Arsenal, BNN Technology Extend Partnership Through '19-20 Season

Arsenal extended its partnership with China-based technology provider BNN Technology through the '19-20 season. The expanded partnership offers BNN Technology exclusive rights including the opportunity to build on its "Coaching the Coaches" program, which was met with huge interest when launched last season. Through BNN, fans in China are provided with access to behind-the-scenes content (Arsenal). CITY A.M.'s Alys Key reported BNN will run an online store through Alibaba-owned marketplace Tmall, which accounted for "more than half of retail e-commerce sales in China last year." The deal forms part of an effort by Arsenal to "ramp up its online merchandise sales, and to cater to the burgeoning Chinese football market." BNN is also set to run competitions in China for "Arsenal-lovers," which could see them win "money-can't-buy" prizes like meeting players, accessing exclusive club news and VIP tickets to matches (CITY A.M., 7/26).