Premier League football club Everton have struck a multi-year shirt sleeve partnership with Rovio Entertainment Corporation, the video games developer behind the Angry Birds franchise.
The Angry Birds logo made its debut on the left sleeve of the Everton jersey during the 4-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Since launching in December 2009, Angry Birds has grown to become one of the most recognised entertainment brands in the world with more than 3.7 billion downloads.
It is the first mobile gaming brand to partner with Everton.
“We are excited with this partnership, and can’t wait to kick off our collaboration with Everton. In Everton, we have found a partner who shares our values of putting the fans first, and creating a long lasting legacy for our community of players,” Ville Heijari, chief marketing officer of games at Rovio, said.
“This is Rovio’s first partnership in the most watched sports league in the world, and a logical continuation of our global Angry Birds brand partnerships.”
Everton CEO Robert Elstone added: “We’re delighted that Rovio Entertainment has become Everton’s first shirt sleeve partner. Angry Birds is one of the best-selling game apps of all time and is also a remarkable success story in terms of the way in which the brand has crossed over from gaming to become part of popular culture.
“Everyone here is excited about being able to work with such a creative, dynamic and ambitious brand – a brand with exceptional digital heritage.”