Kia Extends England Women’s Cricket Deal
Kia Motors has extended its support of the England women’s cricket team after the ECB announced a renewal of its partnership with the car manufacturer for a further two years, up until the end of May 2018.
The agreement – an extension of the first ever standalone deal for England women’s cricket, signed in 2014 – will see Kia increase its investment and build on its commitment and support for the team.
All contracted England women’s players will be provided with the new Kia Sportage car for the duration of the sponsorship term and Kia will gain a range of commercial and marketing rights around the England women’s team, including in-ground activation at England women’s home international matches.
Clare Connor, ECB director of England women’s cricket, said: “Since signing the first ever standalone sponsorship for England women’s cricket in 2014, Kia’s partnership has supported the players’ new professional status, furthered the profile of the game, and proved the commercial credibility of women’s cricket and women’s sport.
“It is great news that that the partnership will continue for a further two years – exciting seasons that include the inaugural Kia Super League later this summer and the ICC Women’s World Cup on home soil in 2017.
“We are now looking forward to working with Kia during the One-Day International series and Twenty20 Internationals against Pakistan in June and July, to help them to achieve maximum exposure for their brand and to draw more people towards the women’s game.”
Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd said: “We are delighted to continue to partner with the England women’s cricket team. It is a real privilege for us to be as involved with the development of the women’s game as we are, and to share our real desire to surprise the cynics and change perceptions. We wish the team massive success in this summer’s internationals against Pakistan and we are looking forward to some great plans coming together between Kia and the ECB in the near future.”
The announcement follows the news last month that Kia have signed a two-year deal to further support the development of the women’s game in England as the title sponsor of the new Kia Super League, which will start this summer.
