Sports

2008 will be remembered as a record-making year, not just on the field but also in the home. As Nielsen data reveals, consumers across the globe tuned in to sporting events in record
numbers.

USA Boxing has retained the services of Octagon to operate as the organization’s official sponsorship agency and strategic consultant. Among the federation’s new initiatives is developing and packing assets specifically for brand marketers seeking to create engagement with multicultural audiences.

Volkswagen of America, in partnership with Major League Soccer, kicked off “The Road to MLS Cup”; a multi-market tour bringing the newly redesigned MLS Cup trophy, named for soccer visionary Philip F. Anschutz, to the people. The three-state tour
will be driven by Volkswagen, whose Routans, Jetta TDI’s, Rabbits, and CC’s will serve as the official MLS Cup fleet bringing the trophy to the fans.

ESPN Deportes and Bellator Fighting Championships jointly announced an agreement that will bring the sport of Mixed Martial Arts to ESPN Deportes for the first time.

ESPN Deportes announced the launch of a new advertising campaign surrounding its extensive coverage of the 2008-2009 winter league baseball from Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Mexico. “Le Quitamos el Frío al Invierno” which translates to “We take the cold out of the Winter”, the weather forecast for winter season transitioning to high temperatures as the country heats up with a “warm front” coming from the Caribbean and the Pacific bringing the heat of winter baseball to ESPN Deportes. The campaign is already appearing in selected areas around New York City and Miami.

Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. and Telemundo Communications Group Inc. announced an agreement which enables Telemundo to broadcast in the U.S. all of the soccer matches played at the home stadiums of six of Mexico’s premiere teams. These rights also include matches that would involve these teams from the playoffs, semifinals and finals of the Mexican National Championship.

The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters have signed the first Puerto Rican-born player in the team’s storied history, inking 6-8 dunking sensation Orlando “El Gato” Melendez. El Gato, a native of Ponce, Puerto Rico, and a former North Carolina Tar Heel, will join four other Globetrotter rookies as the team opens training camp in New York on Monday, Sept. 29.

ESPN Films will premiere JC Chávez, the first Spanish-language film under the ESPN Films brand, Saturday, September 27 at 10 p.m. EDT on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Classic. JC Chávez, a film about the feats of Julio César Chávez, undisputedly one of the best Latin boxers of all times, will air as part of the company’s Hispanic Heritage Month programming line-up.