Huawei and Phoenix Sign NZ’s Largest Ever Football Sponsorship
Mr Li Jin’ge, Prime Minister John Key, Wellington Phoenix Chariman Rob Morrison
Beijing, 18 April – Huawei and the Wellington Phoenix have signed the largest sponsorship deal in New Zealand football
history, extending their partnership for at least another three seasons.
The announcement was made in Beijing today by Huawei global Board Director and Asia Pacific President Mr Li Jin’ge today
and was attended by Prime Minister John Key as part of his visit to China.
Huawei first partnered with the Phoenix for the 2013/14 season on a three year deal.
Mr Li said connecting with football fans through the Phoenix had been a huge part of growing the brand in New Zealand.
“This partnership has been outstanding for Huawei, building our profile in Australasia, and providing amazing
experiences for our customers and friends in New Zealand.”
The Wellington Phoenix was Huawei’s first major football partnership, and since signing on with the Phoenix, Huawei’s
stable has grown to include such iconic clubs as Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico de Madrid, Borussia Dortmund,
and AC Milan. This year Huawei announced Lionel Messi as a Global Brand Ambassador.
Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome said having a partner with such global reach had brought new opportunities
for the Phoenix.
“With Huawei we have been able to achieve some quite fantastic things. We brought English Premier League sides West Ham
and Newcastle United to play in Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin. We took on Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa while
competing at the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens. And most importantly, we’ve been able to build a team which is playing the
kind of football fans want to come and watch.
“Huawei have become integral to the way we do things at the Phoenix. They are included in all the major decisions that
we make as a Club.
“It’s a truly collaborative and seamless partnership.”
The new partnership will allow the Phoenix to return to Hong Kong this year, and a further match is expected to take
place in Beijing.
Mr Dome said with Huawei’s commitment, next season was looking likely to be one of the best yet.
“We have been building this team under Ernie Merrick and they are now playing some fantastic football. For next season
we are adding two of the A-League’s best in Gui Finkler and Kosta Barbarouses who will add some real flair and
firepower.”
The sponsorship extension follows the FFA issuing a 10-year license to the Phoenix, securing their future as New
Zealand’s professional football team.
ENDS