As part of the agreement, MegaFon will receive branding on the front of Everton Women’s shirt, while mobile virtual network operator Yota – part of the MegaFon Group – will be added to the left shirt sleeve.

MegaFon currently appear on the sleeve of Everton Women’s and men’s first team training kits, after a deal signed in 2019, which also gave them a presence on first team matchdays and signage at Goodison Park.

Yota’s presence on the Everton Women’s kit marks the Russian-based mobile network operator’s first foray into English football. The agreement will allow the company to tap into Everton’s growing international fanbase and increased profile following the side’s progression to the FA Cup final.

Both MegaFon and Yota will make their on-shirt debuts at Wembley as the Blues take on Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup Final on Sunday 1 November (kick-off 2.30pm GMT). The game will be screened to an international audience and will be broadcast live on BBC1 and BT Sport in the UK.

The record commercial deal follows Everton Women’s move to a brand-new purpose-built stadium at Walton-Hall Park in February of this year, and the announcement in March that Everton Women would benefit from increased squad investment and a new leadership structure and strategy as the Club sets its sights on challenging for major honours.

The new strategy for the team includes the Club’s commitment to developing the Women’s commercial portfolio by seeking exclusive partnership opportunities.

Sarvar Ismailov, Sporting and Commercial Director for Everton Women, said: “This partnership reflects the increasing prominence of the women’s game and the exciting future for our women’s team.

“Securing exclusive commercial partnerships for Everton Women has been a key part of our vision and strategy for developing a team that challenges at the top of the Women’s Super League. We are delighted that MegaFon has seen the opportunity to join us on that exciting journey.

“This is a truly international partnership and having a company of such a scale as a principal partner demonstrates the exciting trajectory for both Everton Women and MegaFon.”

The MegaFon and Yota brands will appear on Everton Women’s home, away and third playing kits on matchdays.

Originally published on fcbusiness.