Australian Telecom Telstra Strikes First Football Deal With FFA

Australian telecom Telstra has signed a deal with Football Federation Australia, according to Wenlei Ma of AD NEWS. The deal is the first the telecom has signed with the FFA "following the separation of the football organisation with major sponsor Optus earlier this year." The partnership is for Telstra's "Thanks" loyalty program, which "will see the telco offer existing customers ticket upgrades and access to pre-sales to select A-League matches." The move "signalled a shift in Telstra's relationship with the FFA, which had previously been hampered by the FFA's close ties to rival Optus" (AD NEWS, 12/5). In addition to A-League ticket upgrades, Telstra Thanks will offer the chance for Telstra customers to win a "money can’t buy" experience which includes a VIP Grand Final Experience for 10 people. Details of the pre-sale opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks (FFA).