August 6 – In perhaps what is the ultimate display of marketing and advertising solidarity within local communities, the English Football League (EFL) has announced a new three-year partnership with eBay that will see the online marketplace donate advertising space at EFL grounds to small businesses.
The initiative, under the tagline ‘Small Businesses United’, will see eBay donate advertising space at the 72 EFL grounds to the small businesses at the heart of their marketplace.
“Showing the power of community, 85% of EFL clubs were supported by a small local business in the last year, despite the financial hardships of businesses during the pandemic. EFL clubs were instrumental in their communities during the pandemic delivering over over 1.4 million food parcels, more than 179,000 items of PPE, 22,000 prescriptions and donating over 2,100 laptops and tablets to people facing technology poverty. Club staff and their players have had in excess of 527,000 outgoing and incoming conversations with fans and vulnerable people,” said an EFL press release.
‘Small Businesses United’ will allow eBay sellers to further connect with their local EFL clubs as crowds return to stadia for the new season that kicks off this weekend.
Ben Wright, chief commercial officer of the EFL, said: “The long-term relationship we have agreed with eBay is an exciting addition to the EFL portfolio of Official Partners and highlights how we want to support the local businesses who have in turn done so much to help our clubs… It is a fantastic opportunity for supporters of our Clubs to see their own businesses advertised in EFL stadia nationwide, and demonstrates again how the EFL can support positive and impactful local community activation on a national scale.”
Rob Hattrell, SVP & Head of eBay Europe emphasised the importance of small businesses as the backbone of communities across the EFL’s clubs
“After the financial trials of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for eBay to continue to shine a spotlight on the power of small business, and to champion the sport we know and love,” said Hattrell.
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