North America

Plant genetics developer and supplier DuPont Pioneer has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Canadian Curling Association.

Korean automotive company Hyundai has expanded its presence in golf’s PGA Tour by agreeing sponsorship deals for two tournaments being staged this month.

Life insurance company New York Life has reached an agreement to become the presenting sponsor of the Big East Conference’s college sports championships through the 2014-15 academic year.

Barter transactions specialist Equitrade International has agreed a deal to become a global partner to the World Series of Polo from 2015 to 2019.

MLB baseball team Texas Rangers has entered into a three-year sponsorship deal with Tennessee whiskey brand Jack Daniel’s.

NBA basketball team the Philadelphia 76ers and NHL ice hockey franchise the New Jersey Devils have signed multi-year sponsorship agreements with Bwin.party, making them the first US professional sports teams to enter into commercial deals with an online gambling company.

CME Group, owner of the world’s largest futures exchange, will be the title sponsor of the Ladies Professional Golf Association’s first ever points race, which is set to launch for the 2014 season.

Tyre manufacturer Pirelli has sealed a five-year extension to its title sponsorship of North American motor racing series the World Challenge Championships.

Yarn manufacturing company Unifi has announced its Repreve brand will return as the recycling sponsor of the 2014 X Games Aspen extreme sports event.

The US subsidiary of Korean consumer electronics firm Samsung has been named as an official patron of the PGA of America golf organisation.

Northern Arizona University has entered into a multi-year agreement to become the official education partner of NBA basketball team the Phoenix Suns.

Seattle-based coffee retailer Tully’s Coffee has announced a multi-year agreement with the International Motor Sports Association to become a partner of the motor racing sanctioning body and the official coffee of its United SportsCar Championship endurance series.

UCI ProTour cycling outfit Team Garmin-Sharp has announced an new commercial partnership with global conservation organisation WWF, along with an extension to its existing agreement with US-based sportswear brand New Balance.

Mexican-based spirits company Patron Spirits International has reached a multi-year agreement with the International Motor Sports Association to sponsor the motor racing sanctioning body’s flagship endurance properties.

NBA basketball team Sacramento Kings has sealed its first commercial partnership with an Indian company since it was bought by Vivek Ranadive last year.

Taiwan-based tyre multinational Kenda Tire has increased its commitment to the National Enduro Series by agreeing a three-year title sponsorship for the American motocross championship.