Castore Strikes Umbro Sublicensing Deal

Castore has acquired exclusive sublicensing rights from Umbro licensee GL Dameck, enabling the Manchester-based sportswear brand to market the Umbro brand across the UK.

Under the agreement, which also covers select European territories, Castore has the rights to seek work with Umbro’s current roster of partner Premier League and EFL clubs from the 2024/25 season. This includes West Ham, Brentford, AFC Bournemouth, Luton Town, Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town and Forest Green Rovers. 

Now a multi-brand business, the bespoke UK sportswear firm will produce kits for Scottish Premier League (SPL) club Hearts under the Umbro brand from next season.

Manchester-based Castore will also leverage its ‘digital expertise’ to market Umbro in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark.

Castore co-founders Tom and Phil Beahon said in a joint statement, “We are delighted to bring together Castore’s innovative digital platform, and investments in supply and distribution, with one of football’s great heritage brands, in Umbro, to reach a new generation of fans. 

“Umbro is a global brand which is woven into the heart and soul of football culture, and this deal represents the first step in the next chapter of Castore’s continued progress.”

With a portfolio that comprises more than 50 sports teams globally, Castore currently serves as the kit supplier for Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Wolves, Scottish giants Rangers, Bundesliga title contenders Bayer Leverkusen, and LaLiga sides Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao.

Outside of football, the sports apparel company has partnerships with England Cricket, tennis legend Sir Andy Murray, Formula 1 outfits McLaren and Red Bull Racing, as well as English rugby union teams Saracens and Harlequins. 

In November, Castore reached a valuation of £950m, after raising £145m in a funding round led by the Raine Group, Hanco Ventures and Felix Capital.