Shorts: Fanatics, Sungod, Ulster Rugby
Digital sports platform and licensed sports merchandisers Fanatics and UK online retailer NEXT have announced a new long-term connected inventory partnership.
For the first time ever in Europe, Fanatics will partner with a major retailer to give its customers access to Fanatics’ range of licensed sports merchandise.
This includes products from the top leagues and sporting organisations across the world, including clubs from all major European football leagues, international football teams, Rugby, Formula 1, NFL, NBA and the MLB.
Matthew Primack, Senior Vice-President for International Business Affairs and Development at Fanatics, said, “This new partnership with NEXT, one of the most popular retailers in the UK, will mean that its customers will now have access to one of the widest ranges of licensed sports merchandise available.
“This is great news for customers who already visit Next.co.uk to shop for quality clothing and homeware and who will now also be able to also choose from a range of products, designs and styles from their favourite sports leagues, events, teams or players.”
British performance eyewear brand SunGod is launching a crowdfunding campaign through Crowdcube.
SunGod’s campaign – The 2022 Vision Raise – goes live on Tuesday 15th November, and aims to accelerate SunGod’s growth, specifically focusing on its next stage of international expansion. The company has a fundraising target of £1m.
Investors will have the opportunity to invest from as little as £25 or upwards of £1m, and already boasts £25m of registered interest so far.
SunGod was founded in 2013 by entrepreneurs Ali and Zoe Watkiss.
Zoe commented, “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved since our last raise in 2020, but for us, this is just the beginning and the opportunity ahead of us now is vast. We’re excited to keep challenging and changing our industry, whilst inviting our community to join us on our mission to See Better.”
Northern Irish professional rugby union club Ulster Rugby has announced food retailer SPAR NI as its first community partner in a deal that will aim to elevate the club’s grassroots sports in local communities.
As part of the new two-year deal, SPAR NI will be the primary sponsor of Ulster Rugby’s mini-rugby activities across the province, which each year sees over 2,000 young people playing the sport with their local clubs and schools.
Ulster Rugby CEO, Jonny Petrie, commented, “It’s great that SPAR NI have come on-board with us to support the grassroots rugby activity that is the heartbeat of our sport across the province.
“We believe through the links that we have directly into the community across Ulster, we can increase the visibility of our partner’s brand, whilst together making an impact for all those involved in the game, including those at an early stage of their playing career.”
