Wilson Named Official Ball of Sony Ericsson WTA Tour
Agreement includes creation of Sony Ericsson WTA Tour branded balls to be used at season ending Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Melanie McGeough
8700 W. Bryn Mawr
Chicago,
773-714-6703
MMcGeough@wilson.com
04/24/06 - Chicago--The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and Wilson Sporting Goods have announced the signing of a three-year agreement that names Wilson an official partner of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. The sponsorship deal, which begins this year and runs through 2008, will allow Wilson to expand their presence at major Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournaments, including the crown-jewel of women’s professional tennis, the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships.
Highlights of the deal include the creation of a line of Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championship balls as well as various other cross-branded products; the use of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour logo in advertising, promotion and packaging; the opportunity for Wilson to enter into agreements with additional individual Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournaments; and signage and promotional rights at the Championships.
As the dominant leader in racquet sports, Wilson continues to expand its share of the global tennis market. As part of the new Sony Ericsson WTA Tour agreement, Wilson will produce a special Championship Ball to be used at the 2006 Tour Championships in Madrid, adding the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour to a growing number of world class tennis competitions that have chosen Wilson as the Official Ball. Additional Wilson sponsored events include two of the four Grand Slams (US Open and Australian Open), Davis Cup and Fed Cup.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Wilson, which is a brand synonymous with the very best in tennis balls,” said Stacey Allaster, President of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. “Our players, participating tournaments and partners, notably Sony Ericsson, are really excited to be joining forces with Wilson to enhance the quality of play on the court and promote the Game even more off the court.”
“This new partnership underscores Wilson’s commitment to growing the sport of women’s tennis and strengthens our relationship with one of the most respected organizations in the global tennis community,” said Brian Dillman, GM of Wilson Racquet Sports. “We are very excited to be working together with the WTA Tour and Sony Ericsson to further elevate the success and popularity of the Tour.”
The partnership with Wilson represents the addition of another premium brand to the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour’s growing list of market leading partners. Wilson joins Sony Ericsson, Whirlpool, Dubai Duty Free, Porsche, Bed Bath & Beyond, Gatorade, Luxilon, Waterford and Saddlebrook Resort, among other Tour partners.
About the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour
The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is the world’s largest premier professional sport for women with more than 1,300 players representing 75 nations competing for $60 million in prize money at the Tour’s 63 events in 35 countries. More than 4.5 million people attended women’s tennis events in 2005 with millions more watching events on television networks around the world. The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour season concludes with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships at Madrid Arena in Madrid, Spain, November 7-12, 2006. Further information on the Tour can be found on the Internet at www.sonyericssonwtatour.com.
About Wilson Racquet Sports
Wilson Racquet Sports is a division of Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods, one of the world's leading manufacturers of sports equipment and owned by Amer Sports. Wilson designs, manufactures and distributes sporting goods throughout the world and focuses on making technologically advanced products which help all players play better. Wilson's core sport categories include: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Soccer, Youth Sports, Uniforms/Apparel, Golf, Footwear and Racquet Sports (Tennis, Racquetball, Squash, Badminton and Platform Tennis). For more information, visit www.wilson.com.
Images of official signing are available online at:
http://clients.teamworksmedia.com/clientview/
username: SEWTA
password: SEWTA
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