The P26 million sponsorship deadlock
Mqondisi Dube | Friday June 27, 2014 16:44
It is reported that the negotiations, which were already in slow motion, have been held back by differences on the sponsorship figure. The BPL is said to be asking for P50 million over three years, but be MOBILE is not willing to improve the current P24 million deal that expires on July 31. BTC communications manager, Golekanye Molapise refused to give details of the sponsorship talks when contacted for comment. BTC is be MOBILE’s parent company.
“I am constrained to speak to the media regarding contractual matters,” Molapisi said. BPL chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi said they have to move expeditiously as they seek to sew up negotiations in the next four weeks. “Negotiations are progressing. We are under pressure to conclude talks and we will endeavour to do so,” he said. Although the two parties could not divulge much information, sources said the sticking point is the sponsorship figure.
“The BPL argued that offering an improved contract meant the product was stagnant yet there is growth. On the other hand, be MOBILE feels football has too often been in the headlines for the wrong reasons,” an inside source told Mmegi Sport. It is said BPL feels it would be unfair for any negative criticism of football to affect negotiations. The value of the Premier League has also come under scrutiny during the negotiations with the sponsor reportedly unconvinced the product is worth the over P15 million a season requested by BPL. To settle this dispute, reliable sources say BPL intends to engage professionals to determine the value of the league.
“If there were figures, it would be easy to negotiate. The BPL is reportedly keen to value the league and also determine the value of exposure it generates,” the source said. The BPL might be forced to accept what be MOBILE has tabled as the kick off date of the 2014-2015 season nears. The BFA holds its general assembly on July 26 and a deal should have been concluded by then.