IBU extends Infront marketing rights agreement

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has extended its marketing rights agreement with the Infront Sports & Media agency until 2022.

Under the agreement, Infront will be responsible for securing title sponsors and key advertising partners for the IBU’s World Cup and World Championship events for the period covering 2018-2022. The previous agreement between the IBU and Infront for the two events was due to expire in 2018.

Under the expanded partnership, Infront has also been charged with marketing the IBU Cup, the Open European Championships and the Youth and Junior World Championships from 2017-2022. The agency will secure title or presenting partnerships for these events, and other sponsorship packages including bib or rifle advertising.

Philippe Blatter, president and chief executive of Infront, said: “We are delighted about the prolongation of this partnership, and thank the IBU for the ongoing trust it places in the Infront team and in our proven winter sports marketing experience. Biathlon is a key pillar in our global portfolio, and we look forward to accompanying the federation on its future growth path.”

IBU secretary general Nicole Resch added: “We have been enjoying a very constructive atmosphere in jointly developing not only the strategy for marketing in the IBU World Cups and WCHs, but also for our ‘second league’, namely the IBU Cup, Open European Championships and also Youth and Junior World Championships.

“Infront and its partners have been contributing to develop these events that are not live on TV and don’t generate income. This shows the dedication and long-term commitment that the IBU members and OCs (Olympic Committees) appreciate. I look forward to many joint tasks to come that will promote our Olympic winter sport, while maintaining its core value, the ‘biathlon family‘.”

Infront has been in partnership with the IBU since 2002. The new contract will be implemented by Infront’s Salzburg-based subsidiary, Infront Austria.