Continental Tire Sponsors Duke-UNC; Demotes Itself to Presenting Sponsor

In the past year or so, "all inclusive" in-state rivalry sponsorships have become more common. Continental Tire has snagged rights to what may be the biggest one yet. In a deal sold by ISP/IMG, Continental Tire has acquired the exclusive sponsorship rights to the all-sports competition between the Blue Devils and Tar Heels and their 23 common varsity teams.

In activation of the deal, Continental Tire and ISP have asked fans to come up with the name for the rivalry series. To be clear, we don't know whether the title was ever offered or something that Continental was pursuing, but it sounds like they've demoted their own brand to a presenting sponsor in favor of fan-sourcing the title. Known for 10 years as the Carlyle Cup, the rivalry series will have a new co-branded title, Presented by Continental Tire. Fans can come up with the new name and win 4 tickets to the UNC-Duke football game on November 27 in Durham, four brand new Continental Tires for your car and $400 in cash.

ISP says that several suggestions have already been submitted, such as "Battle of the Blues" Presented by Continental Tire, with entries being accepted through November 19th. Entries can be submitted to [email protected]