• March 18, 2009

Dr Pepper, Old Spice, Castrol and Stride are just some of the brands that have signed on to sponsor Major League Gaming for 2009.

Sponsorship of the professional video game league is a way to reach the young male demographic, according to Old Spice brand manager James Moorhead. "As guys embrace new ways to have fun and fuel their competitive drive, it is important that Old Spice find ways to evolve with them," Moorhead said in a statement. Other sponsors of the league include Ballpark, BIC Comfort 3 Advance, Bungie, Gamestop, HP, Ubisoft and Xbox360.

"We're thrilled to see the enthusiastic return and expansion of our league sponsor partners for 2009," said Matthew Bromberg, president and CEO of MLG, in a statement. "The economy may be difficult, but when a partnership moves the needle, marketers respond." MLG will hold its Pro Circuit season opener at the Meadowlands April 3-5.--Aaron Baar