Vodafone to drop cricket sponsorship

Vodafone is ending its 12-year sponsorship of the England cricket team following a review of its current activity, although it'll continue to work with the England and Wales Cricket Board. The cricket deal runs until January 2010. Other current Vodafone sponsorship activity includes the McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team, driver Lewis Hamilton and music sponsorship via MTV. [Sources: Press release; BrandRepublic.com; Telegraph.co.uk]

LG partners with F1

LG Electronics has become a Global Partner and a Technology Partner of Formula 1 motor racing, which means it'll be able to offer the 'official Mobile Phone of Formula 1' for the next five years. LG had previously sponsored ITV's F1 coverage. [Sources: Press release; BrandRepublic.com]

O2 continues Rugby sponsorship

O2 has extended its sponsorship of English Rugby for a further four years until the end of August 2012. The deal, which will cost £4 million per season, covers all England’s fifteen-a-side men’s teams including the Senior 'Saxons' team as well as the U20s, U18s and U16s. O2 says it's also considering sponsorship of the England women’s rugby team. [Press release]

Vodafone to sponsor Derby for 'final year'

Vodafone has said that it will sponsor the 2008 Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Saturday 7th June for one final year. It had decided not to renew its sponsorship for this year but has agreed to return because no new sponsor has been found. Vodafone will also sponsor the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, which will move to the Saturday. The remaining races over the two-day festival will be split between other sponsors. Rumours of Vodafone's plans appeared in newspapers last week.

Vodafone returning to Derby?

Vodafone could return to sponsor the Derby in June, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph. The company pulled out of horse-racing sponsorship last year after a 13-year association with the Derby. Apparently racecourse officials are talking to Vodafone about a one-year deal for the event, which doesn't currently have a new backer.