Manchester United have signed the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in Premier League history after agreeing a five-year deal with little-known tech firm TeamViewer starting from next season.
The remote software company will replace car manufacturers Chevrolet, who have been the principal shirt sponsor since 2014, with the new contract worth around £47 million across five seasons – meaning the total value of the deal comes to a massive £235 million.
It is the largest sponsorship negotiated by a sports team during the pandemic across the world, despite football clubs continuing to struggle financially without matchday revenue from supporters.
United’s managing director Richard Arnold said: “We are tremendously proud to be establishing this partnership with one of the most exciting and dynamic global software companies.
“The ability to connect and collaborate has never been more important to the world and our community of 1.1 billion fans and followers.
“We are looking forward to working with TeamViewer to bring to life our vision for a partnership built on smarter ways of connecting people and businesses.”
It is believed to be similar to Barcelona’s reported 55 million euros (£47 million) per season deal with Rakuten, making the TeamViewer agreement the biggest shirt-only deal in the Premier League.
TeamViewer have a blue logo, but that will be switched to white when etched onto United’s red kit next season.
The firm’s chief executive Oliver Steil said: “We are very excited about this partnership, as it will significantly expand our brand positioning and it will help us to market our comprehensive solutions portfolio to all customer segments globally.
“With Manchester United and TeamViewer, two global winning teams join forces: Together as Team United we can bring the fan experience in the legendary Theatre of Dreams to a new level.
“We are extremely proud Manchester United picked us as partner in their ongoing technology journey.”
A company statement read: “The TeamViewer logo will be embedded into the fabric of the Club, emblazoned on their Shirt front. TeamViewer will not only stand at the side lines during iconic moments in the legendary ‘Theatre of Dreams’. We will be right there. On the field. With them. Connected.”