Newcastle continues to make business agreements behind the scenes, and the club has recently entered into a new licensing partnership with Daka, a Chinese trading card company that collaborates with prominent football clubs such as Barcelona, Manchester City, and Borussia Dortmund.
Mark Douglas, reporting for iNews, disclosed that this somewhat discreet arrangement was finalized last week with the aim of enhancing the club’s presence in China. This development occurred prior to the announcement of Saudia as our official airline partner, a long-term commitment worth £3 million per season.
While the specific financial terms of the Daka partnership remain undisclosed, it is evident that the club is actively seeking to bolster its commercial revenues. Partnerships with Sela (front-of-shirt sponsor), Noon (sleeve sponsor), and Adidas (the new kit manufacturer from the 2024/25 season onward) have all contributed to this effort, supporting the ongoing battle against Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions.
The report from iNews also indicates that the club is exploring opportunities for sponsors related to training kits and the training ground. However, any potential naming rights around St James’ Park may be a contentious issue. Such rights have the potential for substantial financial gains, as demonstrated by big-six rivals like Manchester City (“The Etihad”) and Arsenal (“The Emirates”). But any decision on this matter would likely depend on whether supporters are in favor of such a move.