Celebrating today’s first-time launch of Popeye on mobile phones, Namco Networks, a leading publisher and developer of mobile games and entertainment for mass-market consumers, and Sprint (NYSE: S), the industry leader in innovative wireless entertainment services, announced a sweepstakes to promote Namco Networks’ latest mobile game to consumers nationwide.

“As a well-known brand seen in everything from DVDs, comics, merchandise, and even theme park attractions, Popeye is a character that appeals to all ages,” said Scott Rubin, vice president of sales and marketing for Namco Networks. “By coupling this evergreen brand and character with addictive game play, we are bringing a fun and entertaining mobile game to a mass-market audience based on a property and storyline that everyone knows and loves.”

In celebration of the nationwide premiere of Popeye on wireless phones, Namco will be hosting a Popeye sweepstakes from Oct. 16 through Nov. 30 on Sprint. Fans of Popeye and other Namco mobile games can enter for a chance to win the grand prize. 75 winners will win the authorized edition DVD four-disc set, Popeye The Sailor: 1933-1938 Volume 1, distributed by Warner Home Video.

Sprint customers can enter the sweepstakes by accessing the game’s home page on the Sprint wireless Web or by texting the word ‘popeye’ to 26262 on a Sprint phone (standard text and data rates apply). Customers can check out the game and submit their phone number to gain an entry into the sweepstakes. Visit www.namcogames.com/popeyesweeps for the official rules and an alternate method of entry.