According to a press release by Puma, they have signed a strategic global partnership with Royal Challengers Bangalore, becoming the first and only global sports brand to be associated with the Indian Premier League. Puma are already associated with RCB team captain Virat Kohli and will be the official kit partner of the RCB for the upcoming IPL 2021 season as per the terms of the partnership. In addition to the replica jerseys, Puma will be adding pan-India merchandise across retail and e-commerce channels which will include a fanwear range of polo tees, shorts, pants, flip flops and caps. Abhishek Ganguly, Managing Director, Puma India and Southeast Asia said, ““We are excited to partner with RCB, one of the most popular teams in the Indian Premier League. Our similar brand ethos coupled with the team’s growing fan base and extensive social following makes RCB our ideal partner on the cricket pitch. Over the last few months, sport has had a positive influence by bringing about a sense of cheer among our consumers. With more people playing and following their favourite game, the culture of sport will definitely strengthen and evolve further. We are committed to fuelling this passion by continuing to invest in the right products, partners and players in the sporting ecosystem,” RCB Team Captain and PUMA athlete Virat Kohli said, “It’s great to welcome PUMA to the RCB family! A global brand with a strong sporting vision and great quality products, their extensive distribution network through offline and online channels will ensure fans have access to RCB merchandise across the country. Over the years, I’ve had a great experience working with the brand and I’m excited to see PUMA extend its partnership with the team that I play for.” Speaking about RCB’s partnership with PUMA, Rajesh V Menon, Vice President & Head of Royal Challengers Bangalore, said, “RCB’s ethos is to embody the philosophy of #PLAYBOLD and truly embrace the challenger spirit in all that we do as a cricket team, a brand and business. RCB is delighted to associate with Puma, the only global sports brand associated with a T20 franchise, as our official kit partners. Both RCB and PUMA have common sensibilities and have built on a strong lifestyle proposition. We are positive that with PUMA’s marketing capabilities, fans will have access to not only great merchandise but also some very interesting activations and engagements through the IPL season and beyond.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore merchandise will be available starting from April at all Puma stores, puma.com, RCB website, mobile app and RCB Bar and Cafe.