Sponsors sign on as AFL women’s league debuts

Aussie rules football league the AFL has agreed a new partnership with sporting goods and equipment retailer Rebel as its new women’s competition commenced today (Friday).

The AFL Women’s League kicked off with Carlton securing a 7.4 (46) to 1.5 (11) home victory over Collingwood in front of a sell-out crowd of 24,578.

Rebel has agreed a three-year deal to back both the AFL and AFLW competitions. The company will provide support to the AFLW and is undertaking engaging marketing initiatives to lift the profiles of players in its debut season.

The partnership is also providing support to participation programs through the AFL Auskick and Junior Football initiatives where Rebel will be active in providing compelling discounts and benefits to registered AFL participants.

Rebel’s managing director, Erica Berchtold, said: “We are really excited about this partnership which further highlights our commitment to women in sport. AFL is helping to pave the way in this space, and we want to be right there by their side.”

Rebel will also be launching a new edition of its ‘rebel women’ content. Aimed at elevating the profiles of female athletes and providing them with a platform to tell their stories, the content showcases talent from Collingwood, Western Bulldogs, Carlton and Melbourne.

“We want to continue to inspire the next generation of female sports stars, and let younger women know that sport, in this instance AFL, is not just a hobby but a viable career path,” Berchtold added.

Meanwhile, existing AFL sponsor Wolf Blass has expanded its partnership to back the AFLW. The Australian winery will serve as a foundation sponsor of the new league

In addition to the sponsorship, Wolf Blass has signed on Adelaide Crows player Abbey Holmes as an ambassador for its upcoming ‘Chase the Finals’ campaign.