The PNG Chiefs have announced a sponsorship agreement with Bank South Pacific, the largest club sponsorship in NRL history.
BSP has become the Principal Foundation Partner of the Chiefs on a three-year deal until the end of the 2030 season.
The three-year deal worth over $20 million AUD includes major package reports with a $4 million annual baseline value, according to The Australian.
BSP will provide support during the pre-NRL period before the Chiefs officially enter the competition in 2028.
The announcement was made on Wednesday morning at Santos Stadium in Port Moresby, confirming that BSP's brand will be on the front of the PNG Chiefs jersey, with a logo placement, and the logo will be incorporated on training and merchandise apparel.
With significant exposure and support for the Chiefs' fan engagement programs, BSP will also have a comprehensive partnership consisting of signage, hospitality, academy and pathway programs, community initiatives, and match-day activations.
The company has also been confirmed as the official banking and financial services partner of the PNG Chiefs.
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson spoke on BSP's commitment and what it meant for the club and country of Papua New Guinea.
“This is a landmark partnership for the PNG Chiefs and Papua New Guinea and, as a
club, we couldn't be prouder to welcome BSP on board,” she said.
“BSP is an organisation that is part of the fabric of our country and community and
recognises the scale of opportunity that exists with the PNG Chiefs.
“To have this level of commitment to our club – including this period leading into our first
game in 2028 – shows BSP's belief in what we are building, and the way we will create
opportunities for Papua New Guineans for generations to come.
“Having BSP on the front of our jersey and involved in so many other parts of the club
shows that the significance of the PNG Chiefs goes beyond commercial value. On
behalf of everyone at the PNG Chiefs, I'd like to officially welcome BSP Chairman
Robert Bradshaw, BSP Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Robinson and the entire
organisation to our PNG Chiefs family.”
Bank South Pacific Chairman Robert Bradshaw and BSP Group CEO Mark Robinson spoke about the symbolism of the partnership and building a partnership with purpose.
“BSP is incredibly proud to play a leadership role in supporting the PNG Chiefs through this historic partnership. It is highly symbolic that BSP, a PNG-headquartered and majority PNG-owned company, is backing the nation's NRL team," Bradshaw said.
“Rugby league unites Papua New Guinea like nothing else. We want to be an active part
of the PNG Chiefs' nation-building project in PNG and in raising the visibility of rugby
league across the South Pacific.
“In joining the PNG Chiefs' family, I acknowledge the PNG Government led by Prime
Minister Hon James Marape, the Australian Government, Peter V'Landys and the entire
NRL, and the PNG Chiefs led by Catherine Harris and Lorna McPherson for their vision
in bringing this exciting project to life.”
“Our aim is to be more than a sponsor for the PNG Chiefs. This is a partnership with purpose," Robinson added.
“This agreement sees BSP become a partner on match day, a partner in engaging the
new army of Chiefs fans and an active partner in the community. This includes working
with the Chiefs to lift financial literacy throughout PNG.”
The club has confirmed the logo will first be revealed on October 21, and the jersey on October 22.
The jersey will go on sale to fans on the 22nd of October after the release.
Further details on the logo launch on October 21 and jersey reveal on October 22 will be released by the PNG Chiefs closer to the event.
