Arsenal dials up Huawei partnership

English Premier League football club Arsenal has signed a global partnership with Chinese telecommunications company Huawei which will run through the 2015-16 season.

Under the terms of the deal, Huawei will become the official smartphone partner of the north London club on a global basis. Arsenal’s officials and players will take part in Huawei’s communication and promotional activities both in the UK and overseas.

The partnership will also include exclusive offers, content and brand presence during Arsenal matches, as well as through the club’s digital and social media platforms. In addition, Huawei will have access to the club’s marketing database and exclusive matchday hospitality for competition winners at Emirates Stadium.

Tom Fox, Arsenal’s chief commercial officer, said: “This is the first global deal we have signed with a Chinese brand, demonstrating our long-term commitment to the market through pre-season tours and sustained digital fan engagement.”

Huawei’s partnership with Arsenal represents its latest agreement with a major European football club. The company has signed deals with German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund and Italian Serie A outfit AC Milan, along with the Spanish Football League (LFP), over the past 12 months.