Utah Royals claim record shirt deal for debut NWSL campaign

Newly-formed National Women’s Soccer League franchise Utah Royals FC has named utility management company Conservice as its new shirt sponsor in a deal it claims is largest in the history of the league.

The three-year agreement will run until the end of the 2020 NWSL season and grants Utah-based Conservice exposure on the front and back of the Royals’ shirts.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed but Royals owner Dell Loy Hansen said the partnership represents “the most lucrative jersey-front deal in American women’s soccer history”.

Hansen added: “The Conservice vision for our partnership aligns perfectly with our aspirations to build the world’s best women’s professional sports organisation worldwide. We are grateful that Conservice recognises the opportunity that the arrival of Utah Royals FC represents for fans across our region, and are excited to deepen their involvement in soccer.”

The 2018 NWSL season, which begins in March, will mark the Royals’ debut in the competition. The team features US national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn, along with Kelley O’Hara, Desiree Scott, Diana Matheson and Gunnhildur Jonsdottir.

The team is an affiliate of men’s Major League Soccer franchise Real Salt Lake. The Royals inherited the squad of the now-defunct FC Kansas City.