Arsenal from the English Premier League has picked Huawei as the club’s “official smartphone partner” until the end next season (2015-16).
The partnership was announced at Arsenal’s game again Fulham in London on Saturday.
The move comes just three months after cross-town rival ZTE announced a one-year corporate sponsorship deal with the Houston Rockets basketball team, which includes being the official smartphone partner of the Rockets for the 2013-14 season.
Both firms, better known is this part of the world for their networking gear, are investing heavily to build their brand awareness among consumers in western markets, where they have been largely shut out from selling infrastructure kit to telcos due to perceived security threats by the US and the UK governments.
A Huawei spokesperson said the partnership will “see global collaboration between the two brands”, with Arsenal FC’s officials and players taking part in Huawei’s communication and promotional activities both in the UK and overseas.
According to the company’s press release, the partnership will also include exclusive offers, content and brand presence during Arsenal matches, as well as through the club’s digital and social media platforms. In addition, Huawei will have access to the club’s marketing database and exclusive match day hospitality for competition winners at Emirates Stadium.