SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION
White Castle and USA Luge unlocked a two-year partnership extension that keeps White Castle’s position as the only fast-food organization to be named an official partner of the org. The partnership also continues White Castle’s position as title sponsor of the longstanding off-season recruitment program, the White Castle USA Luge Slider Search, which introduced the sport of luge to more than 1,200 youth across the U.S. over the past two off-seasons. White Castle’s sponsorship will support the USA Luge team and its summer and fall recruitment tours, which will host events in various cities across the country.
The NFL detailed activation plans surrounding the 2019 Pro Bowl, presented by Verizon out of Orlando this week. For the first time at Pro Bowl, the NFL will host Pro Bowl community Day on Saturday, as Pro Bowl players partner with youth, local, and national non-profit organizations in various activities supporting Community Service, Youth Football, Youth Health & Wellness, the Military Community, and Sustainability efforts. Additional activities will see the NFL PLAY 60 Character Camp, Special Olympics Unified Flag Football Game, Play Football Clinics, the NFL FLAG Championship and the NFL Green Project.
Vegas Stats & Information Network is predicting that more than $300 million will be wagered within eight states when the Patriots and Rams collide in the Super Bowl on Feb. 3. “The handle, or amount wagered on the Big Game, has grown pretty steadily over the past decade, breaking records in Nevada for each of the past three years,” said VSiN CEO, Brian Musburger. “Between that momentum and the addition of seven new states taking regulated bets, we’re expecting the amount wagered this year to dwarf everything we’ve seen in the past.”
The Philadelphia Fusion announced a partnership with ARRIS, marking the brand’s first deal in the industry. In the announcement, the company stated that “In many ways, this deal is the perfect match for us: First, it makes ARRIS much more visible to a key demographic of tech-savvy millennials. Second, it’s the perfect showcase for our residential and enterprise technology in delivering ultra-fast and reliable connectivity. Third, it’s an exciting opportunity to expand our business with both consumers and enterprise venues, in much the same way that we’ve done in sports marketing with NASCAR. Fourth, it supports our great relationship with Comcast, the owner of Philadelphia Fusion.”
Texas Esports, the majority owner of Dallas-based Infinite Esports & Entertainment, is looking to sell its stake in the company for at least $150 million starting early February, according to an Esports Insider report. Infinite Esports & Entertainment oversees and owns the likes of OpTic Gaming and Obey Alliance, LCS partner OpTic LoL, and Overwatch League franchise Houston Outlaws.
Esports retail and merchandise company We Are Nations acquired Sector Six Apparel, an esports apparel brand specializing in jerseys and custom team wear for all. “As Nations expands into working with global multi-channel projects, we wanted to make sure we stayed very good at supplying basic quality products to everyone at a good price and with ease of use and scale,” said We Are Nations CEO Patrick Mahoney.
World TeamTennis appointed sports media executive Carlos Silva to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining WTT, Silva served for four years as League President of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and CEO of World Series of Fighting (WSOF). “Carlos has launched, operated and spearheaded the meteoric growth of sports and entertainment media properties for the past 25 years and is a well-respected sports media executive, proven digital leader, and recognized content innovator,” said Fred Luddy, who owns the World TeamTennis League along with Billie Jean King and Mark Ein. “We welcome him to our team as we look to continue to attract the best players in tennis, grow our sports league and our digital footprint.”
Drew DeHart was named GM for USC Sports Properties, a sales division under the FOX Sports College Properties umbrella. DeHart most recently worked with the Tampa Bay Rays where he served as Director, Corporate Partnerships. In that role, he drove business development and new partnerships.
Data-driven sports marketing agency Two Circles opened its second office in North America, adding Los Angeles. Two Circles’ North American business is headed by Los Angeles-based SVP Consulting Sam Yardley. The agency’s portfolio of clients includes the NFL, MLS, National Lacrosse League and New York Islanders, with several new client announcements to be made in Q1 of 2019.
Mississippi State/Kentucky on ESPN at 7p.
