Arsenal women have struck their first major partnership deal, lining up Mastercard as an official partner with Alex Scott given a prominent role.
Mastercard have added a number of women’s teams and players to their portfolio, including Lyon, Pernille Harper, and Sam Kerr. Arsenal legend, Alex Scott, will be Mastercard’s lead female football ambassador.
“I am honoured to join Mastercard in supporting and advocating for women athletes in their quest for greatness and their pursuit of careers in all areas of professional sport. Together with Mastercard, I am thrilled to help make a difference in growing women’s football,” said Scott.
Arsenal Women’s general manager, Clare Wheatley, said: “This partnership is an exciting new chapter for us. The women’s game has grown exponentially in recent years, allowing more people around the world to experience and follow women’s football.
“The support from across the club and our fans has enabled us to win the Women’s Super League this season and qualify for the Uefa Champions League next season – and this partnership will help us to take our game to the next level.”
Arsenal’s managing director, Vinai Venkatesham, added: “Arsenal Women has such a rich history of success and the club’s longstanding commitment to growing and developing the women’s game has ensured the team has stayed at the top of their game for more than 30 years.
“We’re the most successful women’s football team in England – something we’re all incredibly proud of at Arsenal – but we don’t want to stop there. Partnering with a global player like Mastercard is a huge statement for women’s sport.
“The partnership will help us build on our success, but it will also promote the women’s game globally and continue to develop and attract the world’s best talent, and inspire generations of young sportswomen.”
Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard’s chief marketing and communications officer, said: “By investing significantly in women’s football, as a professional and influential sport, we have an opportunity to directly impact the lives of athletes and help build sustainable programmes to which girls and women around the world can aspire.
“We believe that brands that connect to the passions of their audience become more relevant, trusted and integrated into people’s lives. As we move from moments to movements, our focus is on ensuring that both are activities and our sponsorship properties represent the passions and beliefs of those we serve,”