PennGrade is reportedly dropping out as the presenting sponsor for the Indianapolis 500 following the expiration of its three-year contract. The Indianapolis Star writes that the race is now on the hunt for a replacement. “Our partnership with PennGrade Motor Oil accomplished what it was set out to do for both IMS and PennGrade,” IMS president Doug Boles said in a statement. “We’re very pleased that the Indianapolis 500’s first presenting sponsor had deep roots in both Indiana and the world of motor sports and successfully used the relationship to launch a new brand. PennGrade was the right partner for this race over the last three years. Given the continued strength of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’s’ brand and history, we look forward to finding the right presenting sponsor in the future.”
With first quarter numbers in the books this year, AEG reports the company’s best-ever first two months of business, inking $95 million in contractually obligated income in 60 days. The period saw the company lock in new business and/or renewal partnerships with companies that include: Nike, San Manuel, Pernod Ricard, UBS, Kona Brewing Co., and Kinecta Federal Credit Union.
Major League Soccer gave its app an overhaul, rolling out an all-new version of the platform that will include features such as: deep personalization; a complete interface refresh, quick notifications of scores, news, lineup releases, goals, highlights and more; an all-new Match Center; fully integrated fantasy, condensed matches and more.
Sportradar has announced a new partnership with advanced digital technology acceleration platform SPARK. The alliance will see Sportradar support a range of SPARK’s events. SPARK’s startups will also gain a number of benefits from the new partnership, with the chance to leverage Sportradar’s bespoke sports data.
T-Mobile and the Houston Outlaws have entered into an official partnership, marking the first sponsorship agreement for Houston’s Overwatch League team. As part of the agreement, the brand will now become the Official Wireless Partner of the Houston Outlaws and its individual players and customers will be able to tap into perks like VIP seating at all official Outlaws events, exclusive discounts and more. T-Mobile and the Outlaws will also collaborate on a new content series that will give fans an inside look at the team’s players and their experiences in the Overwatch League. “T-Mobile is not only America’s fastest network, but the fastest to embrace esports,” said Ryan Musselman, Senior Vice President of Infinite Esports and Entertainment, “This commitment and dedication makes them a top choice for the Houston Outlaws.”
NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming and NRG esports locked in a partnership that will see the team leverage Nighthawk Pro Gaming products into their training regimen, including its training facility and Boot Camps at the NETGEAR headquarters in the new Nighthawk Pro Gaming lounge.“We are pleased to be working with NETGEAR, the leading provider of networking equipment for the home, gamers and small business,” said Andy Miller, owner and CEO of NRG and the San Francisco Shock. “We look forward to this collaboration and hope to set the tone for how corporate endemic brands support these exciting teams of professional gamers.”
Hi-Rez Studios announced that it will bring the next Hi-Rez Expo to Dreamhack Atlanta 2018, courtesy of a new deal with the Nov. 16-18 event at the Georgia World Congress Center. “This partnership with Dreamhack Atlanta is the perfect opportunity to give our fans and pro players an even better HRX experience,” said Stew Chisam, President of Hi-Rez Studios. “After selling out the past three Hi-Rez Expos months in advance, DreamHack Atlanta gives us the opportunity to add more attendees, a larger event space and more fan activities at a lower ticket cost than previous Hi-Rez Expos. In addition to providing more stage room to showcase our world-class esports, the event can now offer an area dedicated to panels and dev meetings, giving us even more ways to celebrate and interact with our community.”
Meanwhile, DreamHack and ASTRO Gaming extended their partnership into 2018 for DreamHack Open, bringing DreamHack Open live from 8 live events in Europe and North America with $800,000 in prize money on the line. ASTRO will be on site at selected events throughout the year and will assist DreamHack with the on stage audio and communications setup for teams and players at multiple events.
Four potential playoff series could come to a close. On the NBA front, Celtics/76ers tips off at 6p on TNT, followed by Raptors/Cavaliers on the network at 8:30p. From the NHL, Caps/Penguins runs at 7p on NBCSN, while Predators/Jets face off at 9:30p.
