Mercedes Want to End Stuttgart Kit Sponsor Deal
According to reports from Manager Magazin, Mercedes are looking to reduce their sponsorship agreements with VfB Stuttgart.
Stuttgart to Have New Shirt and Sleeve Sponsors
Mercedes currently pay VfB Stuttgart about 16 million Euros on a yearly basis. However, the longterm Mercedes-Benz Bank kit sponsorship deal is ending in 2023, with negotiations for a renewal stalling.
According to the news reports, VfB Stuttgart do not fit the premium image that Mercedes want to be associated with. Other sports such as Formula 1 on the other hand display the brand as successful.
Stuttgart's sleeve sponsor, Mercedes-EQ, are also a part of Mercedes and could leave the club's kits as well.
Beyond this, Mercedes also pay for the naming rights of Stuttgart's stadium, the Mercedes-Benz Arena. However, these rights, bought for 20 million Euros in 2008, are independant from the sponsorship and will last over 30 years.
Mercedes' 11.75 percent ownership of the club will also remain unaffected.
Stuttgart will be looking to secure a new main shirt sponsor for the 2023-24 season. Who this might be is still unknown.
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