ManU signed a five-year deal with Kohler to be the club’s first ever-sleeve sponsor. The deal, which will put the Kohler brand logo on the jerseys of both the men’s and women’s teams and at retail, also includes participation on gameday activities and joint participation in sustainability and social responsibility projects. The company, perhaps best known for its bathroom and plumbing products, will also provide upgrades to ManU’s facilities. ManU will first don the Kohler logo in its first match of its ’18 tour in the U.S., when it faces off against Liga MX side Club América in Phoenix. It will also participate in the Int'l Champions Cup.
Richard Arnold, ManU’s group MD, said that the club has been in the market for a sleeve sponsor since the Premier League first allowed the inventory at the start of last season, and had been in search of a brand that shared the club’s global vision and ambition. Kohler, while based in Wisconsin, has more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, and views Asia -- China specifically -- as one of its core markets going forward.
ManU will begin selling jerseys with the Kohler branding in the next few weeks after the Club América match, and Arnold noted that the club sells a jersey globally once every 11 seconds, helping extend both its and Kohler’s brand.
“We think appearing on the Manchester United shirt is the most viewed place you can be in terms of any media property,” Arnold said.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
