Marketing & Sponsorship

Manchester United strike first sponsorship deal with Estée Lauder

The Premier League unit, Manchester United have announced a partnership with an American multinational cosmetics company, Estée Lauder.

In a first-of-its-kind agreement, Estée Lauder will work with the newly appointed skipper Bruno Fernandes’ side to connect with and engage the brand’s large fan base in China and the Asia Pacific area.

Estée Lauder carries on its tradition of upending the beauty sector by reaching out to new groups of sports fans who seek the highest levels of performance in all facets of life with its high-performing products.

Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Alejandro Garnacho and Raphael Varane will all be part of the partnership’s debut season, which will begin in the summer of 2023. With a potential reach of more than 250 million in China solely the marketing effort will connect fans throughout social platforms by fusing the worlds of sports and beauty through innovative social storytelling about the advantages of recharging the skin.

Justin Boxford, Global Brand President, Estée Lauder, said, “The bold vision, creativity, and innovation of our trailblazing founder, Mrs. Estée Lauder, continues to inspire us to disrupt and push boundaries. We are excited to collaborate with the world’s most popular football team on this first-of-its-kind partnership, and to expand Estée Lauder’s reach to new audiences of male consumers in an unexpected and ground-breaking way.

“Estée Lauder and Manchester United are both globally recognized as best-in-class brands with incredible heritage with generations of loyal fans around the world, and a shared commitment to delivering peak performance – whether in our products or on the playing field.”

The cooperation will initially highlight Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum, a game-changer for the skincare sector and one of the best-selling, most cherished products in company history. Tripeptide-32, a special ingredient found only in Advanced Night Repair, helps enhance the skin’s natural cycle of daytime protection and nighttime repair. Advanced Night Repair functions like seven serums in one. One dropper in the morning and evening reveals moisturised, revived, and awakened skin.

Manchester United, CEO of Alliances and Partnerships, Victoria Timpson, said, “Estée Lauder is a globally renowned and trusted brand, and we are excited to be partnering with them in China and Asia Pacific. As one of the most followed sports teams in the world, we understand the importance of educating fans on a healthy lifestyle, and skincare is an integral part of that process. In the same way our athletes prepare the night before a match with regular training rituals, healthy skin also requires a consistent and effective regimen.

“Advanced Night Repair serum provides skin with the overnight preparation needed for users to wake up looking refreshed and ready to take on the day. We look forward to working with Estée Lauder in sharing the power of its Advanced Night Repair serum and encouraging our fans to start their skincare journey with us.”

Marketing & Sponsorship

Soft2Bet Secures Divisionsforeningen Deal, Expands In Denmark

Online Malta-based bookmaker Soft2Bet has agreed a two-year deal with Denmark’s Divisionsforeningenin to sponsor the second, third and fourth tiers Danish football.

Soft2Bet will activate the sponsorship via its brands Betinia and CampoBet. The top flight will be rebranded Betinia Liga, while the second and third divisions will named CampoBet 2 Division and CampoBet 3.

No value was given for the sponsorship.

Betinia launched in Denmark in 2023 while the CampoBet brand debuted last year. Soft2Bet has expanded in the Scandinavian market having also launched in Sweden.

Oksana Tsyhankova, CMO of Soft2Bet, said: “With a strong focus on localised, responsible experiences through Betinia and CampoBet, we support both the growth of the game and the communities behind it.”

Soft2Bet will support local football initiatives, with a focus on talent development, fan engagement and youth participation.

Claus Thomsen, Director of the Divisionsforeningen, said: “The fact that there will now also be a name sponsor for the third and fourth best tiers is a tribute to all the work the clubs have done to deliver a fantastic product, create ever better conditions and increase awareness of the tier.”

Online casino and sports betting revenue in 2024 reached DKK7.27 billion (£811.2 million), according to SBC. Sports betting accounted for DKK2.21bn.

Insideworldfootbal.com

Marketing & Sponsorship

NLO, NTA Partner For Live Playoff Broadcasts

In a landmark move aimed at strengthening grassroots football development, the Nationwide League One (NLO) has announced a strategic broadcast partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to air its ongoing playoff matches live across the country.

The initiative, unveiled by NLO Chief Operating Officer Mr. Sola Ogunnowo, underscores the league’s commitment to expanding national access to the exciting action within Nigeria’s third-tier football structure.

With this deal, fans from all corners of the country will be able to witness the raw talent and fierce competition that define the NLO playoffs.

> “This live broadcast partnership with NTA is a major step toward deepening the reach and appeal of grassroots football,” Ogunnowo said. “The NLO playoffs represent the passion and raw talent we have across Nigeria, and we’re excited to share that with the entire nation.”

Full NTA Broadcast Schedule for NLO Playoffs:

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Na Royal vs. House of Prayer — 1 PM, LIVE from Bwari Stadium

JNR Danburan vs. Kano Ambassadors — 3 PM, LIVE from Gumel Stadium

Friday, June 20, 2025

Vet Rovers vs. Family Worship — 11 AM, LIVE from ABS Stadium, Kaduna

Kaduna United vs. DMD — Delayed transmission from Jos Stadium

Sunday, June 22, 2025

JNR Danburan vs. Clever Warriors — 1 PM, LIVE from Gumel Stadium

Zeal Minds vs. House of Prayer — 3 PM, LIVE from Bwari Stadium

Ogunnowo highlighted that the league’s partnership with NTA forms part of a broader vision to elevate the profile of emerging clubs and provide greater visibility for talented players aiming to climb Nigeria’s football hierarchy.

> “We’re not just organizing matches — we’re building a future for Nigerian football,” he said. “By enhancing fan experience through live broadcasts and working closely with our local organizing committees and media partners, we’re ensuring that our playoffs are delivered with top-tier professionalism.”

The NLO playoffs have become a vital showcase for spotting future football stars and offering clubs a stepping stone toward higher divisions in Nigeria’s football pyramid. This televised coverage is expected to amplify support for participating teams and attract potential investors and scouts to the grassroots game.

With nationwide viewership now guaranteed, the NLO playoffs are not just a tournament — they’re a celebration of Nigerian football’s next generation.

Sports247.ng

Marketing & Sponsorship

Atlético Madrid Opens ‘Casa Atléti’ In Tinseltown

Atlético Madrid have pitched up in the City of Angels with “Casa Atleti,” a multi-day brand circus that’s part retail therapy, part fan festival, and cleverly designed to separate Americans from their hard-earned dollars while competing in the FIFA Club World Cup.

The timing is no accident. With the 2026 World Cup looming and every European giant scrambling for their slice of the American football pie, Los Angeles represents the perfect storm of Latino heritage, celebrity culture, and disposable income.

“Casa Atleti” isn’t just your average pop-up shop. There’s an official merchandise store, watch parties, meet-and-greets with club legends, and cultural events.

The programme reads like a festival lineup: daily coaching symposiums led by Atlético’s technical staff, live music, and food experiences. Several events, including watch parties for the matches, have already sold out according to the club’s official channels.

This isn’t just about shifting some shirts and signing up a few new Instagram followers. “Casa Atleti” is Atlético Madrid’s latest play in what’s becoming an increasingly crowded field – and of course competing with Real Madrid who have already cracked the U.S. market.

Whether “Casa Atleti” becomes a genuine foothold in the American market or just another expensive marketing exercise remains to be seen. But in a city built on selling dreams, Atlético Madrid are certainly speaking the right language.

Insideworldfootball.com