Stoke City have announced the signing of two new sponsorship deals, with online bookmaker bet365 and long-time partner Britannia, reports SportsPro. Under the terms of its three-year deal, bet365 replaces financial firm Britannia to serve as the new shirt sponsor of the club. Bet365 is owned by the Coates family, which also owns Stoke City.
Meanwhile The Co-operative Group-owned Britannia, whose logo has featured on the Potters' kit for the last 15 years, becomes the club's official banking and community partner for the next two seasons, whilst also retaining the naming rights to the club's 27,600-seat Britannia Stadium.
The new partnership between Stoke City and Britannia will have an increased community focus, with the company's support going towards encouraging more children to get involved in sport and enjoy healthier lifestyles.
According to an official club statement, 'The sponsorship agreements are geared to maximising the tremendous opportunities which are available locally, nationally and globally as a direct result of the progress made by City since winning promotion to the top flight of English football in 2008.'
Stoke City's chief executive Tony Scholes said:
"The club is already hugely indebted to the support from bet365 and its owners, the Coates family. Whilst Britannia and The Co-operative Group focus more on local and national markets, bet365, who are the largest private sector employers in the area, operate on a global basis."
"This agreement with bet365 means that we have been able to maximise the international element of the club's exposure."
While financial terms of both deals were not disclosed, Scholes also said the club "received a number of offers from potential sponsors" for its shirt sponsorship, "but bet365 were the highest bidders, arguably further underlining their commitment to the club." "This is a very exciting development for the football club which gives us every chance to continue progressing forward. We have the opportunity now to work closely with two very successful local companies on two different fronts."
