Insurance group QBE Australia has agreed to continue as the principal partner of the Sydney Swans AFL club until at least 2022.
The new deal will see the sponsorship reach an incredible 36 years having been established in 1986. It will formally commence in 2020 and will see the organisations partner both on and off the field.
Vivek Bhatia, chief executive of QBE’s Australian and New Zealand operations, said: “To be part of one of the longest-standing sponsorships in Australian sport is testament to the strength of the partnership.
“Shared core values of teamwork, commitment, tenacity, strong leadership, and diversity are the driving force behind our partnership and have seen us enjoy many successes over the last 32 years.
“We’ve proudly supported the Swans at the elite level through 767 matches, celebrated 407 wins including two premierships, 10,674 goals, while a massive 21,752,836 people have had the thrill of attending a Swans match.
“Importantly, we’ve also supported the Swans at the grass roots level, helping to provide crucial pathways for more than 1,400 local talents through the Sydney Swans Academy, supporting the development of the game across Sydney and greater NSW.
“This year, we were especially pleased to help the Swans take the first critical step towards their ambition of fielding an AFLW team, with the establishment of a Youth Girls Program as part of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.”
Outside of football, QBE and the Sydney Swans have collaborated on initiatives supporting both their respective charity partners, as well as collaborating on the annual ‘Pride’ match.
Bhatia said the renewed partnership meant QBE and the Sydney Swans could build upon their achievements over the last three decades.
“The Swans are an extremely important part of both QBE’s history and future, and we look forward to continuing to partner with the club both on and off the field and achieving many more successes together,” he said.
Sydney Swans CEO and managing director Andrew Ireland said the club is delighted the partnership will continue.
“QBE has been part of our Sydney Swans family for more than 32 years and we’re absolutely thrilled that our relationship will continue into the future,” he said.
“Quite simply, without QBE I don’t know if we’d be here. Since 1986, they’ve been there with us every step of the way.
“In addition to supporting our senior team, QBE made it possible for us to establish the Sydney Swans Academy.
“This year, we were proud to work together to expand the academy to include a Youth Girls Program, which is the first step towards a Sydney Swans women’s team.
“On behalf of everyone at the Sydney Swans, I would like to thank QBE for their enduring commitment, loyalty and support.”
