The media release,
this is pretty big news, IMG's contacts and track record should see some pretty big companies involved with the franchise.
The International Managerment Group (IMG) has been appointed exclusive commercial manager for the new Gold Coast Rugby league franchise.
The deal will see IMG manage all commercial sponsorship activities for the team, securing naming rights, stadia, supply and media contracts as well as use of players and team imagery.
IMG Queensland General Manager, Phil Stoneman, said the company was officially appointed by the franchise on Friday following the announcement that the Gold Coast would be admitted to the National Rugby League competition from 2007.
We have been talking to Managing Director Micheal Searle and his Board for some time and they have determined that IMG is best placed to seek and secure sponsorships from major Australian and international companies for the new team, he said.
We are delighted to be appointed to the role and become part of the off-field team building program as the franchise prepares itself for entry into the competition.
IMGs experienced team and national infrastructure is well placed to develop sponsorships and commercial arrangements for the team. Our brief is to match company partnerships which hold common values with the personality of the team and the Gold Coast which is young, aspirational, professional and exciting.
The Gold Coast has such a large base of juniors playing rugby league the grass roots program this can deliver would be highly sought after by any company wishing to leverage its marketing in this area. There is already significant interest from the market both locally and from Sydney and Melbourne.
Mr Stoneman said, the appointment is also a wonderful opportunity for IMG to continue to grow its interests in Queensland with the company now having the two marquee products on the Gold Coast the Lexmark Indy 300 motor racing carnival and the new Rugby League Franchise.
Our expertise in securing sponsorships in football codes is also extensive through our experience with the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia and other football codes locally and internationally.
Gold Coast Rugby League franchise Managing Director Michael Searle said he is very excited about the appointment of a company with IMGs breadth of experience and talent to partner the franchise as it builds it team for 2007.
Our arrangement with IMG will assist us to develop and secure the best possible sponsors and partners and ensure the Gold Coast franchise goes to market with the most professional team of people in the business.
IMG is the premier sports and lifestyle management and marketing company in the world with more than 2000 staff and 70 offices in 30 countries.
http://www.bammedia.com.au/news_article.asp?news_id=2739
www.imgworld.com