MUMBAI: Just a few weeks after unveiling the new brand identity for the Uefa Champions League for the next three seasons, Uefa has announced plans for a new worldwide multi-category licensing programme in association with Warner Bros Consumer Products.
A report on Uefa's site states that the licensed products will support and reflect the image and values of the Uefa Champions League, and will further help to promote the global approach of the competition through their availability via a wide range of distribution channels. The product collections will be comprehensive and will include: watches, eyewear, stationery, writing instruments, travel goods, gifts and men's accessories.
Warner Bros Consumer Products has been appointed to manage the licensing programme on a worldwide basis. The first product collection is expected for the coming spring in time for the build-up to the UEFA Champions League final in Athens in May.
Uefa marketing and media rights director Philippe Le Floc'h says, "The retail roll-out will include an online component to allow fans across the globe to access the new range. With the launch of the new UEFA Champions League identity this season, we were keen to utilise opportunities to maximise the brand visibility.
"Extending the Uefa Champions League experience into a selective range of quality products that are widely available will bring the Uefa Champions League closer to the fans. We are therefore very happy to be working in collaboration with a partner as experienced in licensing and distribution as Warner Bros Consumer Products."
Warner Bros Consumer Products in Europe senior VP, GM Pilar Zulueta says, "This is fantastic news for Warner Bros Consumer Products and UEFA. The UEFA Champions League is one of the most prestigious and recognisable sporting brands in the world and we are confident the range of licensed products will also reflect the prestige and quality of the competition. It is our intention to take a selective licensing approach and to focus on developing the appropriate level of retail distribution and visibility to support the new brand identity."
