Inter Milan Signs Five-Year Extension To Long-Running Pirelli Partnership

The "on-off" rumors that Pirelli was to end its 20-year sponsorship of Serie A side Inter Milan "have been ended" with the club agreeing to a new five-year deal, according to Paul Nicholson of INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL. No figure has been released for the deal but the club said, "The new five-year deal comprises a fixed amount and a variable figure based on the results of the first team." Market estimates are that the sponsorship is worth a minimum of €10M ($11.1M) a season -- in comparison with the current one reportedly worth €14M ($15.6M) a season -- but also includes "large bonuses for the Milan club based on results -- potentially doubling" in the event Inter wins the Champions League in the next five years. The new agreement will "help further develop the two brands" both in Italy and abroad, particularly in a "significant market like China" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 3/15).