Manchester Thunder, the reigning and four times Netball Super League (NSL) champions, have entered into a five-year partnership with Bolton electrical retailer AO.
The deal will see AO become the club’s principal sponsor for the 2023 season and beyond, and the AO brand embedded across Manchester Thunder’s broad range of assets from the front of NSL dresses and training kit to the match day court and associated courtside assets.
The partnership provides a firm foundation for the journey towards the full professionalism of the Manchester Thunder franchise and netball as a whole, as well as providing financial security to allow Manchester Thunder to invest in long term initiatives.
Debbie Hallas, MD of Manchester Thunder, said: “We’re delighted to have secured sponsorship from such a high-profile brand as AO. This partnership cements our vision to ‘be the best elite netball club in the UK, on and off court’ and we’re excited to be associated with AO.
“I passionately believe that if we want to realise our potential as a sport, we need to bring the biggest brands into our support and this agreement represents a major step towards achieving this goal.”
Vicky Monk, director of brand and marketing at AO, added: “We’re continuing to invest heavily in our brand and our new partnership with Manchester Thunder marks an important part of that strategy.
“With our roots firmly in the North West, we’re thrilled to support a Manchester team to raise the profile of netball on their journey to professionalism and are excited at the prospect of inspiring and encouraging young people to take part in sport.”
Manchester Thunder join a roster of AO’s local sponsorships which also includes Manchester’s AO Arena, Sale Sharks, Lancashire County Cricket Club and the Bolton Lads and Girls Club.
