Football League outlines sponsorship plans
Following the completion of the 2014/15 league season, The Football League has outlined its plans for the title sponsorship of its League and League Cup competitions for season 2015/16 and beyond.
Sky Bet will continue as title sponsor of the Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League 1 and Sky Bet League 2 for season 2015/16, the company’s third as title sponsor.
Having been in discussions on sponsorship opportunities from 2016 onwards, the League can confirm that Sky Bet has made an offer to continue the partnership for a further two seasons. However, it has been agreed that the League will also be free to discuss this opportunity with other interested parties.
The Football League and Sky Bet have also agreed terms on a two-year betting partnership for seasons 2016/17 and 2017/18 should Sky Bet ultimately not continue as the League’s title sponsor beyond next season.
Rob Painter, Marketing Director of Sky Betting & Gaming said: "After a thrilling 2014/15 season including three exciting Play-Off Finals at the weekend, we are looking forward to our third year as title sponsor and our ongoing partnership with The Football League over the next three seasons."
The Football League and credit card company Capital One have agreed that the 2015/16 season will be the fourth and final year of Capital One’s title sponsorship of the League Cup – The Football League’s showpiece cup competition for all 92 clubs from The Football League and Premier League. The Football League will be seeking a new title sponsor for the 2016/17 season onwards.
Chris Newkirk, CEO at Capital One UK said: “It has been a privilege and pleasure to be the League Cup title sponsor. This special relationship has played a significant part in our UK brand communications over the last three years, and will continue to do so in the coming season. We have enjoyed a positive relationship with The Football League, the teams involved in the competition and the millions of dedicated fans.
“As we move on to our final season, we remain committed to The Football League and next season’s Capital One Cup and are extremely proud to have sponsored this incredible competition.”
Shaun Harvey, Chief Executive of The Football League said: “We would like to thank both Sky Bet and Capital One for their ongoing support and for the frank and positive discussions we have had with them in recent months.
“We will now begin discussions with potential new partners for our League competition and the League Cup. We do so from a position of strength, with both competitions and our clubs in excellent shape and with a proven track record for delivering outstanding value to our partners.”