Under Armour announced a multi-year technical sponsorship of Brasileiro side São Paulo. Beginning this May, the club's first team and academy teams will be outfitted in Under Armour-designed and manufactured matchday kits and training wear. Authentic and replica product for the club's supporters around the world will be available in Brazil and through UA.com. The brand will unveil the club's new matchday kits before the start of the 2015 Brasileiro season. São Paulo joins Under Armour's global football roster, which includes EPL side Tottenham, Chilean Primera Division side Colo-Colo and Liga MX sides Cruz Azul and Toluca (Under Armour). GLOBO ESPORTE reported the five-year sponsorship will be worth a total of R$135M ($41.2M). Of the R$27M ($8.2M) "that will be paid per year, São Paulo will receive" R$15M ($4.6M) in payments and R$12M ($3.7M) will be in sporting equipment. The club's new uniform launch date is May 7 "during an event at the Morumbi stadium." On that date, Under Armour will also "inaugurate its store" at the Morumbi (GLOBO ESPORTE, 3/17). UOL reported Under Armour VP Peter Murray said, "São Paulo has a significant role in football and it has turned into a cultural passion for Brazilians, especially since it has broadcast a playing style that has turned into the country's symbol of how football is played globally. The tradition of winning and developing young players, in addition to a strong reputation for innovation, makes São Paulo perfect for Under Armour. This sponsorship will accelerate our presence in football." In February, Brazilian sportswear company Penalty "announced that, as agreed, it would end" its sponsorship of São Paulo. The club's deal with Penalty ends April 30. Under Armour "won the competition" against Puma for the sponsorship deal (UOL, 3/17).
