MUMBAI: While the soccer World Cup takes place only in June, ESPN Star Sports (ESS) is already selling sponsorships. The broadcaster has already sold four sponsorship slots, according to information available with Indiantelevision.com.
 
While Vodafone has come on board as a co-sponsor, Nokia is an associate sponsor. Sources say Samsung has come on board as a spot buyer.

A media buyer says that the broadcaster is looking at two co-sponsors and six associates. ESS is asking for an outlay ranging from Rs 40-60 million. 
 
This time around ESS is asking for around Rs 60,000 for a 10-second spot. In 2006, the rate was much less - around Rs 25,000.