Shorts: Chelsea Fc, Pafc, Engage, Spreadex
Chelsea FC has extended its pre-season tour partnership with Montana-based software company Fico.
As per the renewal, the agreement has now been expanded to include reigning Women’s Super League (WSL) champions, Chelsea Women.
The deal comes ahead of the men’s team’s USA tour, which will comprise five fixtures between 24th July and 6th August.
Chelsea Women will also play two pre-season matches in the US against Gotham FC on 19th August, and Arsenal Women the following week.
Chelsea first partnered with the global analytics software company last year.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for fans, especially with the growing popularity for women’s sports and soccer in the United States,” said Nikhil Behl, EVP at Fico.
“Through the Fields of Financial Empowerment tour, we are broadening access to financial education through our workshops and resources, providing a key building block for people to achieve their financial goals.
“As Fico continues to innovate and drive financial empowerment, we are evolving our program to reach and inspire more people to take control of their financial futures.”
Championship football club Plymouth Argyle has revealed construction company Classic Builders as its new front of shirt sponsor for the 2024/25 football season.
As part of the partnership, Classic Builders will collaborate with the Argyle Community Trust to support two large scale projects, which will work specifically on children’s disability sport and a cancer recovery project.
Sam Greenfield, Head of Commercial, PAFC, said, “We are delighted to be working alongside such a well-established business in the South West for what should be another exciting season.
“Classic Builders have not only given a substantial sum to become front of shirt sponsors, but they are also keen to use the partnership to give back to the local community who have supported their business for many years.
“Ultimately, Classic Builders are an organisation whose business ideals align with ours at Argyle and as passionate fans they are extremely excited to be sponsoring the famous Argyle shirt.
“I am looking forward to working with them closely over the duration of the partnership and thank them for their support of the club.”
Digital sports marketing group Engage Digital Partners has appointed advisers to field interest from potential bidders regarding a potential sale.
As first reported by Sky News, Engage Digital Partners, whose clients include the International Cricket Council and Real Madrid, has confirmed they will be working with KPMG’s corporate finance division on an auction after approaches from suitors.
Gregg Oldfield, Founder and Chief Executive, Engage Digital Partners, said, “We have been approached by a number of companies to acquire the business.
“As a result, we want to explore our strategic options for funding growth or a potential acquisition of the company.”
“We have several interested parties in the process already.”
According to the Sky News report, inside sources have reported the company is ‘expected to fetch a price tag of up to £20m’.
Spreadex, the shirt sponsor of Sunderland AFC, has committed to providing sponsor- free home shirts.
The UK-based sports betting firm will give Sunderland fans the option of purchasing 2024/25 adult home shirts without front-of-shirt branding, as a recognition of the effects sports betting may have.
Andy MacKenzie, Head of Marketing, Spreadex, said, “We have a fantastic relationship with the Club and were only too happy to work on making some replica kits available to fans without our logo on the front. We appreciate some supporters may want the choice of having non-branded shirts to buy and are delighted to have been able to help make this happen. We look forward to continuing our support for the club and fans with this initiative and in growing the partnership with continued competitions and giveaways to supporters throughout the season.”
Earlier today (27th June), Sunderland AFC introduced its 2024/2025 Hummel home shirt, following an extension of its partnership with the Championship football club.
The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League has announced its second edition will be hosted in London.
The second iteration of the chess competition will be held from 3rd to 12th October at Friends House in central London.
The Global Chess League is a joint venture between the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Indian multinational information technology services and consulting company Tech Mahindra.
Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson, Global Chess League Board, said, “We will continue to leverage the Global Chess League’s innovative format and next-gen technologies to captivate and engage fans worldwide. The second edition is seeing unprecedented excitement from our partners and stakeholders. Together with FIDE, our vision for the league is to bring the best from the chess world.”
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