Samsung signs on as Mumbai Indians’ main sponsor

Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket franchise the Mumbai Indians has agreed a deal for Korean consumer electronics company Samsung to become its new principal sponsor.

The deal has been signed ahead of the Indians’ first match of the 2018 IPL season tomorrow (Saturday) against the Chennai Super Kings. The contract will cover the whole of this year’s campaign, which runs until May 27.

Samsung branding will feature on the front of the Indians’ shirts as part of the agreement. The company will also benefit from pitch-side advertising, while the North Stand at the team’s Wankhede Stadium will be branded as the Samsung North Stand.

Samsung’s official online store will run a range of Twenty20-themed mobile products from April 12-14, with the first 50 orders from Mumbai to receive IPL match tickets.

A spokesperson for the Indians said: “Samsung is India’s most trusted brand today and resonates well with our young fans. We are sure that with this association, the brands will bring in more value to the fans.”

The team has also agreed a sponsorship deal with fast-food restaurant chain Burger King for the new season. Burger King’s logo will feature on the Indians’ trousers as part of the agreement.

Burger King will also launch the ‘Sixes for Kings’ initiative, through which it will donate meals equivalent to the number of sixes hit by Indians players during the 2018 season. Digital engagements will also be launched to promote the partnership.

The Indians will be seeking to defend the IPL title this year after finishing the 2017 season as champions.