Nine has announced three major sponsors for the return of this year’s Australian Ninja Warrior that kicks-off this Sunday night.

The second season of Australian Ninja Warrior will see major brands KFC and Berocca returning, while new sponsor Mazda has also joined-up.

“Australian Ninja Warrior was the breakout television hit of 2017 and it will once again be a powerhouse franchise for Nine in 2018,” said Michael Stephenson, chief sales officer at Nine.

“We are thrilled that not only are KFC and Berocca returning, we now have the likes of Mazda all wanting to be part of what has become a television sensation here and around the world.”

As part of their sponsorship KFC will have on-ground branding over the course, in particular, the Ninja Support Crew area on Ninja Island.

Berocca will also have on-ground branding as well as an integrated consumer promotion, and for a second year will have ownership of the “performance of the night” replay in the show and online. Mazda is the other sponsor to take out on-ground branding and will also have Ninjas featuring in integrated TVCs specifically made for the show.

All sponsors have key spots around the show. This year Australian Ninja Warrior also has key local sponsorships, with the University of Adelaide sponsoring in Adelaide and Alinta Energy sponsoring in Perth and Brisbane.

This year Australian Ninja Warrior will see 300 ordinary mums and dads, doctors, tradies, athletes and celebrities competing in the quest for one goal: to claim the crown of Australia’s first Ninja Warrior.

The show features a diverse range of competitors who will line up to take their shot at the most difficult obstacle course in the world, with Rebecca Maddern, Ben Fordham and Freddie Flintoff calling their every move on Ninja Island.

The second season of Australian Ninja Warrior debuts this Sunday, July 8, at 7.00pm on Nine and 9Now.