FIFA announce TAB NZ as first-ever gambling sponsor for Women’s World Cup
New Zealand state-owned operator pens regional sponsorship deal for upcoming tournament
TAB NZ has become the first-ever gambling sponsor for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in a landmark deal.
The 2023 edition of the tournament is being held across six stadiums in Australia and four in New Zealand, kicking off on 20 July and ending on 20 August.
The financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.
FIFA’s head of partnership development Luis Rodriguez said New Zealand’s state-owned operator will support various activities across New Zealand in a bid to drive engagement and interest.
Rodriguez said: “We are pleased to welcome TAB NZ to our expanding family of supporters and sponsors for this year’s groundbreaking FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Hosting the world’s biggest women’s sporting event provides an excellent platform to engage football and sports fans across Aotearoa New Zealand, and with TAB NZ having significant plans in this space before and during the tournament, we welcome their support in generating even more hype in one of our host countries.”
Jodi Williams, TAB NZ chief marketing officer, added: “This year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – the largest women’s sporting event in the world – is proof that for many, football is life. This tournament has the potential to turbocharge women’s football in New Zealand, by bringing the world to Aotearoa, growing the local football community, and making football more accessible for all.
“We’ve always been focused on nurturing the future of sport, with more than NZ$12m going back to sport in New Zealand last year thanks to Kiwis betting with TAB NZ.
“With that in mind, and with the potential of the tournament to generate massive growth in participation for women’s football in New Zealand, it was a natural fit for TAB NZ to be an official supporter for New Zealand of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023,” she added.
TAB NZ paid NZ$2.4 m ($1.5m) to the New Zealand Football Federation last year.
The partnership between FIFA and TAB NZ follows on from the governing body’s first-ever gambling sponsorship for the men’s World Cup last year after it struck a deal with Kaizen Gaming’s Betano brand.