In a significant boost to English football, Emirates has extended its title sponsorship of the FA Cup for another four years.
The multi-million-pound deal has solidified the airline’s commitment to the world’s oldest football competition and aims to expand its global reach.
Emirates’ previous sponsorship has been instrumental in elevating the FA Cup’s global profile. Viewership in key markets has increased significantly, with growing fan bases in Asia and North America. The airline’s investment has also contributed substantially to grassroots football development programs, nurturing young talent across England.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, expressed his continued pride in the partnership. “Over the years, the Emirates FA Cup has provided so many unforgettable sporting moments and brought communities together through the power of football. We remain incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with The FA, and with this prestigious and historic tournament that is loved by football fans worldwide. This is a commitment that underscores our dedication to supporting football at all levels, and we look forward to connecting even more fans from around the globe to their favourite teams so that they too can experience the magic of the Emirates FA Cup.”
Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, echoed Sir Tim’s sentiments. “Emirates has been a valued partner of the FA Cup for almost a decade, and we are delighted to be extending our relationship once again. Our partnership has gone from strength to strength over the years and their commitment to the world’s most iconic domestic cup competition during that time has greatly benefitted the English game. Their global reach continues to help us share the magic of the cup and its unique stories with fans around the world, and their ongoing investment into the Emirates FA Cup helps us to provide vital funding across all levels of English football.”
The Emirates FA Cup remains one of the most iconic football competitions globally. Each season, over 700 clubs and 10,000 players across ten levels of the English football pyramid compete in this historic event, culminating in the prestigious Final at Wembley Stadium. The 2023/24 season saw over 96 million viewers tune in, with a record-breaking eight million watching the thrilling Final between Manchester City and Manchester United. The competition’s global appeal is further emphasized by broadcast deals in over 200 countries worldwide.
Emirates, a major Dubai-based airline, is one of the United Arab Emirates’ two flag carriers. Owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, it operates as a subsidiary of The Emirates Group. As the Middle East’s largest airline, Emirates boasts a vast network, offering over 3,600 weekly flights to more than 150 destinations across 80 countries.
This extended partnership between Emirates and the FA Cup signifies the enduring relationship between the two organizations and their shared commitment to promoting football at all levels.
The competition’s recent deal with ESPN for American viewers BBC Sport and TNT Sports for the UK, Optus Sport in Australia and Saran Media Group in Turkiye highlights the global appeal of the competition.