New sponsor for local rivals

12 May 2009 15:09
Wigan and Bolton have both signed shirt sponsorship deals with online gaming company 188BET for the next two years, it has been announced. It makes the betting specialist the first brand in Premier League history to sign shirt deals with two top-flight clubs to run at the same time. The in-play football betting specialist will become principal sponsor of both clubs from the start of the 2009-10 season, and the brand logo will appear on all adult club shirts for the next two seasons. These agreements mark 188BET's first significant step into the English football market. Bolton chairman Phil Gartside said: "This is a fantastic deal and the beginning of an exciting partnership with 188BET. We are looking forward to developing it further as we move forward in the future, and working alongside 188BET on a number of major initiatives for the club and the fans." Wigan chairman Dave Whelan added: "We are delighted to have attracted a new sponsor with such strong global reach. "This record agreement will enable Wigan Athletic to build its profile internationally as well as introducing 188BET to the UK market. We look forward to working together to develop the partnership both on and off the pitch."

Source: Eurosport