Trio of new sponsors pump $30m into Premier League

Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), Jamaica Public Service (JPS) and Supreme Ventures Limited, through its sports betting brand JustBet, were yesterday unveiled as the newest sponsors of the National Premier League (NPL).

The trio, who will be sponsoring the league for the first time, will collectively put up $30 million for the duration of the season, with each company contributing $10 million apiece.

The league is slated to kick off on Sunday, with its usual slate of six matches.

"These are exciting times for the league as, thanks to its value, we were able to attract three new sponsors, which should make this season an exciting one," said Edward Seaga, chairman of the Premier League Football Associa-tion (PLCA), at yesterday's launch of the league, which took place at the Knutsford Court Hotel.

"But that is not all as, should things go to according to plan, there could be added sponsors, including that of a title sponsor, which, if it happens, would make this year's staging of the league one of the best ever."

JPS, JustBet and JNBS will see their investments going towards the administration of the league which, among other things, involves the issuing of grants to the clubs and, by extension, the payment of players.

Promotional opportunities

These companies, in return, are slated to receive marketing and promotional opportunities, including the branding of the front of the players' jerseys and usage of these players for advertising purposes, among other entitlements.

"For us at JPS, our sponsorship is one more opportunity to support a national institution, which means so much to us all," said JPS president and CEO, Damian Obiglio.

"It is also one of the many ways that we show our commitment to the development of sports in Jamaica, from community leagues to national programmes," he added.

Leon Mitchell, assistant general manager of JNBS, said his company sees their partnership of the league as an investment in the country.

"Football, and sports in general, cuts across many social, economic and political barriers and helps to unite communities and the nation, and with the league being the top one in the country, we are more than happy to be associated," said Mitchell, who explained that his company had also opened a PLCA account whereby members of the public can make donations to the league.

The account number is 10856779.

Andrei Roper, senior marketing officer of JustBet, says their association is a natural fit, given their association with the sport.

"We see it as a natural fit as the league is about football entertainment, and we are about football entertainment. Football is our most popular sport among bettors, and local football fans are our most avid JustBet players in general," he said.

The league will shoot off with defending champions Tivoli Gardens going up against promoted Montego Bay United, formerly Seba United, at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex, in the feature game of the opening round.

Elsewhere, Waterhouse are down to tackle newcomers Highgate United at Drewsland Stadium, Village United will host Arnett Gardens at the Trelawny Stadium, Sporting Central Academy play away to Portmore United at Ferdie Neita Park, Boys' Town entertain Reno at Collie Smith Drive, and Humble Lions will take on Harbour View at Harbour View Mini Stadium.