Surrey County Cricket Club has renewed its partnership with Kia UK, which includes headline sponsorship of the Kia Oval.
The five-year extension, which runs until 2029, has become the biggest partnership in the cricket club’s 179-year history.
The agreement sees the UK division of the South Korean automobile manufacturer retain naming rights to the 27,5000-capacity Kia Oval cricket ground, which its held since 2020.
As per the deal, the Kia logo will also adorn both Surrey CCC men’s and women’s shirts, and Kia will benefit from significant branding displayed around the ground and on the club’s digital channels.
As part of Surrey CCC’s ambition to reduce its total carbon emissions output by 45% by the end of 2024, Kia will also sponsor the club’s four 150-foot floodlights with a commitment to switching from halogen bulbs to efficient LED lights.
The two organisations marked the signing of the latest agreement by unveiling a launch video featuring the clubs’ stars and Kia’s flagship electric vehicles.
Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia UK, said, “I am thrilled to be able to announce that Kia UK will be continuing this long-standing partnership that began almost 14 years ago with Surrey CCC.
“The partnership between Kia and Surrey CCC has been mutually beneficial for many years. Whether it’s the collaboration we share with club and its fans, or the light the sponsorship has shone on our award-winning vehicles to 27,500 pitch side spectators, plus many more remote viewers. We look forward to working closely with the club in the years to come, pursuing new goals based on our shared values.”
Steve Elworthy MBE, Chief Executive Officer at Surrey CCC, added, “It’s always been important for us to partner with a company that respects our club’s rich heritage, the game of cricket, and the health of the world around us. Having a partner that champions the importance of sustainability will help drive the club towards our ambitious target of reaching Net Zero by 2030.”
“With common goals and strong links to Surrey, Kia has been a fantastic partner over the last 14 years, and we look forward to continuing our journey together.”
Alec Stewart, Director of Cricket at Surrey CCC, commented, “Since 2010, the partnership has been a great success for both Kia and Surrey. Their continued support is crucial as we continue to strive towards winning trophies, and we are proud to be extending the deal for a further five years.”
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