Royal Challengers Bangalore find a new sponsor for IPL 2018; Kingfisher ends ties

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) enters into its second decade, the frenzy among the cricket followers and fans for the biggest cricketing festival of the year is on another level. The eleventh edition could be the biggest success in the history of the league and more so due to the way, the teams shaped up after the mega-auction.

With the revival of eight original franchise that took part in the inaugural edition, the league is all set to embark upon a new journey. Ahead of IPL 2018 every franchise look for new partners and sponsors for their teams who are willing to be associated with their brand. Likewise, the most star-studded team in the IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) having signed up a host of new players are also making new partnerships.

Dura to be the associate sponsor

It would be for the first time after a decade that the United Spirits’ premium brand Kingfisher won’t find a designated place at the official jersey of RCB. In all the years that Bangalore-based franchise played in red, had their back cemented by Kingfisher being one of their major associate sponsors. But this time around, to end the 10-year-old deal, players from RCB will be seen sporting a new logo on the jersey in the name of ‘Dura’.

With the associate sponsorship already locked up by Dura, the franchise is in talks with other possible brands for the title sponsorship rights. RCB is open to a deal at INR 20 crore for the title sponsorship which is about 50% premium from what the team charged last year. Gionee, last time paid 14 crore to place their logo on the front face of the team jersey. However, the chinese smartphone company was not keen on continuing their ties with the franchise. Meanwhile, sports brand Zeven will continue to be the official kit provider for the Royal Challengers.

A source close to the team told Insidesport.co about the entire inventory is being sold for the upcoming season. “This (₹20 crore) is a very, very realistic price for an IPL team jersey. RCB offers to its sponsors much more than most of the other franchisee. Brands are realising that what it means to have their logo on say a Virat Kohli jersey,” said a source associated with the RCB sponsorship sales. “Overall too there is a certain appreciation in the IPL property values.”

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