Emirates, Arsenal ink new $238m partnership

Emirates Airline and Arsenal Football Club on Friday announced a new £150m deal which grants the airline a five-year extension to their shirt partnership with the club. 

The agreement, worth £30m a year, extends and deepens one of the strongest and most recognisable partnerships in sport.

As part of the deal Arsenal’s home will continue to be known as Emirates Stadium up to 2028.

The Emirates brand will also continue appearing on the front of Arsenal’s playing and training kits and the new agreement contains a number of marketing rights, which come into effect immediately, to ensure Emirates can engage with Arsenal fans in the UK and abroad, a statement said.

"Arsenal’s strong appeal around the globe and ambitious approach to the game parallel our own approach to business, making them a valuable partner for our brand," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

"We continue to see immeasurable value in our global sports sponsorships and our sponsorship with Arsenal is no different."

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis added: "This is an exciting day for Arsenal Football Club and all our supporters.  

"This agreement is a testimony to Arsenal’s approach and to the capabilities we have developed in recent years as well as the strength of our partnership with Emirates.

“The original deal with Emirates was a key facilitator of our move from Highbury and this next phase of our relationship will be just as critical to keep us at the top of the game in England and Europe."

The new agreement was formally concluded at Emirates Stadium by Gazidis and Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Boutros Boutros. 

As part of the partnership agreement the Arsenal soccer school in Dubai, which launched in 2010, will also continue.

Emirates first signed its sponsorship agreement with Arsenal in 2004, providing the airline with naming rights to the stadium until 2021 and a shirt sponsorship that began in the 2006/2007 season.