Vodafone and Wasps renew partnership
Wasps has agreed a deal with Vodafone to extend its official partnership until the end of season 2023/24.
Vodafone and Wasps have had a partnership since the start of the 2019/20 season.
The extension of the agreement will see the Vodafone brand continue to feature on the front of the men’s and women’s rugby shirts, as well as on the dresses of the club’s netball team.
“This new long-term agreement demonstrates the strength of our relationship. The last twelve months have been extremely challenging for so many of us, which is why the support Vodafone have given the club has been priceless, and underlines just how much we both value this partnership,” said Adam Benson, the club’s chief commercial officer.
In 2019, Vodafone unveiled its Vodafone Business Lounge at the Ricoh Arena, an innovation space designed for businesses in the West Midlands to experience the latest emerging technologies including 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT) and high-speed fibre.
Vodafone also conducted the world’s first 5G haptic rugby tackle at its Reinvent conference in 2019.
While wearing a haptic suit, Wasps’ centre Juan De Jongh, who was at the Sky Garden in London, was able to feel a physical tackle made by teammate Will Rowlands who was at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.
Wasps also installed a Vodafone Heat Detection camera at its training ground to help safeguard staff and players as they returned to training following the outbreak of COVID-19.
“We are delighted to be renewing our partnership with Wasps for a further three years,” said Anne Sheehan, business sirector, Vodafone UK. “The pandemic has brought so many challenges, and the drive and tenacity Wasps have shown has been remarkable.
“This partnership continues on our promise to invest in the West Midlands region. We can’t wait to unveil new and exciting case studies bringing 5G and IoT to life, demonstrating the key role these technologies will play in transforming the worlds of sport and business. We look forward to welcoming businesses back to the Vodafone Business Lounge at the Ricoh Arena soon.”
