The Kenya Premier League kicks off this weekend but without a sponsor. Fortunately, Azam TV has agreed to be the new sponsor of the elite division of Kenya football and stream matches starting Gameweek 2.
The situation where there was no sponsor in the last two seasons saw the league winners Tusker and Gor Mahia going home without any prize money.
The New season is Finally Here#FKFPL pic.twitter.com/pniKqSAXgd
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) August 25, 2023
The financial burden on teams in the Kenya Premier League translated to unpaid wages. It was why Gor Mahia could not participate in the CAF Champions League this season. CAF wielded the big stick and suspended them from the competition.
There were fears that this season would go on without a sponsor and that the teams would compete for nothing besides tickets to compete on the continent.
Azam TV to sponsor Kenya Premier League
EXCLUSIVE
In a meeting with FKF Premier League clubs earlier today, FKF confirmed that it's going to sign a deal with Tanzania broadcaster Azam TV in the coming days.
They are likely to air games from Match Day 2.
Azam will have a separate partnership with Gor Mahia and AFC… pic.twitter.com/axWXcNUXwm
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) August 25, 2023
Recently, the Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba boasted of a deal in the pipeline to blow others out of the water.
He assured teams and players that things would be a different scenario this season as there will be a broadcast sponsor for the league.
The boasts of the Sports cabinet Secretary were confirmed to be true.
In a meeting with Kenya Premier League clubs on Friday, August 25, FKF confirmed that it was on the verge of concluding a deal with Tanzania broadcaster Azam TV in the coming days.
From excerpts of the meeting, Azam TV will likely start airing matches of the Kenya Premier League from match day two.
However, the Tanzanian TV broadcaster will have a separate agreement with Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards to help the broadcaster sell decoders.
According to the partnership, the two clubs will earn more money.
It is a much-needed injection of funds into the Kenya Premier League and comes as glad tidings to the clubs.
Unknown sponsorship details
Clubs of the Kenya Premier League can now heave a massive sigh of relief, as there is something to play for, though the terms of the Azam TV sponsorship deal are still unknown.
The Kenya Premier League is also close to sealing a deal with betting firm, 1xbet. They are expected to be the title sponsors of the Kenya Premier League.
A deal with gaming firm 1xbet will also be sealed soon. They'll the official FKF Premier League title sponsors. #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/CUndBjfueb
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) August 25, 2023
If the words of the Sports Cabinet Secretary are anything to go by, then the clubs have plenty to celebrate.
The last time a team went home with prize money was in 2020, with cash winnings of Ksh 5 million.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
