Wray and Nephew back as JPL title sponsors
Published:Thursday | October 12, 2023 | 12:12 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
FOR THE next three seasons, Jamaica’s top-flight football league will be called the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL).
Wray and Nephew’s title sponsorship, announced at the company’s New Kingston office on Tuesday, is valued at $60 million for the three years and Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) CEO Owen Hill is forecasting even more growth for the region’s premier football league.
“For the 2022-23 season, fans were provided with high-quality football, especially during the playoffs, and top-notch entertainment, and this sponsorship announcement, coupled with our season launch, provides us with another key ingredient in building that industry,” Hill told a press conference.
He revealed that the PFJL had a three-step strategy aimed at achieving the required growth, which includes generating income from things like broadcasting rights, betting deals, apparel deals, gate receipts, and regional qualifiers. He also encouraged clubs to mine capital by going on the stock market to solicit investment and grants to sustain development programmes.
“These are the key pillars that would help us to keep raising the bar. So we are looking ahead, and supporters and fans can expect a boost in the execution of the number-one elite football league in the region,” said Hill.
He also called on fans to support the league, clubs, and sponsors in a tangible way.
“Games will be played across the length and breadth of Jamaica. In building our football industry, we ask you all to come out to support the competition.
“Come out to the games or watch the games live on television on SportsMax or CVM, purchase team apparel, bet on games, and earn while you’re supporting and support the partners that are on board so that they can, in turn, keep helping,” he said.
16-year hiatus
Wray and Nephew managing director, Jean-Philippe Beyer, said the company was glad to be back after a 16-year hiatus.
He said Wray and Nephew supports the PFJL’s thrust to take the local football product to new heights and will be supporting their efforts with more than just their sponsorship.
“We are here today to announce Wray and Nephew as title sponsors for the Jamaica Premier League. For many years, Wray and Nephew has played a part in Jamaica’s history.
“We have always supported Jamaican sport, and this involvement is a true testament to our commitment to uplifting and celebrating Jamaica’s talent.
“A big thank you to everyone who makes the JPL such an important platform for the Jamaican society at large,” said Beyer.
“This partnership is part of a wider ambitious goal. It is working with Professional Football Jamaica Limited to create a long-term viable local football industry that will be respected both regionally and globally.
“We plan on contributing a significant amount of money, not only in our sponsorship, but to also to develop infrastructure, which is badly needed and essential to make this mission a success.”
The league is set to kick off on October 22 with games across the island.
Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts also praised the PFJL team for the progress it has made since taking charge of the league in 2020.
“Christopher Williams (chairman) and his team have done exceeding well marketing this product, and this evening’s exercise is testimony to the work they have done,” he said.