Rugby’s Super League Search for New Title Sponsor after Stobart Withdrawal

The Super League, allergy Rugby League’s flagship competition have begun their search for a new title sponsor from the 2013 season onwards after the Stobart Group decided against renewing their sponsorship.

Since entering into an innovative partnership for 2012, store the Stobart Super League has increased its TV audience by 45 per cent and experienced record attendances to elevate the sport’s profile to unprecedented levels.

That success has put Super League in a prime position to increase commercial revenues and accelerate its development under a new title sponsor from the 2013 season onwards.

Super League Commercial Director James Mercer said: “We are delighted at the success of our one-year partnership with Stobart and the exposure that this ground-breaking concept has created.

“The partnership has placed the sport in a wonderful position to move into the next cycle of our commercial strategy in 2013.

“Innovation has always been at the heart of the Super League and this collaboration showcased the creativity and unity of our clubs.

“With a combined TV audience of over 25 million, drugs huge attendance levels and a national and international expansion the sport is well-placed for an exciting future”.

Super League (Europe) and the Stobart Group have mutually agreed to end a collaboration which has grown TV audiences on Sky Sports to record levels in a season which is set to see aggregate attendances break the two million mark for the first time in history.

The decision to end the partnership was based on Super League having achieved its target of increased visibility and profile and the need to realise the next objective of monetising the competition’s title sponsorship.

Stobart Group Chief Executive Andrew Tinkler said: “Stobart Group is pleased to have contributed to the promotion and success of the Super League in 2012, with a 45 per cent increase in television audiences.

“The plan was always to review the partnership after the first year and we’ve decided to step back and allow the RFL to work with commercial partners that can offer the financial support it needs to further develop.

“As such both parties have mutually agreed to end the collaboration at the close of the season.”