Leeds & Spurs Agree North American Deals
Leeds United have agreed a partnership with National Football League franchise the San Francisco 49ers, while Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed an advertising rights deal with MLS side Toronto FC as part of a deal that involves striker Jermain Defoe joining Ryan Nelson’s team.
As part of the deal with the Sky Bet Championship side, a delegation of 49ers backroom staff will meet with their counterparts at Leeds to share best practices in areas such as ticketing, sponsorship, retail, technology, commercial opportunities and merchandising.
Leeds’ chairman Salah Nooruddin said of the deal: ‘The 49ers are market leaders in many respects, and they are excited to be working with us as we are with them. We have been talking with the 49ers for a good while now, and see this as an exciting opportunity for both of us.’
The 49ers were in action in the UK earlier this season as they routed the Jacksonville Jaguars 42-10 in the NFL International Series fixture at London’s Wembley Stadium.
The deal is welcome positive news for the club, who were crushed 6-0 by Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, having gone into the game without a win in their last five matches and knocked out of the FA Cup by League Two Rochdale last weekend.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hostpur and England striker Jermain Defoe has signed for MLS side Toronto FC – joining the club on 28th February – in an agreement that has also established an advertising rights deal between the two sides.
The four-year rights agreement, made between Spurs and Toronto FC owners Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd, will enable the Canadian company to stock, promote and sell Tottenham merchandise across all of their sports properties.
Tottenham will also face Toronto FC in a friendly on 23rd July in the second game of their 2014 preseason US tour.
Defoe began his long farewell from the club he has played more than 250 games for on Saturday with a goal from the bench to wrap up a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane.
