When Did Rakuten Start Sponsoring Barcelona?

By Michael Ferguson

When Did Rakuten Start Sponsoring Barcelona?

Sponsoring sports teams has become a popular marketing strategy for many companies. One such company is Rakuten, a Japanese electronic commerce and online retailing company.

Rakuten’s sponsorship of Barcelona, one of the most successful football clubs in the world, has been highly impactful. Let’s take a closer look at when this partnership began.

The Birth of a Partnership

It was in July 2017 when Rakuten officially became the main global partner and shirt sponsor of Barcelona. This partnership marked a significant milestone for both parties involved. At the time, it was also the largest sponsorship deal in Barcelona’s history.

Rakuten replaced Qatar Airways as the main shirt sponsor, featuring their logo prominently on the front of Barcelona’s iconic blue and red jerseys. The deal was valued at an impressive €55 million per season and was set to run until 2021.

The Benefits for Rakuten

Rakuten’s decision to sponsor Barcelona brought numerous benefits to the company. Firstly, it provided them with global exposure since Barcelona is one of the most widely supported football clubs worldwide. The club’s matches are broadcasted in many countries, allowing Rakuten to reach millions of potential customers.

Additionally, by associating themselves with such a prestigious and successful club, Rakuten enhanced its brand image and credibility. This partnership allowed them to tap into the passion and loyalty of football fans around the world.

The Benefits for Barcelona

For Barcelona, partnering with Rakuten brought financial stability and growth opportunities. The lucrative sponsorship deal helped boost their revenue significantly, enabling them to invest in top-class players and maintain their competitive edge on the field.

Moreover, through this partnership, Barcelona gained access to Rakuten’s extensive network and expertise in the e-commerce industry. This collaboration opened up possibilities for the club to explore new revenue streams and enhance their digital presence.

A Successful Collaboration

The partnership between Rakuten and Barcelona has proven to be successful on multiple fronts. Both parties have enjoyed mutual benefits throughout the sponsorship deal.

Rakuten’s logo on Barcelona’s jerseys became a familiar sight for football fans around the world. The exposure generated by this collaboration helped Rakuten expand its customer base and strengthen its position as a global leader in e-commerce.

Barcelona, on the other hand, secured a stable source of income through this sponsorship, allowing them to continue their pursuit of excellence both on and off the pitch.

In Conclusion

Rakuten started sponsoring Barcelona in July 2017, becoming their main global partner and shirt sponsor. This partnership brought numerous benefits to both parties involved, including financial stability, global exposure, and enhanced brand image. The collaboration between Rakuten and Barcelona has proven to be successful, leaving a lasting impact on the world of football sponsorship.