ECB unveils Kia Motors (UK) Ltd. as title sponsor for Women’s Cricket Super League
29 March 2016
The Women’s Cricket Super League which starts this summer will be named the Kia Super League after the car manufacturer agreed a two-year deal to further support the game as the title sponsor of the competition.
The new partnership, which was revealed by the ECB with the central competition logo today, represents the first ever standalone title sponsorship for a domestic women’s cricket competition in England. Under the terms of the agreement, Kia will receive a range of sponsorship and marketing rights, including in-ground activation at all 15 of the Kia Super League group matches this summer, and on finals day at the Essex County Ground on Sunday 21st August.
ECB Director of England Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor, said:
“I am delighted to announce that Kia will be the title sponsor for the Super League over the next two years. Kia has an extensive, global association with sport and major sporting events, and we are looking forward to working with them to ensure that we drive the profile of this new competition.
“The backing that Kia has given to the England women’s team since coming on board as an official partner in 2014 has been brilliant. I am confident that this level of support will be emulated through the new Super League sponsorship.
"I am also thrilled to unveil the Kia Super League competition logo. I believe it brings to life the inspirational, accessible and dynamic values that we are aiming to deliver through the event.
“With every announcement that we make about the Kia Super League we look to excite and to break new ground for our sport. Today marks another momentous stage in that journey."
Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, commented:
“We are very happy to expand on our sponsorship of women’s cricket in England.
“Being able to support the game at a domestic level through the Kia Super League helps to ensure the future of the women’s game in this country and provide opportunities for up and coming players.
“Kia has been supporting cricket in England on many levels since 2011, from the grassroots through to the national women’s team. Our sponsorship of the game is smashing boundaries, particularly for the ongoing professionalism of women’s cricket.”
The inaugural season of the Kia Super League will get underway on Saturday 30th July when Yorkshire Diamonds host Loughborough Lightning at Headingley Cricket Ground. Over the following 15 days, the six teams will take part in a round-robin Twenty20 competition, with everyone bidding to qualify for finals day on Sunday 21st August at the Essex County Ground, Chelmsford.
The Kia Super League will expand from being a Twenty20 (T20) event in 2016 to incorporating both T20 and 50-over formats in future seasons. All six teams have been awarded hosting rights for a four-year period from 2016-2019 inclusive.
The key aims of the Kia Super League include the development of ever higher standards for the England women’s team with greater competition for places, alongside inspiring more women and girls to play cricket at all levels. It will offer new opportunities, new role models, and a network of six brand new women's teams linked to their communities.
The six teams provide a strong geographical spread and encompass diverse partnership working from across the cricket and educational landscapes. In total, seven First Class counties, five Non-First Class counties and three universities are involved, creating a collaborative, imaginative and wide-ranging project.
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