WWE News: Kmart Official Sponsor of WWE Live Events

Variety.com is reporting that national retailer Kmart will be the official sponsor for WWE live events. This sponsorship includes RAW, SmackDown! and pay-per-views including WrestleMania.

This is a huge deal for Kmart; the exposure to the WWE audience on their weekly televised shows alone is massive. According to WWE, viewership is up for SmackDown!, particularly on Friday, Feb. 25.

The deal will allow Kmart to have 30-second spots that will run on each of these shows.

Variety also reported, "The retailer is guaranteed to appear on air during all of the TV shows and PPVs through graphics and signage in the arenas where the events are held. It will also be featured on all marketing materials, tickets, websites and in WWE's magazines."

Not only will the viewers at home be subject to viewing this advertising, but fans in attendance will also receive the K-Mart message. The deal is slated to begin March 1 and last until the end of the year.

With the biggest pay-per-view of the year just around the corner, this timing is great for the chain store.

This is not the first venture for the two parties, as Kmart has been a partial sponsor of WWE's Royal Rumble. That partnership gave Kmart shoppers discounts on the pay-per-view purchase based on the amount of WWE merchandise purchased leading up to the event.

Mark Snyder, Chief Marketing Officer for Kmart, stated, "Kmart is excited to expand its relationship with WWE." He also added, "This partnership will allow our customers to engage with an exciting entertainment brand and enjoy exclusive offers and promotions throughout the year."