The National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) has penned the largest-ever sponsorship deal in the division’s history with Discover Financial Services.
The firm will have a significant on-ice branding presence, whilst also being named as the official credit card of the NWHL and the presenting sponsor of the Isobel Cup.
In December, it was announced that this year’s edition of the tournament is set to be aired live on the NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) and NBC Sports app. It will also be the first time the Isobel Cup has been shown on a major cable channel in the US.
“Discover has long been a sponsor of hockey at all levels, and we are honoured to become the Official Credit Card of the National Women’s Hockey League,” Kate Manfred, Discover’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, explained. “We look forward to presenting this year’s Isobel Cup and supporting the continued growth of the NWHL, and the sport of hockey overall.”
The deal builds on Discover’s existing partnership with the men’s National Hockey League (NHL). The NWHL, however, has its own business model, whereby it distributes half of all league sponsorship revenue directly to the players.
NWHL Commissioner, Ty Tumminia, remarked: “The partnership between Discover and the National Women’s Hockey League is an important moment in our league’s history. This will be a collaboration to push for progress and we look forward to working with our new partner as the NWHL continues to grow.”
This year, the NWHL opted for a two-week shortened season which got underway on 23 January. The competition is taking place in a ‘bubble’ environment in Lake Placid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
