The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and Wilson Sporting Goods singed a three-year agreement naming 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.