CHAMPIONSHIP
backing, backup, championship, patronage
(noun) the act of providing approval and support; “his vigorous backing of the conservatives got him in trouble with progressives”
championship
(noun) a competition at which a champion is chosen
championship, title
(noun) the status of being a champion; “he held the title for two years”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
championship (countable and uncountable, plural championships)
(sports) A competition to determine a champion, especially the final of a series of competitions.
The position of champion, or winner.
Defense or support of some cause.
Source: Wiktionary
Cham"pi*on*ship, n.
Definition: State of being champion; leadership; supremancy.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition