Manly could earn millions for winning NRL premierships under sponsorship deal

Meet the US sports stars set to endorse the Sea Eagles to their combined 76 million followers on social media.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints delivers a to pass over the defence of the Indianapolis Colts at Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 16, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sean Gardner/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

The Manly Sea Eagles are backing themselves to deliver NRL premierships over the next four years as part of a new multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal that includes more than $2 million of bonus incentives.

As part of the agreement with betting company PointsBet, some of the world’s biggest sports stars will endorse the Sea Eagles to their combined 76 million followers on social media.

News Corp has been told that plans are underway for some of PointsBet’s brand ambassadors, which include US sporting icons Shaquille O’Neal, Drew Brees, Paige Spiranac, Allen Iverson and Devin Hester, to be involved in promoting the Sea Eagles partnership.

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Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal.

Former star guard Allen Iverson.

The multi-million dollar, four-year deal could balloon by an extra $2 million for winning premierships.

The Silvertails are back.

It is among the richest sponsorship deals in rugby league history and gives Manly an enormous financial boost ahead of Friday night’s elimination final against Sydney Roosters in Mackay.

Spiranac is tipped to send out a message of support for Manly to her 7.5 million followers on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter later this week.

PointsBet have indicated they are even planning for one of their stars to announce Manly’s line-up to the crowd as part of the pre-game build-up at 4 Pines Park next year.

Speaking from New York, where he now lives half the year, Manly co-owner and chairman Scott Penn said: “To gain support on social media from PointsBet’s ambassadors is a rare yet wonderful opportunity.

Manly have secured a massive sponsorship deal.

“And to have the Sea Eagles involved through PointsBet with such global sporting superstars is a truly amazing opportunity.

“Our new long-term partnership will help to significantly boost the Sea Eagles’ brand and profile over here in the US.”

O’Neal is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketballers of all time and, like Iverson, has been one of the faces of the NBA.

Spiranac is a former professional golfer while Brees, a Super Bowl-winning MVP, is a recently retired quarterback and Hester is a legendary kick and punt returner.

“We’re not only investing significantly as the new major partner of the Sea Eagles for at least the next four years, we’re also committed to rewarding the club for making more finals, including a $500,000 bonus for each premiership won over the term,” PointsBet co-founder and chief marketing officer Andrew Fahey said.

“Manly is a strong and successful club. We’re proud to align PointsBet with this winning culture and to have our brand feature prominently on the famous maroon and white jerseys of the Sea Eagles for next season and through until at least the end of 2025.”

Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees. Picture: Sean Gardner/Getty Images/AFP

Golfer Paige Spiranac is set to give the Sea Eagles a social media shout-out.

PointsBet is an ASX listed corporate bookmaker with operations in Australia, US, Canada and Ireland, and already has deals in place with the PGA Tour, Spain’s La Liga and America’s major competitions — the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL.

Manly chief executive Stephen Humphreys said he was “thrilled” to secure the deal with a company that is also a big supporter of Sydney teams playing at suburban grounds.

“It’s a very exciting time for the club and we’ve been further boosted by PointsBet’s really positive approach in aligning their brand with ours as we aim to entertain and engage with Australian sporting fans together in a fun and responsible way,” Humphreys said.