NFL Extend Visa Partnership in Five-Year Deal

The National Football League (NFL) has agreed an extended five-year partnership with Visa.

The new deal prolongs a relationship between the league and the global payments processor that began in 1995.

Speaking to ESPN.com, Chris Curtin, Visa’s chief brand and innovation marketing officer said the deal between the two parties has gone from a traditional sponsorship deal, to more of a partnership with more opportunities for exposure.

The deal with the NFL is one of the biggest sports sponsorship deals for Visa, who are also official sponsors of the Olympics and the World Cup.

There was doubt over whether the NFL would be able to renew deals with big sponsors such as Visa, after a number of off-field controversies.

Visa was among the sponsors who expressed their disappointment at the league’s handling of cases involving players Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson.

“We had direct and indirect dialogue, by making public statements, with the league this year,” Chris Curtin told ESPN.com.

“We believe they are addressing issues with the seriousness that they deserve, and we have maintained a watchful eye.”

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