The German automotive manufacturer, Opel, has expanded its investment in handball after being named an official sponsor of the 2027 IHF Men’s Handball World Championship in Germany, strengthening its presence across one of the country’s most commercially significant team sports.
The partnership adds another major asset to Opel’s growing handball portfolio and further aligns the brand with a tournament expected to attract millions of fans through live attendance, global broadcast coverage and digital engagement. Scheduled to take place from January 13 to 31, 2027, the championship will bring together 32 national teams across multiple host cities before culminating with the final at Cologne’s Lanxess Arena.
As part of the agreement, Opel will receive extensive visibility throughout the competition while also serving as the tournament’s official automotive partner. Beyond traditional sponsorship rights, the company will play an operational role in supporting event delivery by providing vehicle and shuttle services during the championship.
The deal represents the latest step in Opel’s broader handball strategy. Earlier this year, the automaker entered into major agreements with the German Handball Federation (DHB) and the Handball Bundesliga (HBL), establishing a long-term presence across both the domestic and international handball landscape.
Patrick Dinger, Head of Opel Germany, said, “As a German manufacturer, we are proud to support the Handball World Championship in our home country as a key player. We are already looking forward to exciting games, a great atmosphere and the possibility of presenting Opel to a global fan community. This agreement represents the third pillar in our commitment to handball, and we look forward to playing our part in making the World Championship an unforgettable event.”
Dr Hassan Moustafa, President of the International Handball Federation (IHF), added, “We are delighted to welcome Opel as an official partner of the International Handball Federation. This partnership brings together two names that share a deep commitment to performance and a passion for reaching new heights. Opel is a brand with a proud heritage, a long and bold history behind it and a creative vision for the future, qualities that resonate strongly with everything handball stands for. Together, we look forward to taking our sport to new audiences and creating experiences that will leave a lasting impression on the handball family around the world.”
Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, continued, “With Opel, we are welcoming a strong event partner that supports the IHF Handball World Championships not only in terms of brand presence, but also operationally. As the official automotive partner, Opel will make a significant contribution to the smooth delivery of the tournament by providing shuttle services in Germany. This partnership is a strong example of integrated engagements that effectively combine brand visibility, functionality, and event excellence”
For the IHF and local organisers, the agreement further strengthens the tournament’s commercial programme as preparations continue for what is expected to be one of the largest sporting events hosted in Germany in 2027. For Opel, the sponsorship provides a high-profile platform to engage consumers, showcase its brand on the global stage and deepen its connection with one of Germany’s most passionate sporting communities.
