March 18 – IMG will market the commercial rights for the Gulf Cup for the next six editions of the tournament, running up until 2031.
The Endeavor-owned agency has been appointed by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation to help find media rights and sponsorship deals, including tournament naming rights and the sale pitch-side boards. IMG will also take care of corporate hospitality sales
“IMG will employ a dedicated team of experienced executives based in the Gulf and plan to significantly expand our presence on the ground to maximise the commercial potential of this prestigious event,” said IMG co-president of media and events Adam Kelly.
“This, in addition to our strong existing relationships with long-term broadcast partners in the region and the international power and strength of the IMG network, will grow and enhance the competition further.”
In 2023, Iraq will host the next edition of the tournament that is contested by Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. The last Gulf Cup had to be postponed because of the global health crisis. Bahrain are the defending champions, having won the 2019 Gulf Cup. Kuwait have won the tournament a record ten times.
“We value this partnership with IMG and look forward to them playing a vital role in the marketing and promotion of our tournaments, knowing full well that the Arab Cup is a competition that is anticipated by football fans throughout the region and beyond,” said Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Thani.
The Gulf Cup holds great local prestige, more so than the recently revived Arab Cup. That tournament was staged by FIFA to hand World Cup hosts Qatar a last major dress rehearsal before the global finals this year. The first edition of the Gulf Cup took place in 1963.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1741578832labto1741578832ofdlr1741578832owedi1741578832sni@i1741578832nuk.a1741578832rdnim1741578832as1741578832
