The Football League today announced its biggest-ever title sponsorship rights deal – a three-year, £12m agreement with its sponsor for the last five seasons, the Nationwide Building Society.
The deal, which will see sponsorship fees rise from £3m to £4m per season, means that the World’s original league football competition will continue to be titled the Nationwide Football League until at least the end of the 2003/4 season.
David Burns, Chief Executive of The Football League, said: ‘This new agreement is confirmation that The Football League and its 72 clubs remain at the heart of the nation’s favourite game.
‘We are delighted to continue with what has been one of the most successful sponsorships in modern sport – Nationwide has been good for football and The Football League has been good for Nationwide.
‘The sponsorship has been so successful because of the values we share. We both have strong involvement in the community and have a philosophy based on sharing and mutual support.’
He added: ‘With almost 14 million people attending league games each year, and strong ties with communities the length and breadth of the country, The Football League remains a powerful and attractive vehicle for sponsors.
‘The return of our games to free to air television further strengthened the package we were able to offer to meet the strategic objectives of Nationwide. We are looking forward to three very successful years together, and hopefully many more after that.’
Stuart Bernau, Nationwide’s Marketing and Commercial Director, said: ‘It’s a great deal for both parties. Nationwide Building Society is delighted to continue its association as the sponsor of the World’s original league football competition.
‘The relationship that Nationwide and The Football League has enjoyed over the last five seasons has been one of the best in football. We believe that it will be replicated and built upon over the coming three campaigns.
‘Many people have observed that ‘Wherever you find a Football League team you will find a Nationwide branch’ and that is so true.’
The new agreement means:
– An increase in sponsorship income for The Football League and its 72 member clubs from £3m each season to £4m each season.
– The Nationwide Building Society continues to hold title sponsorship rights to the Manager of the Month Award, the Save of the Month Award, the Man of the Match Award for televised games and the Fair Play League.
– The continuation of the hugely successful `Season of Promise’ scheme. This £750,000 per season community initiative, part of Nationwide’s sponsorship, provides £10,000 to each Football League Club to help disadvantaged and minority groups attend matches.
For further information, please contact:
Chris Hull
Nationwide Sponsorship Media Manager
Tel: +44 (0)771 319 3927
John Nagle
The Football League Media Relations Executive
Tel: +44 (0)207 298 1682