American football’s NFL Players Association has confirmed sports and entertainment collectibles company Panini America as the presenting sponsor of the 2014 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
The third annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be broadcast on US pay-television sports channel ESPN2 on January 18 from Carson’s StubHub Center, with the match providing a showcase for some of the top NFL draft-eligible players in the country.
As part of its presenting sponsorship, Panini America will be fully integrated into a week of promotional events leading up to the game, along with all marketing, advertising and social media activations.
Additionally, Panini will receive full category exclusivity and an integrated presence during televised practice sessions on ESPNU and the game telecast on ESPN2; in-game branding including venue signage and its logo on team jerseys, the playing surface and inventory for the on-field awards presentation; engagement with players and coaches for exclusive content on its media channels; and VIP hospitality and access.
A further joint marketing effort between the NFLPA and Panini, which counts both the NFL and the NFLPA among the organisations it manufactures licenced trading cards and stickers for, will be announced closer to the Collegiate Bowl.