Sponsorship market grows

A recent study has found that sports sponsorship accounts for 70 percent share of the entire sponsorship sector in Turkey.

A total of USD 33.8 billion was paid for sports sponsorship last year, a considerable jump from the USD 30.5 billion doled out in 2005.

It's a trend not only for Turkey, but for the entire world.

"These numbers show that sponsorship of sports now has a high cost for the companies," said Filiz Karagül Tüzün, head of Turkcell's corporate communication division. "This is the same in almost every country."

Turkey's overall sponsorship lags in financial total, but that's because the economy is different.

"It is not possible to compare those to the world figures," said Zuhal Şeker, the division head of Ülker Corporate Communication. "The Turkish football industry is worth USD 472 million, while Real Madrid's total income alone is USD 400 million a year."

But while Real Madrid is accomplished at landing sponsorships, Turkey still is learning its way and dealing with an image problem. Turkish electronic giant Vestel recently withdrew its support from Manisaspor, and construction firm KC Group split with Ankara Etimesgutspor.

Both companies cited overt corruption in Turkish football among the reasons for withdrawing. But, while both are out of football for the time being, the companies have not ruled out other sporting avenues for investment.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.