WTA’s stance on China’s Peng Shuai paves way for sponsorship deal with ‘global champion of women’s health’ Hologic
- American medical device maker says it was attracted by governing body’s ‘brave and high-integrity move’ to suspend tennis events in China
- ‘That brought to our attention the need they may have for title sponsorship, as well as wanting to stand with the stance they are taking,’ Hologic executive says
The Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) stance in the case of Chinese player Peng Shuai has helped the organisation secure a multi-year title sponsorship deal with American medical device maker Hologic, the governing body announced on Thursday.
Peng’s well-being became a matter of concern after she posted a message on social media in November accusing a retired senior Chinese official of forcing her into sex. The post was promptly removed and she was absent from public view for nearly three weeks.
According to the WTA, the senior official at the centre of the sexual assault allegation is former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli. Neither Zhang nor the Chinese government have commented on the allegation.
In December, the WTA said it would suspend events in China, a decision which could cost the women’s tour hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasting and sponsorship.
The deal with Hologic – which describes itself as the “global champion of women’s health” and sells medical devices for diagnostics, surgery and imaging – is the first for the WTA since their previous title sponsorship with cellphone manufacturer Sony Ericsson ended in 2010.
Hologic chairman, president and CEO Steve MacMillan said they were “proud to stand with the WTA in its commitment to the highest integrity and values”.