The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is thrilled to announce a strategic three-year partnership with PepsiCo, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, marking its Lay’s brand as the official strategic sponsor for the Saudi Women's Premier League.
The partnership was officially signed during a ceremony held at Alawwal Park, with key figures in attendance, including Ibrahim Bin Zakaria Alkabbaa, Deputy Secretary-General of SAFF, Aamer Sheikh, CEO of PepsiCo Middle East and North Africa, and Khalid AlKhudair, CEO of SMC. Team leaders from the participating women's football clubs were also present to witness this momentous occasion.
The 2023-2024 season of the league kicked off on October 13, featuring eight teams competing for the championship title. Under this agreement, Lay’s will serve as the sponsor for the league, which will now be named "The Saudi Women's Premier League (Supported by Lay’s)." The Lay’s logo will be prominently featured alongside the official league branding, underscoring PepsiCo's commitment to empowering women in sports and elevating the league to new heights within Saudi Arabia's rapidly growing sports landscape.
Ibrahim Alkabbaa emphasized that this partnership is a significant step in SAFF's ongoing efforts to develop women’s football in the Kingdom. He noted the remarkable progress in women’s football, which has gained widespread recognition, and highlighted that this partnership with PepsiCo represents a substantial step towards further empowering women in sports.
Lamia Bin Ibrahim Bin Bahaian, Vice President of SAFF, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: "Our collaboration with PepsiCo to support the Saudi Women’s Premier League reflects the growing interest in women’s sports in Saudi Arabia, especially under the generous support of our leadership, which views sports as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Saudi Football Federation is committed to providing all the necessary resources to support the remarkable progress we are witnessing in women's football."
Aamer Sheikh, CEO of PepsiCo Middle East and North Africa, highlighted the importance of this sponsorship for PepsiCo. "We are delighted to sponsor this significant event, which aligns with our commitment to diversity and inclusion. This partnership reflects our dedication to empowering women globally, and here in Saudi Arabia, we aim to support Vision 2030's ambitious goals through various platforms and programs. Supporting and empowering women in sports is a crucial tool in contributing to the Kingdom's vision of diversifying its economy, enhancing the quality of life, and increasing sports participation at all levels."
Khalid AlKhudair, CEO of SMC, remarked: "PepsiCo’s partnership with the Women’s Premier League is a result of the agreement signed last year between SAFF and SMC, under which SMC manages the rights to sell and market SAFF’s sponsors. AlKhudair added: “This partnership opens new horizons for achieving the goals of women’s football in the Kingdom. We are witnessing a qualitative leap in sports, where sports marketing and investment play a vital role in contributing to the goals of Vision 2030. At SMC, we are proud to be one of the pioneering Saudi companies contributing to the sports field."
This partnership exemplifies Lay’s commitment to supporting the sports industry, particularly women’s football. The Saudi Women’s Premier League is the most-followed women’s sports event in the Kingdom, offering Lay’s a unique opportunity to participate in the growing popularity of women’s sports in the country. Lay’s is also dedicated to empowerment through various programs that engage fans and create opportunities for players of all abilities and backgrounds to participate.