USAV, IMG Join Forces to Create Beach Series

USA Volleyball Contact:

B.J. Hoeptner Evans
Phone: 719-649-2389
E-Mail: BJ.Evans@USAV.org

IMG Contact:

Jim Gallagher
1-212-774-4419 or
1-888-464-2970
jim.gallagher@imgworld.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 8, 2010) – IMG Action Sports, a division of IMG Worldwide, and USA Volleyball (USAV) announced today a multi-year agreement to create a jointly owned series of pro beach volleyball tournaments in the United States, effective immediately.

IMG Action Sports and USA Volleyball will both be responsible for packaging the Beach Championship Series for sponsorship and media partnerships while IMG Action Sports will provide event management and tournament execution services for the new series. As the National Governing Body (NGB) for indoor and beach volleyball, USAV represents rights, access and competition expertise critical to the immediate impact of the series on the volleyball industry. The four to six-stop Series will create a stable events platform for elite U.S. beach volleyball talent.

"This represents USA Volleyball's continuing commitment to and investment in beach volleyball," said USA Volleyball CEO Doug Beal. "This partnership will allow us to promote the beach game while giving U.S. beach volleyball teams the opportunity to compete at a high level as we move toward London in 2012."

In the coming years, the Series will expand on both the amateur and the professional side with more tournaments and increased prize money.

"Pro beach volleyball has always been an important and vital part of the lifestyle sports landscape," IMG Action Sports Senior Vice President James Leitz said. "Pro beach volleyball has a passionate fan base and a loyal list of brands committed to its ongoing success. The new series fits well into our portfolio of lifestyle and action sports properties. Alongside USAV, we see a bright future for the sport through 2016 and beyond."

Creating a comprehensive sponsorship program and a compelling offering for network and new media platforms, as well as developing a solid schedule in fan-favorite markets are the first orders of business for the new venture. USAV and IMG have also been actively engaged with top players and player representatives/agents to ensure that the wants, needs and voice of the players are well-integrated into the core elements of the Series.

About USA Volleyball

Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States.  USA Volleyball is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USA Volleyball has over 260,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,000 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $11 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior national team programs, youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching education and certification programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and Paralympic Teams. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game.

About IMG Sports & Entertainment
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment’s diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports.  IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year.  More information is available at: www.imgworld.com.

Tags: Beach, Beach Championship Series, Beach Volleyball