Papa John’s Enter UK Football Market with The Football League Partnership

Papa John’s has become the Official Pizza Partner of The Football League, marking the first time the pizza chain has entered the UK football sport sponsorship market.

The world’s third largest pizza chain has a huge presence in sports in the USA and is also the Official Pizza Sponsor of the National Football League (NFL) in the UK.

The deal will allow fans to buy Papa John’s pizza at grounds across the Championship, League One and League Two.

The Football League’s Chief Commercial Officer, Richard Heaselgrave, said: “This is a partnership that will be really popular with fans. Like our clubs, Papa John’s are located in towns and cities across the country and they will reach out to supporters with a range of promotions and tailor made offers.

“We’re delighted to be working with a growing brand that has a proven track record in sports sponsorship over in the US where it is a long-term partner of the NFL and a number of its teams.”

“We are excited to become the Official Pizza Partner of The Football League,” said John Schnatter, Papa John’s Founder, Chairman and CEO.

“Papa John’s is known around the world for quality, which extends from our pizza to our partners. Much like the NFL in the US, The Football League is a premier brand in the UK, and we are delighted to be associated with the league and its passionate fans.”

Papa John’s is the Official Pizza of the NFL and is the Official Pizza of half its 32 teams.

Andrew Gallagher (pictured second from right), Papa John’s marketing director said: “We are absolutely delighted to become the Official Pizza Partner of the Championship, League 1 and League 2. The Football League is the world’s original league football competition and in its 125th Anniversary Year there couldn’t be a better time for us to join forces. The new season will soon be upon us and we have some exciting plans for the big kick off.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our passion with those football fans that may not be familiar with Papa John’s Pizza. It comes at a very successful time for us as a business, as we continue to expand throughout the country and drive awareness of the fantastic brand that is Papa John’s.”

The deal will see Papa John’s receive thousands of match tickets and exciting match day opportunities for Football League clubs, as well as use of their marketing channels both on and offline.