Man United Extends Middle East Presence
Manchester United’s growing presence in the Middle East continued this week with the announcement that the club has signed a five-year extension to its partnership with Saudi Telecom Company (STC).
STC had previously been the club’s Official Telecommunications Partner however the new deal will see the firm become the Official Triple Play Partner in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and will include Turkey for the first year of the sponsorship.
As part of the deal STC will receive exclusive TV, mobile and online broadcast rights to MUTV, the club’s official channel, within the agreed territories. The sponsorship extension follows partnerships with Emirates NBD Bank and the Commercial Bank of Qatar.
The club’s group managing director, David Arnold, said: ‘Like Manchester United, STC has demonstrated its desire to lead the way in its industry, being the first of our partners to launch an official Manchester United mobile app, as well as, for the first time, bringing MUTV to our millions of followers within the Gulf region.’
Mohammed Al Dhoheyan, an STC board member, added: ‘We will exceed fans’ expectations, giving them never-before-seen footage and access to exclusive content in a way that is relevant and engaging to each and every one of them. There is a lot of potential to grow the sports rights market in the Middle East, and this deal will ensure that STC continues to lead the way in this sector.’
