APL expands relationship with McDonald’s in new partnership deal
Australian Professional Leagues (APL), the peak body that runs Australia’s top-tier football competitions, has announced a new ‘landmark’ partnership with McDonald’s Australia.
As part of the new deal, McDonald’s will now become the Official Quick Service Restaurant Partner and McCafé the Coffee Partner to the A-League, Westfield W-League and the E-League.
McDonald’s already has relationships with multiple A-League clubs, and the new deal is set to extend that to Brisbane Roar FC, Macarthur FC and Western United.
APL chief commercial officer Ant Hearne, who joined the APL in February, said the partnership will enable deeper connections between young players and their professional heroes, and is designed to strengthen the relationship between grassroots and professional football.
“Our shared passion for the game is at the heart of our partnership with McDonald’s, and they have recognised the unique moment in time for the growth of our game,” he said.
“We’ve got two million people playing football in Australia and we want to give them the best possible access to the highest level of football in this country through APL.
“This partnership with McDonald’s enables deeper connections between young players and their A-League and Westfield W-League heroes and we’re delighted to expand our relationship.”
The partnership will see McDonald’s expand its commitment to grassroots football with its ‘Maccas Half-Time Heroes’ activation, which sees junior clubs given the opportunity to play small sided games at half-time during A-League games.
The activations will be supported by ticket giveaways and other competitions.
APL chief commercial officer Ant Hearne
McDonald’s Australia marketing manager, Amanda Nakad, said: “We’re proud to play an active role in communities across Australia, and are thrilled to be a foundation partner of the Australian Professional Leagues.
“Football has a terrific atmosphere – everyone is made feel welcome at their local A- and W-League or junior club and feels immediately at home. We love that aspect of sociability and familiarity, that’s so aligned to what we strive to provide in our restaurants.”
The new deal comes after the APL took control of Australian football’s premier sporting competitions, as the leagues split from governing body Football Australia.
The APL previously said the split would lead to increased commercial opportunities and options to grow the game.
In January, several A-League teams struck deals with Epic Games to have their team jerseys featured in online multiplayer game Fortnite.
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Zanda Wilson was a reporter and podcast producer at Mumbrella, specialising in radio reporting. He left Mumbrella in September 2021.
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