Sony ends FFA National Premier Leagues naming rights partnership

With the finances of Football Federation Australia (FFA) under increasing scrutiny, Australasian Leisure Management can reveal that Sony Computer Entertainment’s three year naming rights partnership with football’s National Premier Leagues has ended and has not been renewed.

First announced at the end of 2014, the agreement saw the competition branded as the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues, tying in the popular gaming console with Australia’s second tier football competition.

Described at the time of its signing as “reflecting the Sony group’s support of football at national and international levels”, the loss of sponsorship is surprising given the popularity of the FIFA console game and FFA’s need to generate funds for initiatives such as the expansion of the A-League..

Commenting on the ending of the sponsorship, FFA Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs

John Kent told Australasian Leisure Management "PS4 was the founding partner of NPL and we are very grateful for the investment in the second tier of the game over the last three years.

"Changes in strategy mean PS4 won’t continue with the NPL, however FFA is in ongoing discussions with PS4 about an exciting new opportunity that, should agreement be reached, will see them remain an important partner of the game."

Sony Computer Entertainment Australia has not responded to a request for comment.

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