The changing face of sponsorship

At one time clubs were sponsored by local businesses such as brewers and builders merchants. Of course, that still happens with non-league clubs.

In 1995 10 Premier League clubs had technology backers. At one time it was Japanese hardware groups such as photocopier makers. Then came home computers. By the mid 1990s mobile phone companies switched on to sponsorship. Arsenal signed a five year deal with O2 and Manchester United were sponsored by Vodafone.

Financial companies then followed. Newcastle were sponsored by Northern Rock before its collapse. Liverpool are still sponsored by Standard Chartered.

Starting with Fulham in 2002, gambling companies became involved. They now sponsor half the Premier League clubs.

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The Political Economy of Football V2

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