Sponsor Spotlight - New Deals for FISU, FIBA, Infostrada

FISU Signs Tissot

FISU signed its "largest global sponsorship deal ever" with Swiss watchmaker Tissot.

The agreement will provide FISU with consistent timekeeping and results service across all of its events.

Tissot will provide timekeeping at the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia as well as the Winter Universiade in Trentino, Italy.

Timing in the Universiade used to be managed by the organizers, not one single company.

"The deal with Swatch Group and Swiss Timing is important because we will have one of the best timekeepers in the world to run our games," said Eric Saintrond, FISU’s Secretary General and CEO.

"It’s our first long-term deal with a worldwide company. The way FISU is managing and organizing rights leaves organizers the opportunity to keep money from sponsorship. A big part of the money [from the Tissot deal] goes to organizers. What we want is to guarantee quality of service for timing and scoring."

The deal so far runs through the 2017 Winter and Summer Universiades, and is expected to be extended in the near future.

New Sponsors for USA Triathlon

USA Triathlon announced the addition of three new sponsors.

NormaTec, Selle Italia and Siliconcoach signed "supplier-level" sponsorship deals with the national federation.

NormaTech will provide USA Triathlon with its MVP (Most Valuable Pump) Sports Medicine Technology.

Selle Italia became the official bike saddle provider of USA Triathlon. "With an annual allotment of bike saddles, Selle Italia [will offer] a discount to USA Triathlon certified coaches and elite athletes."

"Siliconcoach will provide the USA Triathlon National Team program a number of software programs for use on an annual basis. Additionally, USA Triathlon certified coaches are eligible to receive a 15 percent discount on the Siliconcoach software system."

Eurosport Extends Infostrada

Infostrada "extended their long term contract for the delivery of live sports data for Eurosport's online platforms for the coming years," says a statement from the Dutch statistics provider.

Infostrada will deliver more than 25 sports to Eurosport, including over 300 football competitions.

"We feel that our data delivery system is unique in its quality and helps Eurosport to differentiate its online platforms from those of its competitors," said Danny Menken, CEO of Infostrada Sports Group.

"Eurosport is one of our most valued clients and we are very happy to be continuing our services and to be able to add even more value to Eurosport’s online proposition for the years to come."

More Time for Tissot, FIBA

Tissot will keep time for the International Basketball Federation for another four years.

Friday’s renewal makes the Swiss watchmaker the "Official Watch" and "Official Timekeeper" of FIBA and includes the rights to present the MVP and Best Five awards of each tournament.

"The partnership with Tissot has delivered great benefits for FIBA in the past and we look forward to jointly making a next step in the new cycle," IOC member and FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann said in a statement.

England 2015 Gear Ahead

Sales will soon begin for official Rugby World Cup 2015 merchandise.

Following the Friday award of global master licensing rights to Elite Sports Properties, a range of gear will go up for purchase via the official online store in May.

"We are delighted to see official merchandise on sale three years out from the event, providing fans with the opportunity to engage with Rugby's premier event and purchase official product earlier than for any previous Rugby World Cup," said International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset.

Written by Aaron Bauer.

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