Manchester Thunder, the four-times Netball Super League (NSL) champions, are thrilled to announce a significant evolution in their strategic partnership with AO, the UK’s most trusted electricals retailer. Building on their successful collaboration, AO will extend its title sponsorship for another five years, cementing its commitment to the club and the sport, and will become the franchise name sponsor. From today, Manchester Thunder will officially be known as AO Manchester Thunder.
This announcement represents the natural next steps for the partnership, which has grown year on year since forming in 2023. It serves as a clear demonstration of AO’s commitment to both women’s sport and the ongoing professionalisation of netball. Over the years, the collaboration has involved continually evolving match day fan engagements, successful activations in arena events, and progression into joint community projects – a position both parties see widening significantly in the future.
The extended five-year agreement reinforces the strong foundation of this relationship, providing crucial financial stability as AO Manchester Thunder continues its journey towards full professionalism both on and off the court. The deepened partnership will enable continued investment in long-term initiatives and further solidify AO Manchester Thunder’s position as a leading force in the sport.
Gary Young, commercial director of AO Manchester Thunder, said: “We are incredibly proud to deepen our partnership with AO. Their increased commitment as our franchise name sponsor is a monumental step forward for the club and for netball. This renewed agreement allows us to continue our ambitious vision to ‘be the best elite netball club in the UK, on and off court’ and signals a significant vote of confidence from a high-profile brand in the future of our sport.”
Vicky Monk, director of brand and marketing at AO, added: “This partnership has gone from strength to strength since we joined forces in 2023, and renaming the team AO Manchester Thunder feels like the perfect next move. It reflects our genuine belief in women’s sport and our ambition to help take it to the next level. We’re excited about what’s ahead and proud to be backing a team that inspires so many young people to get involved in netball.”
The new agreement will see the AO brand further prominently integrated across AO Manchester Thunder’s assets, from the front of NSL dresses and training kits to the match day court and associated courtside branding. Beyond visibility, the partnership will continue to drive joint community initiatives, fan engagement activities, and major arena events all under the unified AO Manchester Thunder banner.
