Manchester City has announced a deal which sees Melco Resorts & Entertainment become the club’s official Japanese partner.
The partnership also includes a deal for the Premier League Champions’ sister club, Yokohama F Marinos, who will now have the casino resort operators logo printed on its kit.
The City Football Group (CFG), owners of both clubs, have been looking to increase its presence in the Asian market over the past few years, with this latest deal granting the group a foothold in the Japanese market.
Damian Willoughby, senior vice president of partnerships at City Football Group, commented on the possibilities brought to the table following the deal: “We are delighted to welcome Melco into the City Football Group family. Melco and Manchester City share a common approach to have entertainment at the heart of everything we do, providing great experiences for our fans and visitors. We are also both committed to using football as a force for good and are excited for the launch of Melco’s new community football programme in Japan.”
CFG has signed multiple recent deals in the Asian market, including extensions to Tecno Mobile and Nissan sponsorships, and have sent owned club’s to feature in matches on the continent – with Manchester City in particular having competed against four Asia-based sides this pre-season.
Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, discussed Melco’s business plan: “Building successful teams and successful partnerships have a lot in common. At Melco, we look for shared ambition and 21st century values. And in Manchester City and Marinos we have found perfect partners, businesses that excel at entertaining whilst putting community first.”
Having recently claimed the Community Shield following victory over Liverpool FC at Wembley, Manchester City now look ahead to the first Premier League fixture of the season when Pep Guardiola’s side kick-off at the London Stadium against West Ham United.
