July

Wilson wins over Wimbledon pros

Rackets by manufacturer Wilson were chosen by over a third of all competitors, according to research by IFM Sports Marketing Surveys at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships.

IFM Sports Marketing Surveys’ 25th racket, clothing and equipment census showed that Wilson rackets were used by the men’s champion Roger Federer, and women’s champion Serena Williams. The company’s rackets were seen on the Centre Court and Court Number One for nearly 130 hours during the two-week championships.

Here come the girls...

Kylie Minogue has recently taken up the game. Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis have helped make golf more fashionable with a little help from Catherine Zeta Jones, Jodie Kidd, Kirsty Gallacher and others.
Lorena Ochoa, Annika Sorenstam, Laura Davies and Gwladys Nocera are among a great group of top champs who inspire new golfers (the Ladies European Tour is full of fine role models), while hot-shot youngsters like England’s recently-turned pro Melissa Reid and Scotland’s top amateur Carly Booth show the youngsters how it can be done.

June

Dramatically improved media distribution for LG Snowboard FIS World Cup

Based on the detailed season analysis of the LG Snowboard World Cup 2008/09 season, the recent focus on enhanced marketing and communications has already borne fruit. Over three seasons, the number of competitions produced for live TV coverage has doubled.

IFM Sports Marketing Surveys looks East

IFM Sports Marketing Surveys has opened new offices in South Korea and Japan.

The UK-based firm, which works within the sports, sponsorship, leisure and tourism sectors, will use the new offices to service existing international clients looking to work in the region.

Super Sport World of Champions-Cricket South Africa

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has launched an exciting research project to get up to speed with the modern cricket fan. The survey is being run online at the CSA website, and simultaneously face-to-face with fans around the country, with results expected to be released within the next month.

The survey, conducted by IFM Sports Marketing Surveys, is structured to address important CSA objectives and understand the current opinions and perceptions of the cricket fan, providing a better understanding of who the SA cricket fan is.

May

IFM Data: Winter Sports Popularity Shows Regional Variations

The popularity of winter sports in Germany, Austria and Switzerland shows distinct variations across the three countries, according to research conducted by IFM following the recent conclusion of the season. With the winter season now finished for another year, IFM has released new figures that suggest the seasonal sports are as popular as ever.

April

Brawn sponsors reap rewards

The storming start to the Formula One season made by debutant team Brawn GP has not only stunned the motorsport world, but also provided its sponsors with an unexpected return on investment.

Horse-racing industry targets centralised sponsorship - Marketing Magazine

LONDON – Key players in the horse-racing industry have called for a radical shake-up of its sponsorship structure to allow it to compete with other mainstream UK sports.
Football, rugby and cricket have all benefited from centralised marketing functions, in which the sport’s governing body sells league or competition sponsorship packages, and clubs seek individual deals.

Frank Saez new MD of Sports Marketing Surveys

Frank Saez, former vice president of IMG research division Comperio, has been appointed new managing director of IFM Sports Marketing Surveys (SMS).

February

Sponsors slam on the brakes

Sport and the arts have become ever more reliant on sponsorship revenues, but as the economy slows, the gravy train is hitting the buffers, warns Nick Clark.

January

Ryder Cup Will Bring ‘Inestimable’ Benefits to Welsh Town

The 2010 Ryder Cup, the biennial team golf competition between Europe and USA, which will be hosted next year by Newport Wales, could benefit the area by £67 million ($93.8 million), according to new analysis.

A study by Sports Marketing Surveys, a specialist sports research agency, suggests that £67 million could be earned from visitors extending their stays in Wales beyond the three-day duration of the golf tournament, and from potential business investment in the area.