The National Rugby League has received a multi-million dollar boost to the season, securing both new sponsorship contracts and the renewal of a number of key long term partnerships.
With Telstra Premiership tickets to all matches on sale now and the season kick off just over a week away, the sponsorship agreements have generated an extra $3million in revenue.
“It’s a real show of support from corporate Australia for Rugby League,” NRL Director of Marketing & Commercial, Mr Paul Kind, said today.
“The speed and excitement of the Telstra Premiership has seen it come through a difficult global financial market with significant commercial support.
“Our sponsors have seen first-hand the way Rugby League connects with a diverse range of fans and the way it makes people feel alive each week.”
Keno has increased its investment in the NRL by signing on as naming rights partner for the Super Saturday triple-header.
Coca-Cola Amatil has increased its support for the NRL by extending its agreement for another three years with Powerade moving onto the Telstra Premiership and Test match balls – Kirk’s Soft Drinks being branded on the match balls for the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series and ‘Mother’ energy drink on the Toyota Cup match ball.
TAB Sportsbet has renewed its Official Sponsorship agreement with the NRL for a further three years, while AAMI has renewed its commitment with the referees for a further three years and also with the CRL.
Those agreements follow on the spectacular sponsor support for the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars match on the Gold Coast.
Harvey Norman, who this year celebrate twelve years with Rugby League, has committed to a further two years as the Rugby League All Stars sponsor and is set to announce another major involvement with the game.
The Australian Government through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has committed to a three-year deal to support the Indigenous All Stars through the government’s ‘Learn, Earn, Legend’ campaign.
Coca-Cola Amatil has also made a three-year commitment as the supplier of both sports drinks and the Official water of the Rugby League All Stars match.
Jetstar this year also became the sleeve sponsor for both the Indigenous and NRL All Stars teams while AAMI also extended its referees sponsorship into the match.
“The most pleasing thing is that the growth in sponsorship is reflected across a number of clubs and it comes at a time when clubs are also experiencing substantial growth in membership,” Mr Kind said.