For the first time after a decade United Spirits premium brand Kingfisher will not find a prominent place on the official jersey of Royal Challengers Bangalore. The IPL franchisee has cemented a deal with cement brand Dura as an associate sponsor.
As part of the deal, the Dura branding will appear on the back of the team’s playing kit. The spot last year was occupied by the United Spirit’s brand Kingfisher. Kingfisher’s “oo la la la la le o” campaign for years has been synonym with the Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and the brand.
A source close to RCB sponsorship sales while confirming that most of the inventory for the 2018 season has been sold, told insidesport.co that the franchisee is in talks with a couple of brands for the title sponsorship.
The IPL Bangalore franchisee is seeking ₹20 crore for the title sponsorship – close to 50% premium over the last year. “This (₹20 crore) is a very, very realistic price for an IPL team jersey. RCB offers to its sponsors much more than most of the other franchisee. Brands are realising that what it means to have their logo on say a Virat Kohli jersey,” said a source associated with the RCB sponsorship sales. “Overall too there is a certain appreciation in the IPL property values.”
Gionee last year had paid ₹14 crore for the RCB title. However, as reported by insidesport.co earlier, the Chinese smartphone brand has zero marketing provisions for the Indian Premier League.
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Meanwhile, sports brand Zeven will continue to be the official kit provider for the RCB.