Uefa

UK asset management firm Threadneedle Investments decided to upgrade to a global position in triathlon, having trialled the sport as a local partner of the PruHealth London Triathlon, last year’s ITU World Series Grand Final.

European clubs who participated in the 2013-14 edition of the Uefa Champions League generated an estimated cumulative annual total of around €640m ($878m) from shirt sponsorships and kit supplier deals, Sports Sponsorship Insider can reveal.

Sponsorship has proven a “flexible instrument” to financial services company UniCredit that has supported brand building and will provide a platform for future business related objectives, Daniele Penna, head of strategic sponsorships at UniCredit Group told Sports Sponsorship Insider.

Payment systems company MasterCard is using its sports sponsorships as part of a consumer-based marketing strategy despite a lack of direct consumer operations, Ann Cairns, president, international markets for MasterCard, told Sports Sponsorship Insider.

The value of the Uefa Champions League’s automotive partner position will increase by at least 33 per cent in the 2015-16 to 2017-18 cycle following its deal this month with carmaker Nissan.

German sportswear and equipment company Adidas has expanded its partnership with Uefa to become the official match ball supplier for international qualifying matches played under the jurisdiction of European football’s governing body until 2017.

German tyre manufacturer Continental has expanded its partnership with Uefa to sponsor international qualification matches played under the jurisdiction of European football’s governing body from 2014 to 2017.