The Premier League (PL) team, Manchester City FC (MCFC) have developed an exclusive collaboration with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to launch a line of merchandise ahead of the PL unit’s US pre-season tour.
The Citizens and WWE have teamed up to introduce a new name and number design for the club’s players ahead of their forthcoming preseason trip. This distinct style incorporates the WWE logo inside the numerals highlighted with a bright red outline.
The arrangement includes launching a new merchandising line with six T-shirts combining Man City and WWE themes. Among them are outfits like the CM Punk “Best Team in the Land and All the World,” and designs inspired by Becky Lynch, Roman Reigns, and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
Moreover, WWE Women’s Champion Bayley and Baron Corbin also attended a special meet-and-greet event at the CityStore on 6th Avenue in New York City to commemorate the launch, ahead of SmackDown at Madison Square Garden.
To further heighten the excitement, the PL trophy will be on display at the store throughout the weekend.
City’s calculated approach to growing its fan base in the area is evident by the agreement being signed weeks before the team’s first game in the US as part of its preseason tour.
Earlier this month, the Direct-to-Consumer fan specialists CLV Group discovered data suggesting that Premier League teams may miss out on ‘hundreds of millions’ of pounds in annual income by failing to fully leverage the booming US soccer market.
According to the analysis, the Blues might capitalise on a $34.3 million income opportunity by fully utilising the market, as shown by the recent deal.
Serena Gosling, Director of Integrated Fan Experience and Retail and Licensing at Manchester City, commented, “We are excited to announce the launch of our exclusive retail collaboration with WWE today. As a club, we’re always exploring new ways to enhance our retail offering for our fans across the globe and collaborations like this with WWE are part of that ongoing strategy. In addition, today’s announcement offers a further touch point for our fans within the US and beyond to engage with the club, ahead of men’s first team visit this summer.”