Diamond League Loses Title Sponsor
Just one month out from the start of the 2013 campaign, Samsung has opted against a renewal of its support of the Diamond League leaving the International Association of Athletics Federations to obtain a new title sponsor for the series ahead of the opening event in Doha on 10th May.
The electronics firm has backed the athletics event since its inception in 2010, but has decided not to renew the reported £3 million per year deal.
According to reports in the Daily Telegraph, the company had to cut back on its “exposure-driven activities”.
In the same report, the IAAF also insisted that the series will not be affected by Samsung’s decision, with the governing body ready to make up any shortfall in the budget for the series from its own reserves until a new sponsor is found.
The Diamond League, which replaced the Golden League as the IAAF’s top-tier series, stages events across Europe, Asia and the US.
Last September, Samsung renewed its shirt sponsorship deal with English Premier League club Chelsea for a reported fee of £18 million per year, while just last week Samsung signed a new sponsorship deal with sprinter Usain Bolt to promote the brand’s new camera, the NX300.
Meanwhile, British Athletics has announced details for tickets to the London Anniversary Games – the London leg of the Diamond League.
Taking place at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 26th to 28th July, the Games will incorporate two days of IAAF Diamond League action and a one-off IPC International Challenge.
Tickets will go on sale exclusively to pre-registered fans at 10am on Friday 19th April 2013. Pre-registration closes at midnight on Wednesday 17th April, with tickets on sale to the general public at 10am, Tuesday 23rd April.
According to British Athletics, the majority of the tickets for the London Anniversary Games will be priced between £12-£50.
