Emirates' payments to Arsenal for the stadium naming rights are part of a comprehensive, multi-faceted sponsorship agreement that also includes shirt sponsorship. The initial deal for the stadium naming rights, signed in 2004, was part of a larger package estimated at £100 million.
The Initial Landmark Deal
In 2004, Arsenal secured funding for their new stadium, and later that year, Emirates acquired the naming rights for the venue, which became known as the Emirates Stadium. This foundational agreement was a 15-year deal for the stadium naming rights and was estimated at £100 million. Crucially, this significant sum also encompassed a 7-year shirt sponsorship agreement, which began with the 2006–07 football season. Therefore, the £100 million figure represented the total value of this combined stadium naming rights and shirt sponsorship package.
Evolution of the Sponsorship Partnership
The partnership between Arsenal and Emirates has since seen multiple extensions, reflecting the long-term commitment and strategic alliance between the two entities. These subsequent agreements have also typically bundled both the stadium naming rights and the prominent shirt sponsorship, making it challenging to isolate an exact figure solely for the stadium component.
Key aspects of the evolving financial relationship include:
- 2012 Extension: An extension was agreed upon, valued at approximately £150 million. This deal not only extended the shirt sponsorship but also specifically prolonged the stadium naming rights agreement, ensuring the Emirates Stadium name would remain until 2028.
- 2018 Extension: A further extension focused on the shirt sponsorship, reported to be worth around £200 million. While this primarily extended the shirt deal, the stadium naming rights were already secured until 2028 from the previous agreement.
- 2023 Extension: The most recent multi-year extension reaffirmed Emirates as Arsenal's main shirt sponsor, continuing a partnership that has spanned nearly two decades. The financial details of this specific extension are generally undisclosed, but they underscore Emirates' ongoing substantial investment in the club.
Breakdown of Key Agreements
To provide a clearer overview, here's a summary of the major sponsorship agreements between Arsenal and Emirates that encompass the stadium naming rights and shirt sponsorship:
| Agreement Year | Duration (Stadium Naming Rights) | Duration (Shirt Sponsorship) | Estimated Total Value | Key Inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 15 years | 7 years (starting 2006–07) | £100 million | Initial naming rights & shirt deal |
| 2012 | Extended to 2028 | Extended 5 years (to 2018–19) | ~£150 million | Extended naming rights & shirt deal |
| 2018 | (Remains until 2028) | Extended 5 years (to 2023–24) | ~£200 million | Shirt sponsorship extension |
| 2023 | (Remains until 2028) | Multi-year extension | Undisclosed | Further shirt sponsorship extension |
It is important to understand that while a significant portion of these multi-million-pound deals covers the prominent stadium naming rights, the total figures often represent a comprehensive marketing and sponsorship package that leverages both the stadium's global visibility and the club's brand on their matchday kits.
