X05: Xbox, Adidas Announce Global Marketing Alliance

Also announced at X05 in Amsterdam today, Microsoft's Xbox division and sports company Adidas have announced a long-term strategic alliance, in concert with promotions related to the Electronic Arts-publisher, Xbox 360 exclusive FIFA 06: Road to FIFA World Cup. This alliance between Microsoft and Adidas encompasses a plethora of cross-promotional activities. The companies have announced Xbox 360 kiosks will be placed in Adidas retail locations across the U.S., Europe, Japan, Canada, Asia, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand for a variety of activities leading up to the FIFA 2006 World Cup. Xbox will join Adidas in supporting the MTV series "MTV Goal - Germany 2006," which follows the progress of 10 of the globe's most promising young football talents as they bid to make it into their national squads in time for 2006. The show will be screened beginning mid-November 2005. In addition, Adidas will install content on Xbox 360 consoles, while Xbox will enjoy presence on Adidas' planned FIFA 2006 World Cup mobile portal. Finally, Xbox will have kiosks at all Adidas grassroots football events in the lead up to the FIFA 2006 World Cup. "The alliance between adidas and Xbox reflects the fact that sports, lifestyle and video games are inextricably linked," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing for Xbox at Microsoft Corp. "Xbox 360 is a place where all three of these elements come together to truly amplify the sport experience. We look forward to working with adidas on this exciting program." Richard Prenderville, head of Global Media at Adidas, added, "We are really excited by our alliance with Xbox 360. The innovation it is driving is something we believe in at Adidas, and our collaboration will excite an entire audience who loves to game indoors and out."