KFC will continue to be the title sponsor of Cricket Australia’s Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League. The multi-national fast-food chain has reportedly also acquired the rights around the Australian women’s national team.
Cricket Australia and KFC have reportedly agreed to extend their partnership that has been in place since the 2011-12 season. The extension deal also included the clause expand the partnership to the women’s national team.
KFC’s South Pacific chief marketing office Kristi Woolrych said, “The KFC BBL has come a long way in the past decade and given the fun, and free-spirited nature of the game, KFC and the BBL are the perfect match.”
Anthony Everard, CA executive general manager fan engagement, added, “We’ve been exceptionally grateful to have the support of KFC, an iconic global brand whose energetic strategy perfectly aligns with the BBL and [has been] a key component in the league’s success.”
Alistair Dobson, CA head of Big Bash Leagues, said, “The partnership between KFC and the BBL has been built on shared objectives of bringing fun to families across Australia, and together we’ve formed a winning combination over the past decade.”
“Whether it be collecting a colourful Buckethead or attempting to catch a Bucketball free hit in the crowd, the fan-first initiatives developed alongside KFC form a crucial part of the BBL’s identity.
“We look forward to another strong KFC BBL season and thank them for their ongoing support of the League.”
Kristi Woolrych, KFC Chief Marketing Officer, shared KFC’s delight at extending its partnership with CA.
“We’re excited to broaden KFC’s support for Aussie cricket which includes the women’s national team as well as the rebel WBBL. We’re also thrilled to be extending our partnership as the naming rights sponsor of the KFC BBL in what is our tenth successful year together. The KFC BBL has come a long way in the past decade and given the fun, and free-spirited nature of the game, KFC and the BBL are the perfect match,” Woolrych said.
“Like all cricket fans, we’re excited that KFC Bucketheads are back on heads for another year and we can’t wait to see them this summer.”
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, KFC’s rival McDonald’s was reportedly offering 25% more than the A$ 8 million KFC has committed to retain its long-standing partnership. Cricket Australia declined the McDonald’s offer.
“KFC is a longstanding partner of ours and loyalty is important to us during times like this,” a CA spokesperson has told the daily.