English Premier League powerhouses Manchester United have expanded their strategic partnership with American technology company Qualcomm to include the logo for the company’s Snapdragon brand on the front of the team’s jerseys, starting with the 2024-25 season.
The terms of the new deal were not disclosed, but Reuters cites a report from The Athletic saying it will run for a minimum of three years and could be worth as much as £60 million — or nearly $75 million US — per year. It covers the home, away and third kits for both United’s men’s and women’s teams.
“Snapdragon processors power premium products from the world’s biggest brands across smartphones, PCs, extended reality glasses, gaming devices, wearables and connected cars,” reads a press release issued on Tuesday, September 13.
The existing partnership between Qualcomm and Manchester United involved using Snapdragon platforms to engage fans both at their home stadium and around the world. “By bringing together the world’s most popular football club with a global leader in technology innovation, the strategic collaboration will highlight new fan experiences powered by the premium performance that Snapdragon platforms deliver at Old Trafford and around the world,” the club’s website reads.
Manchester United last switched jersey sponsors in 2021-22, when German software company TeamViewer took over from car manufacturer Chevrolet. That was meant to be a five-year deal, but the club said in December 2022 that it had reached an agreement with TeamViewer giving it the option of buying back the front-of-shirt sponsorship rights.
The Snapdragon brand also holds the naming rights to the outdoor stadium on the campus of San Diego State University in California, which opened in 2022. It has a capacity of 35,000 — though it can be expanded to 55,000 — and is home to the SDSU Aztecs and San Diego Wave FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. It has also hosted several international soccer matches and preseason club friendlies, including one between Manchester United and Wrexham AFC in July 2023.