Bayern München to Sign Emirates Kit Sponsor Deal?
- Emirates Sponsorship Offer: Emirates has reportedly offered Bayern München €65 million per year to become their main jersey sponsor, potentially replacing Telekom.
- Telekom's Response: Telekom, Bayern's current sponsor, is now considering a counter-offer to match Emirates' bid, spurred by the potential loss of sponsorship and Vodafone's deal with Borussia Dortmund.
- Financial Windfall: Regardless of who wins the sponsorship deal, Bayern München is set to significantly increase its sponsorship revenue.
A potential seismic shift in shirt sponsorship could be on the horizon for FC Bayern Munich, with reports from German sports magazine Sportbild suggesting a lucrative battle is brewing between long-term partner Telekom and airline giant Emirates. This could see the Bavarian powerhouse secure a significant financial windfall.
Emirates Reportedly Offering €65 Million Per Year For Main Sponsorship From 2027
We created a mock-up of the upcoming 25-26 home kit with the Emirates Fly Better logo - it is solely fictional, as Telekom will remain on the front until at least 2027.
According to a report of Sport Bild today, the Arab airline Emirates is expressing strong interest in becoming FC Bayern's main jersey sponsor, potentially ending Telekom's lengthy association with the club, which dates back to 2002.
Bayern München 25-26 Home Kit - Telekom (Official) Vs Emirates (Mock-up)
The figures being touted are substantial. Emirates is reportedly prepared to table an offer worth up to €65 million per year to secure the prestigious front-of-shirt spot. This would represent a considerable increase on Bayern's current agreement with Telekom, which runs until 2027 and is understood to bring the club up to €50 million annually.
The Sport Bild report suggests that discussions between Bayern and Emirates have been progressing for several months. Bayern's Chief Financial Officer, Michael Diederich, is said to have initiated contact with the UAE-based airline, with the full backing of the board, including Jan-Christian Dreesen, Max Eberl, President Herbert Hainer, and Honorary President Uli Hoeneß.
Negotiations were reportedly so advanced that a deal with Emirates was close to being finalized.
However, in a show of loyalty, Bayern informed Telekom of the developments. This has seemingly spurred Telekom into action. Initially, Telekom was reportedly hesitant to commit to a long-term extension, with CEO Timotheus Höttges set to depart at the end of 2028.
But the mega-offer from Emirates, coupled with the news that competitor Vodafone will sponsor rivals Borussia Dortmund from next season, has apparently prompted a rethink. Telekom is now said to be prepared to present a counter-offer, potentially matching Emirates' terms, including bonuses.
While the outcome of this sponsorship tussle remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the German record champions are in line for a significant increase in sponsorship revenue, regardless of which company ultimately features on their iconic red jersey.
Emirates currently sponsors European giants Arsenal, Milan, and Real Madrid.
Telekom or Emirates? Who would you like to be Bayern's next shirt sponsor? Comment below.
