Samsung Ends Diamond League Sponsorship; SportAccord Inks New Partnership

Life Without Samsung for Doha Diamond League

The IAAF Diamond League is set to carry on without title sponsor Samsung, opening meet for the worldwide series set for May 10 in Doha.

At a press conference this week Qatar Athletics Federation President Dalan Al Hamad signed deals with five local sponsors who will help pay for the event this year – and proclaimed the Doha meet is on firm ground.

"I can confirm one thing as president of this federation and vice president of the IAAF, that the plan is to keep the Diamond League running because it is really a successful event," he said.

"We have the Diamond League and definitely all of us will keep this prestigious meet running," he insisted.

Samsung pulled the plug last month on its three-year deal for the Diamond League, believed to be valued in the range of $3 million a year.

Whether called Diamond League or Grand Prix, Doha has been an annual fixture in May for the IAAF tour. Allyson Felix, London Olympic Games gold medal winner in the 200m was announced as an entry in the 400m at this year’s Doha meet. David Rudisha, 800m champion in London is also expected in Qatar.

SportAccord Convention Adds New Gold Partner

SportAccord Convention announced SPORTFIVE as its latest gold partner for the conference in St. Petersburg this May.

The French international sports marketing agency will provide services and support for the convention,as well as expand its relationships with international clients.

SPORTFIVE is currently marketing the media rights for the Sochi Winter Olympics as well as the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics.

"The Gold Partnership with SportAccord Convention is a natural fit to help SPORTFIVE develop more relationships with international sports rights holders and build their business over the coming years," said Nis Hatt, SportAccord Convention, Managing Director.

"SPORTFIVE’s knowledge of sports marketing business is unsurpassed and we believe that this partnership will add value to our stakeholder federations by helping them to understand the wide range services an agency such as SPORTFIVE can offer to enable them to leverage their rights."

SPORTFIVE became the fifth Gold Partner for the SportAccord Convention joining the Contemporary Group, Macau Sport Development Board, PwC and Sport Event Denmark.

USA Fencing signs new partner

USA Fencing announced a partnership with Absolute Fencing Gear for the Korfanty World Cup in Chicago.

Absolute Fencing Gear will be the title sponsor for the event, which runs May 3-5.

"Absolute has supported USA Fencing and our athletes for a number of years, through their role as USA Fencing’s Official Tournament Equipment Provider as well as their support of the USA Fencing All-Academic Team and numerous individual elite athletes," said USA Fencing CEO Val Belmonte.

"We’re proud to be able to create this partnership with a company within the fencing family that has excellent relationships within the international community and I’m looking forward to working with Gary and Amanda in the years to come."

Written by Aaron Bauer.

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