Wasps conclude kit supply deal with global sports brand
COVENTRY-based rugby club, Wasps has announced a major new kit deal with US firm Under Armour.
The club, which now plays its home games at the Ricoh Arena, said the multi-year deal saw Under Armour become its official Technical-Wear Partner.
In doing so, Wasps has become the first Aviva Premiership rugby club to secure a deal with the sports firm, which is one of the world’s largest sports brands.
Under Armour is also technical partner to the Welsh Rugby Union, Top 14 giants Clermont Auvergne and Barclays Premier League football club, Tottenham Hotspur. Tennis star Andy Murray and Masters winner Jordan Spieth have also signed multi-year deals with the firm.
The announcement, made ahead of the team’s new kit launch in the summer, will see the club’s official Technical-Wear Partner design and develop training wear and match day performance apparel for both the first team and academy squads. The partnership also includes commercial marketing rights and in-stadium signage.
Under Armour become the seventh new partner in the past year to sign with Wasps and will feature on Wasps’ playing shirt alongside the club’s two Fortune 500 companies, Land Rover and EMC, and FTSE listed DS Smith.
David Armstrong, Wasps Group CEO, said: “We are proud to welcome Under Armour to Wasps. To attract a brand of the size and calibre of Under Armour, alongside Land Rover, EMC and DS Smith, is testament to the successful commercial programme we are implementing at the club.
“This partnership is hugely significant for Wasps and reflects the progress made by the club in the last nine months, commercially as well as on the pitch, as we aim to build one of the most aspirational groups of partners in professional rugby.”
Chris Bate, VP and Managing Director Europe at Under Armour, said: “It is a privilege to be working with one of the most successful club rugby union teams in the world. Wasps’ traditions and dedication to the game are a great fit for what we stand for at Under Armour.”
Authentic and replica kit will be distributed through the Wasps new club store at the Ricoh Arena.
Wasps Finance has also said that its latest bond offering will close today (Wednesday) at 2pm, three hours ahead of the original deadline.
It said the aggregate nominal amount of the bonds to be issued would be for no less than £30m and it would be releasing a statement shortly confirming the final size of the offer.
The seven-year bonds will trade on the London Stock Exchange and Wasps is thought to be the first sporting club in the country to offer such a bond, which have a minimum investment of just £2,000.
Some of the proceeds raised will be invested while the remainder is thought likely to pay off the loan taken out to acquire the Ricoh Arena.
