Everton Women has signed a new multi-year principal partnership deal with MegaFon ahead of this weekend’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup Final.
Digital and telecommunications company MegaFon has expanded their deal with the Club, in what is the biggest commercial deal in the women’s team’s history. As part of the agreement, MegaFon will receive branding on the front of Everton Women’s shirt, while mobile virtual network operator Yota – part of the MegaFon Group – will be added to the left shirt sleeve.
MegaFon currently appear on the sleeve of Everton Women’s and men’s first team training kits, after a deal signed in 2019, which also gave them a presence on first team matchdays and signage at Goodison Park.
Yota’s presence on the Everton Women’s kit marks the Russian-based mobile network operator’s first foray into English football. The agreement will allow the company to tap into Everton’s growing international fanbase and increased profile following the side’s progression to the FA Cup final. Willie Kirk’s team are also enjoying a flying start to the 2020/21 Barclays FA Women’s Super League (WSL) season, where they are currently undefeated and sit second in the table.
Both MegaFon and Yota will make their on-shirt debuts at Wembley as the Blues take on Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup Final on Sunday 1 November (kick-off 2.30pm GMT). The game will be screened to an international audience and will be broadcast live on BBC1 and BT Sport in the UK.
The record commercial deal follows Everton Women’s move to a brand-new purpose-built stadium at Walton-Hall Park in February of this year, and the announcement in March that Everton Women would benefit from increased squad investment and a new leadership structure and strategy as the Club sets its sights on challenging for major honours.
The new strategy for the team includes the Club’s commitment to developing the Women’s commercial portfolio by seeking exclusive partnership opportunities.
Sarvar Ismailov, Sporting and Commercial Director for Everton Women said: “This partnership reflects the increasing prominence of the women’s game and the exciting future for our women’s team. Securing exclusive commercial partnerships for Everton Women has been a key part of our vision and strategy for developing a team that challenges at the top of the Women’s Super League. We are delighted that MegaFon has seen the opportunity to join us on that exciting journey. This is a truly international partnership and having a company of such a scale as a principal partner demonstrates the exciting trajectory for both Everton Women and MegaFon.”
Everton has a significant history in the women’s game – having been one of eight founding members of the WSL, as well as winning the FA Women’s Premier League, FA Premier League Cup and two Women’s FA Cups since originally forming as Everton Ladies in 1995.
Gevork Vermishyan, Chief Executive Officer for MegaFon said: “We are delighted to further expand our agreement with Everton in what is a very exciting time for Everton Women.
“This partnership allows us to support the women’s game in England and be part of a Club with huge ambition and an international reach playing in the now globally recognised WSL.
“We wish the Club the very best of luck for the Women’s FA Cup Final this weekend and the rest of the 2020/21 season, as we look forward to building on our strong relationship with Everton, Everton Women and their international fanbase.”
The MegaFon and Yota brands will appear on Everton Women’s home, away and third playing kits on matchdays.
