Russell Athletic and the host committee for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) football national championship announced an agreement that grants Russell Athletic “title sponsorship” rights for the 2008 and 2009 NAIA Championships.
The two-year agreement gives Russell exclusive sponsorship rights and brand exposure on all signage, backdrops, collateral and websites for the 2008 NAIA Championship Game on December 20, 2008, and the 2009 title game on December 19, 2009.
The terms of the partnership grant Russell Athletic “Official” status across a number of different national brand exposure/advertising platforms, including:
– field signage, assuring national television exposure
– “Title Sponsorship” on all signage/collateral/websites
– Press conference backdrops used during bowl week
– CBS College Sports TV broadcast advertising
Russell Athletic will be the official and exclusive outfitter of all game week volunteers and game day staff. The NAIA will provide players and coaches from participating schools with Russell Athletic apparel.
“The NAIA is thrilled that the host committee was able to partner with Russell Athletic for the football national championship,” said Dennis Green, manager of championship sports for the NAIA. “There is no doubt this will be a win-win situation for everyone involved with this event.”
Rome attorney and host committee co-chair Bob Berry added, “The NAIA has never had a title sponsor for its football championship. Our mission all along has been to elevate the status of the game, and we believe Russell joining our team is an important step toward that goal.”
“Russell Athletic is honored to be named the first ever title sponsor of the NAIA Championship Game,” said Gary Barfield, EVP of Russell. “We are proud to partner with the NAIA to bring national exposure to both organizations.”
