Rangers have announced the extension of a ‘top tier’ partnership with SEKO Logistics, which will provide a significant cash boost ahead of the 2021/22 season [Rangers.co.uk].
Since James Bisgrove’s appointment as director of commercial and marketing in 2019, the club have announced a whole array of new partners and sponsors, from a big kit and retail deal with Castore to smaller-scale agreements with big brands like Titleist.
(Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
The club now have around 30 commercial partners but only a small number are ‘top tier’ agreements and US logistics firm SEKO’s falls into that bracket.
Figures aren’t publically available, but these are the most lucrative deals for the club, so it’s big news that this one has been extended.
The Chicago-based firm’s logo appeared on the back of first-team shirts last season and that will continue into 2021/22, while they will have a ‘significant’ presence around Ibrox, with the logo also appearing on LED boards and interview backdrops.
“SEKO has been a committed top tier partner for several seasons, and we’re delighted to extend the relationship once again as we move into our historic 150th anniversary season as Champions,” said Bisgrove [Rangers.co.uk].
”SEKO’s Global outlook will continue to complement Rangers’ international strategy, whilst their expertise in logistics brings wide-ranging mutual benefits, in particular the distribution of, Rangers’ Castore merchandise, which is sold in over 60 countries worldwide.
“SEKO’s international network enables us to deliver a first class delivery service to Rangers’ fans, wherever they are in the world.”
With matchday revenue plummeting due to the absence of fans, despite the incredible loyalty shown by bears in terms of season-ticket purchases, these commercial deals take on even greater significance.
It’s a particularly good sign to see a top-tier partner signing an extension, too, as it suggests that they are happy with their investment so far and pleased with the direction in which the club is heading.
The Gers have still received some extra cash to help them negotiate the choppy financial waters of the pandemic, though, with details of a Scottish Government scheme recently emerging.