Harvey Norman has today revealed that LG Electronics will be its sponsorship partner with the SBS begins broadcasting Friday night match in mid-October. Having been a longterm sponsor of the NRL and State of Origin, with brand partner FujiFilm, Harvey Norman switched its allegiances to football earlier this month.
Although the A-League is not expected to generate the same record ratings as rugby league or Australian Rules football, interest in association football is expected to peak during the upcoming A-League season as hype over the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil reaches a crescendo.
LG Electronics statement:
The collaboration between Harvey Norman and LG signals the first direct benefit for the Hyundai A-League following the landmark TV deal last year that will see SBS broadcast all 27 Friday Night matches live into Australian homes. All Hyundai A-League matches will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.
“Both brands are proud to be joining the FFA family promoting their respective brands during the Friday Night Football season,” said Harvey Norman and LG in a joint statement. “This sponsorship offers a national opportunity to support and promote the game to the fans and consumers across the market.”
The first Harvey Norman Friday Night Football clash will see Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets kick off the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League at Allianz Stadium on October 11 with marquee stars Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey headlining the match.
(At the time of publication, Emile Heskey's participation in this match is in doubt due to an injury -Ed.)
“This is an exciting partnership for the Hyundai A-League and continues the growth we achieved last year,” said FFA Chief Executive Officer David Gallop. “It also illustrates the benefit in our free to air broadcast deal that helps us cement our place in the Australian sporting mainstream.
“LG and Harvey Norman are incredibly reputable brands that we are proud to welcome to the Football Family.”