Newcastle United are currently in Saudi Arabia for a training camp, where the club have announced another new sponsor.
The Magpies are looking to make a commercial splash off the pitch, agreeing a raft of new sponsorship deals in a bid to boost revenue.
Newcastle have acquired various new business partners since the change of ownership at St James’ Park, with Amanda Staveley and co taking advantage of their links to Saudi Arabia.
The first deal agreed was with Noon, who are Newcastle’s sleeve sponsor for this season. Their logo also appears on the digital advertising hoardings at St James’ Park during home games.
The second Saudi deal came last month, as the Magpies prepared to head to Riyadh for a mini pre-season ahead of the Premier League returning. It was confirmed that SAUDIA would become the club’s Official Tour Airline Partner, with a huge SAUDIA plane taking the players and staff to Riyadh.
Newcastle are doing a lot of work to boost their profile in the Middle East, whilst also taking economical advantage of their owners’ influence in Saudi Arabia.
Every deal will have been scrutinised and passed by the Premier League, and now Newcastle have announced another new sponsor based in KSA.
stc announced as Newcastle’s newest sponsor
The club announced on Tuesday morning that stc is Newcastle’s new Official Digital Tour Partner. In the statement, it was confirmed that they will have a digital presence during the Magpies’ friendly against Al-Hilal on Thursday, as well as at St James’ Park for the rest of the season.
stc are described as a ‘pioneering telecommunications provider’ that ‘connects a digitally-engaged population across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East’.
On the deal, Newcastle’s new Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone told the club’s official website: “Our ambition is to grow our supporter base in Saudi Arabia; a country whose young population includes a large, passionate and highly engaged football community.
“We are delighted to welcome stc to our growing family of partners and have them on board as our second strategic partner for the club’s visit to Saudi Arabia this December.
“stc digitally connects millions of individuals and businesses throughout the Middle East and their market knowledge, expertise and experience in sport partnerships will complement our drive to reach and engage with more people across one of our key markets. We look forward to working closely with stc.”
The presence of Saudi Arabian sponsors at Newcastle will not go unnoticed by onlookers, especially those who are massively opposed to PIF’s takeover of the club.
But for Newcastle, they are doing their best to raise revenue and help navigate the tricky waters of financial fair play. We have also recently seen deals with energy drink Monster and hair transplant provider Dr Cinik.
The next big deal will likely come in the shape of a new shirt sponsor, with FUN88’s contract set to come to a premature end. Will they be replaced by a Saudi Arabian company? It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise despite reports that it won’t.
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