Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment, parent company of the Tampa Bay Lightning and AMALIE Arena, Tampa Bay Entertainment Properties, The Identity Tampa Bay and marketing rightsholder for University of South Florida Athletics and Yuengling Center announced a new partnership last week with China-based, Linglong Tires.
Linglong Tires becomes the “Official Automotive Tire” of the Tampa Bay Lightning and USF Bulls.
In a press release, Steve Griggs, CEO of Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment said, “We are proud to bring on Linglong Tires during what continues to be an exciting time for both of our organizations. We thank Linglong, and their agency Red Phoenix Entertainment, for choosing TBSE as their first NHL club partnership. We look forward to using our properties and platforms to help build the brand consideration as Linglong looks to expand in the United States.”
Linglong’s agency partner, Red Phoenix Entertainment, utilizes deep-rooted connections in China to secure sponsorships for American athletes and sport organizations.
This partnership is the Lightning’s first partnership with a company based in China and is one of the very few in the NHL and college athletics.
“Hockey continues to grow in China since Beijing was named the host of the 2022 Winter Olympics. The NHL has been a leader in paving the way to grow the sport in China, and we are proud to play a part in those efforts,” said TSBE Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer Jarrod Dillon.
“It is a great honor for Linglong to become the Official Tire Partner of the Tampa Bay Lightning and USF Athletics,” said Wang Feng, CEO and Chairman of Linglong Tires. “As a Top 20 global tire manufacturer, the globalization of our brand is one of our core goals. Partnering with the Lightning and USF Athletics is a significant step in doing this.”