Melbourne Storm is to be backed by retail giant Harvey Norman – generating $3m in media coverage for the duo.
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The sponsorship lasting for the rest of the year will mean the Harvey name will be emblazoned across Storm shirts, the controversial NRL team owned by News Ltd, Rupert Murdoch’s already troubled empire.
Additionally, the brand will continue to be visible during the season on the back of the controversial club’s shorts, who last year landed itself in hot water following a salary cap breach, losing a flurry of sponsors along the way.
Although not officially known, the deal is thought to be worth $300,000, according to Sportpromedia.
Gerry Harvey’s retail outfit recently announced 9 per cent profit with the boisterous Chairman laughing off the threat posed by online competition, and obviously feels the brand placement to be a good fit, or maybe the perfect storm.
“Harvey Norman is excited and proud to continue their sponsorship with Melbourne Storm. We wish the boys all the best for the finals,” said spokesperson Nik Papa.
“Harvey Norman has been a tremendous supporter of Melbourne Storm since 2005,” said the Storm’s chief executive Ron Gauci.
“It is wonderful to see them grow their association to become an apparel partner of the club, this year assuming our preeminent back of jersey position and next year backing Storm on our players’ shorts.
Both positions will generate nearly $3m in media coverage over the term of the agreement.”
