Polish Ekstraklasa backed by Stihl to support the league

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Stihl and Ekstraklasa
Image credit: Peter Kniez / Shutterstock.com

Stihl has announced that they will be renewing their agreement with the Polish Ekstraklasa to continue for a fifth straight year, this time becoming an official partner of the league.

Stihl will be utilising this agreement to support the development of grassroots club football in Poland as well as introduce a series of official Ekstraklasa products for sale in a bid to engage with the fans a lot more due to their upgraded partner status.

Since its foundation more than 90 years ago, Stihl has grown from a one-man business into a global chainsaw and outdoor power equipment manufacturer.

Stihl is represented in more than 160 countries now and has a large European base in particular, making it extremely recognisable to the fans of Ekstraklasa.

Tomasz Cichoński, President of the Management Board of Andreas Stihl, discussed how this partnership benefits them.

“Cooperation with Ekstraklasa is an important step in the development of our brand on the Polish market. We have been involved in sport for years, but now we want to join the emotions accompanying this most popular discipline among Poles and act for its development. Cichonski said via press release.

“Football is particularly close to us, because it is our products that facilitate the perfect preparation of green areas for practicing this sport and improving football skill.”

Marcin Animucki, President of the Management Board of Ekstraklasa SA discussed what the goal was with this cooperation with Stihl.

“We are happy to welcome the Stihl brand among the official partners of Ekstraklasa games. We are glad that such a recognized international company has decided to become involved in football competitions and take advantage of the promotion opportunities in our league,” he added via media release.

“We hope that thanks to this cooperation, we will inspire people to become interested in Ekstraklasa and support them at stadiums.”

As a result of the agreement between Ekstraklasa SA and Stihl Polska, official products with the Ekstraklasa logo – including lawnmowers – will appear in over 800 points of sale throughout the country. The Stihl logo will be displayed in stadiums during matches, TV broadcasts and on the official website and social media channels.

The partnership has a clear goal to improve grassroots Polish football and use a recognisable brand to further market the Ekstraklasa across Europe.

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Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

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Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier
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Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

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Image Credits: Football Australia

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.

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