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English Premier League Sponsors Through the Years

, 6 min reading time

Who Are The English Premier League Title Sponsors?

The English Premier League (EPL) came into being, following an acrimonious split from the Football League in 1992. In fact it was made up from clubs competing in the old Football League First Division. In 1995 the league was reduced to 20 teams to ease fixture congestion. When the EPL was launched, the income generated for clubs was through a massive tv rights deal with BSkyB. This deal was reportedly worth a staggering £304 million over 5 years. With The BBC securing a highlights package broadcast on Match Of The Day. So to answer the question 'Who Are The English Premier League Sponsors? As it stands there are no EPL title sponsors, however there are a number of Official Partners.

Who Were The First English Premier League Title Sponsors?

When the EPL launched there were no title sponsor. The only income generated for clubs was through their tv deal. However, at the start of the 1993/94 season the EPL was to be known as the FA Carling Premiership. Carling paid a reported £12 million for a 4 year deal to be the first title sponsors. They extended this deal by a further 4 years but paid £36 million for the privilege, an increase of 300%. Carling paid £3 million per season for the first 4 years which increased to £9 million per season, for the extended 4 years.

2015/16 will see the last ever Barclays Premier League
How Many Title Sponsors Of The English Premier League Have There Been?

As of 2020/21 season there have only been 3 title sponsors of the EPL. The first, Carling Brewery who sponsored seasons 2 to 9. Barclaycard became title sponsors in season 10 - 2001/02 for 3 years. This deal was worth £48 million over 3 years. This was worth £16 million per season an increase of £7 million from the Carling deal. Barclays became the 3rd title sponsor in 2004/05 and were the official title sponsors for 12 seasons. The renewal price for season 2007/08 was a mammoth £65.8 million. Almost £22 million per season for a 3 year deal. Since the 2016/17 season there have been no official title sponsors. However, the EPL structured the sponsorships differently and renamed them Official Partners.

Why Isn't The English Premier League Sponsored?

Since the 2016/17 season there has been no official title sponsor but, this doesn't mean the EPL has no sponsors. As mentioned the sponsors are now known as Official Partners and each has a specific category. There are 6 Official Partner categories as follows

  • Lead Partner of the English Premier League
  • Official Bank of the English Premier League
  • Official Beer of the English Premier League
  • The Official Soft Drink of the English Premier League
  • Official Timekeeper of the English Premier League
  • Official Match Ball Supplier to the English Premier League
Who Are The Lead Partners Of The English Premier League?

EA Sports became the Lead Partner of the EPL in 2016/17. This gives them enhanced partnership and integration rights. They are sponsors of the Player Of The Month and Season awards. This also includes on screen and in stadium branding at all Premiership grounds.

EA Sports Official Gaming Sponsor of the Premier League
Who Are The Official Bank Of The English Premier League?

Barclays have had a long relationship with the EPL as title sponsors from 2004/05 through to 2015/16. They then became the Official Bank of the EPL when the league took on Official Partners. Subsequently boosting the leagues income stream. Barclays get wide branding opportunities at all EPL grounds. They also receive extensive branding in match day programmes and on screen. Although Barclays are known as the Official Bank of the EPL, it isn't known if they are the bank used by the EPL for their own revenues.

Who Supplies The Official Beer of the English Premier League?

Budweiser are the Official Beer of the EPL and are one of the 6 Official Partners. This deal allows Budweiser to promote their brand alongside the EPL. It doesn't mean the beer is available at every club though, as some clubs may have local deals with other brands.

Budweiser official Beer supplier to the Premier League
What Is The Official Soft Drink of the English Premier League?

As one of the Official Partners of the EPL Coca-Cola became the Official Soft Drink in 2019. Coca-Cola is a long term partner of FIFA and Uefa so it was only natural they became patrtners of the biggest football League in the world. It allows them to run promotions alongside the EPL brand.

Who Are The Official Timekeepers of the English Premier League?

Who knew there was an Official Timekeeper of the EPL? Although, whenever the match timer ison screen a reference to Hublot is visible. Hublot keep the official timimngs for each EPL game at the ground and on screen. The substitute's boards are also shaped like the Hublot Big Bang Unico shaped watch.

Who Supplies The Official Match Ball to the English Premier League?

Nike are the Official Match Football supplier to the EPL. Their iconic Premier League Flight match ball is used through the 2020/21 season.

There are 2 versions of this Flight ball, one in white and the other is a Fluo yellow. The yellow ball is used during the darker winter months, for better visibility.

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