Dubai-based airline Emirates has agreed a three-year extension to its global partnership with North American Soccer League franchise the New York Cosmos.
Under the agreement, Emirates will continue to serve as a founding partner of the Cosmos, and will retain its front-of-shirt branding on the club’s playing and training jerseys. The new deal will cover the 2016 NASL season, which began at the weekend, as well as the 2017 and 2018 campaigns.
As part of the deal, Emirates will receive pitchside advertising exposure during the Cosmos’ home games and will be promoted across the club’s digital and social media platforms. Emirates commercials will be aired during television broadcasts of the Cosmos’ matches, for which the airline will also receive ticket and hospitality packages.
In addition, Emirates has been given rights to the next three editions of the Cosmos Copa, an annual amateur football tournament.
“Being a member of Emirates Airline’s portfolio of international teams is an honour for the club, but one that reflects the unique history and huge global appeal of the Cosmos,” New York Cosmos chairman Seamus O’Brien said. “Since our reboot season we have already visited six countries, including our historic trip to Cuba last year. As America's global team, for the global game, we look forward to building on the success of our first three years together, both at home and overseas.”
The New York Cosmos will continue to be a part of Emirates’ roster of global football sponsorships, which includes AC Milan, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Benfica, Hamburger SV, Paris Saint-Germain and Olympiacos.
Emirates first teamed up with the Cosmos in 2013. The club is the reigning NASL champion and began its title defence with a 3-0 home victory over Ottawa Fury yesterday (Sunday).