Wigan Athletic FC announced that they have signed a two year shirt sponsorship deal with online gaming and entertainment company, 188BET - the biggest deal of its kind in club history.
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The new look kit, manufactured by new kit partners Vandanel and carrying the 188BET logo, will be worn by the team for the final home game of the season, against Portsmouth on Sunday 24 May.
It is currently available for supporters to pre-order from the Latics Club Shop at the JJB Stadium, or on-line, and will be on general sale prior to the Portsmouth match, from 9.00am on Saturday 23 May.
Andy Scott, CEO of 188BET said:
"It's great to be working with Wigan, whose recognised position in the world's leading football league offers 188BET significant brand exposure. The Club is an ideal match to take the brand into the UK for the first time and we're excited to be involved in an ambitious set-up that will help drive our plans to develop the 188BET brand further across the European market over the next two years."
Latics Chairman Dave Whelan has also welcomed the partnership with 188BET.
He said: "We are thrilled to have attracted a new sponsor with such strong global reach. This record agreement will enable Wigan Athletic to further 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.
"I am confident that our supporters will embrace this exciting new development, and that many will show their support by ordering their shirt in advance and wearing it at the Portsmouth game.
"The Barclays Premier League is viewed all over the World and the name of Wigan Athletic is now a global brand - that is why we are so pleased to be setting up this partnership with a truly international name.
"Steve Bruce and the team have worked wonders to get the club further established in the Premier League this season, and the potential is still there for the club to finish in its highest ever position. What an achievement that would be.
"But the plan is to keep growing, keep moving onwards and upwards.
"Steve has strengthened the squad by purchasing exciting young players who can form the backbone of this club for a generation, and I believe that with partnerships such as the one we are announcing today, the club is in safe hands to keep on its upwards progression."
188BET will officially kick off the agreement with major initiatives to coincide with the start of the new Premier League season. With the aim of rewarding fans, 188BET will work with the club across a number of areas of activity including in-stadium, online and community initiatives where appropriate.
The Club, at the request of and in full agreement with 188BET, has decided that the sponsor logo will not appear on the youth, children's and infant shirts sold by the Club. Furthermore, it will not appear on the shirts worn by the Youth teams that represent Wigan Athletic. Both the sponsor and the Club hold their position in the community very dearly and are aligned in determining that children are not directly exposed to advertising from the betting and gaming element of 188's business.
