It had already been rumoured, but Wolves have officially announced that they’ve agreed a multi-year partnership with Castore that will see the British premium sportswear brand become the club’s new on-field partner, in a landmark deal for both parties.
The rumours of Castore entering the Premier League first started circulating back in November of last year, with the brand linked with both Newcastle and Wolves. But now the rumour regarding the latter has come too fruition with the news that Castore will take the reigns from Adidas to produce bespoke kits for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The news coincides with that of manager Nuno Espirito Santos stepping down as manager after a four-year stint at the helm, meaning that it is set to be a time of change at the Premier League side.
The partnership boasts the largest technical partner sponsorship fee in the club’s history and will see Castore manufacture all on-field playing kit and side-line apparel, while Wolves will manufacture and distribute a range of replica products under license from Castore. As a result, the partnership will facilitate a far broader range of product than has previously been available to Wolves supporters, with all ranges now bespoke to Wolves, including women’s replica, training and travel wear.
The new club-manufacturer model has seen success in the US but is a first for elite sport in the UK. As part of the deal, Castore will unveil a first-of-its-kind Pro Performance collection which will be worn by the first team in all competitions, and available to purchase by supporters.
The collection is made from a unique technical fabric developed exclusively by Castore, which the brand believes to be lighter, more flexible, and more durable than anything worn by a Wolves team before.
“This is truly a ground-breaking deal in Premier League football, which challenges the established order of things, and we are delighted to have found a progressive and disruptive partner in Castore to embark on this journey with us,” said Wolves general manager for commercial operations, Vinny Clark. “Our fans will get a great assortment of product that is unique to Wolves and has been carefully put together in response to the feedback we have received in recent years, and Castore will receive fantastic exposure to the Premier League’s multibillion global audience."
Castore co-founder Tom Beahon, said: “As a brand deeply committed to the ethos of marginal gains and performance excellence, Castore is the perfect match for a football club like Wolves, who have proven over the last four years that nothing is impossible when you have commitment, courage and dedication.
“We are delighted to be partnering with such an ambitious organisation and look forward to supporting the team as they continue to progress and challenge the established elite of English football.
“We were very clear when we made the decision to enter the football market that we would only partner with clubs who had ambitions to compete at European level – it was clear from the very beginning that everyone at Wolves, from the ownership down, are wholly committed to that goal, which is perfectly aligned with Castore’s own ambitions of challenging the existing sportswear market incumbents.
“Both Castore and Wolves are extremely innovative, and this partnership represents that ethos. We are delighted to be part of the Wolves pack and look forward to developing world class products for the team and fans in the years ahead.”
The first new Wolves x Castore range to be launched will be the 2021/22 training wear in July, with the home kit being unveiled later that month.
