Stirling Sports scores New Zealand Premiership title rights

New Zealand-based sportswear company Stirling Sports has taken on naming rights to the top tier of club football in the country, the Premiership.

The one-year deal, which Stirling Sports agreed with the New Zealand Football governing body, covers the 2016-17 Premiership season.

The competition will officially be known as the Stirling Sports Premiership.

“There is a lot of synergy between our target of becoming the nation’s favourite game and what they are trying to achieve as New Zealand’s favourite sports retailer,” NZF chief executive Andy Martin said. “They have been around for more than 50 years and Kiwis have grown up going to Stirling Sports for their football gear. I am sure that will only increase during our partnership.”

The 2016-17 Premiership season begins on October 16. Team Wellington is the defending champion.