team USA athletes are constantly pushing their bodies to the limits, and this multipurpose tape helps alleviate pain so elite U.S. athletes can continue their pursuit of competitive excellence."

"KT Tape’s inspiration is rooted in the Olympic and Paralympic movements, and we are excited to be making a long-term commitment to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams," said Greg Venner, chief executive officer of KT Health.

In addition to supporting the USOC, KT Tape’s commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic movements includes relationships with eight National Governing Bodies – USA Cycling, USA Gymnastics, USA Rugby, U.S. Soccer, US Speedskating, USA Track & Field, USA Triathlon and USA Wrestling. KT Tape has also expanded its family of ambassadors to 17 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls across 10 sports.

USA Rugby Re-Ups Apparel Sponsorship

Adidas will stay on as kit suppliers for USA Rugby in a renewed multi-year agreement.

Terms and length of the deal were not disclosed, but the agreement will start with kits for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup. All national teams and affiliate teams will be outfitted as part of the arrangement.

The women’s USA Rugby Sevens team will debut the kit next month in Japan, while the men’s kit will debut in June.

"This new partnership provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase some of our most innovative apparel and footwear," Jeff McGillis, Senior Director of U.S. Sports at adidas, said in a statement. "Our mission is to help athletes perform better and we’re honored to play a part in one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. as the brand continues its focus on winning in this market."

Homepage photo: Getty Images

Written by Gerard Farek and Aaron Bauer

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