New Zealand Cricket has confirmed it is exploring new sponsorship opportunities for its domestic cricket programmes next summer.
NZC announced today that State would not be renewing its 10-year sponsorship of domestic cricket, which included the State Championship, State Shield, State Twenty20, State League and team naming rights.
CEO Justin Vaughan said the partnership with State was ending on a positive note.
“State’s engagement with domestic cricket has shown how successful an effective sports sponsorship can be.
“State’s involvement and visibility with cricket has enabled it to consistently build its awareness and profile – and their relationship with NZC has helped us to significantly grow the game and boost its popularity.
“We’ve seen a sustained surge in television coverage and viewing numbers for domestic cricket. The addition of the New Zealand champion Twenty20 team into the new Champions League in October will further increase the profile and support of domestic cricket in this country.
“New sponsorship partners will receive even greater exposure because of this expansion of the game.”
State’s 10-year relationship with domestic cricket in New Zealand has reached the end of its natural life-cycle says Vena Crawley, Executive General Manager, Marketing and Reputation.
“State has very much enjoyed its relationship with domestic cricket in New Zealand. Supporting the cricketing community at representative level has been a highlight for the company and our staff will miss the association,” said Mr Crawley.
Vaughan said he accepted State’s decision to withdraw but added every sponsorship arrangement had a limited life.
“The world cricketing landscape has changed dramatically in the decade since this relationship started. Both parties now have the opportunity to pursue new opportunities.
Vaughan said that New Zealand Cricket’s sponsorship programme was in very good health.
“We enjoy long-term relationships with iconic brands such as The National Bank, MILO, Canterbury of New Zealand, Samsung and Gillette and we’ve also recently signed a major international sponsor, DEC.
“This is a rare opportunity for new commercial partners to invest in a sport that sees hundreds of thousands of Kiwis participating and watching every summer.”
