PNG Chiefs secure partnership with Coca-Cola
The PNG Chiefs have welcomed another partnership to their campaign as they prepare for to enter the 2028 NRL season.
Coco-Cola Euro-Pacific PNG is the third edition joining as a premier partner after BSP and Struddys, marking a new chapter of supporting rugby in Papua New Guinea.
The PNG Chiefs made this formal announcement today at the National Football Stadium as Coca-Cola Europacific PNG [CCEP PNG] joins the club as a Premier Partner under a multi-year deal.
This partnership will see the iconic Coca-Cola branding feature prominently on the playing sleeves of PNG Chiefs jersey when the club enters the NRL competition in 2028, as well as a strong package of rights across the club’s match day, media, hospitality and community platforms in the coming years.
They become the exclusive partner of the PNG Chiefs within the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages category, which will be supported by additional signage, branding, activations and exclusive access.
The multi-year agreement builds on Coca-Cola's existing relationship with the NRL Telstra Premiership and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG's longstanding support of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.
From grassroots and community competitions through to elite pathways, including involvement with the Ipatas Cup, Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and, more recently, the PNG Hunters, CCEP has played an active role in supporting the growth of the nation's favorite sport.
The partnership will allow the PNG Chiefs to further strengthen their connection with fans and communities across the country through CCEP's extensive national network and shared commitment to growing rugby league in Papua New Guinea.
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the partnership was a proud moment for the club as it continues to create a legacy for Papua New Guineans across the country.
“As a club, we’re incredibly pleased to welcome Coca-Cola Europacific Partners on board in a partnership which reflects the ambitions of both organisations and the scale of the opportunity that exists for us in Papua New Guinea,” McPherson said.
“Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable brands in the world and to have CCEP partner with the club is a powerful endorsement of what we are building.
“The PNG Chiefs will be a club that proudly represents all of Papua New Guinea and the alignment with CCEP and their extraordinary ability to reach communities right across the country creates an incredible opportunity for us in how we engage our entire community and bring supporters closer to their team.”
In addition, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Country Director Tim Solly said the partnership with the PNG Chiefs is a natural progression of the organization’s long- standing commitment to rugby league in Papua New Guinea and reflects our belief in the important role the sport plays in bringing people together across the nation.
"From our association with the Ipatas Cup, through to our support of the PNG Hunters and now our partnership with the PNG Chiefs, we have witnessed the power of rugby league to unite communities, inspire future generations and create lasting pride for Papua New Guineans,” Solly said.
"As one of the country's most recognised and trusted brands, we are proud to partner with the PNG Chiefs as they build toward their historic entry into the NRL competition.
"The PNG Chiefs represent an exciting new chapter for the sport and for the country, and we are honoured to be part of that journey from the very beginning.”
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners [CCEP] is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of Papua New Guinea-made soft drink beverages in the country, which forms part of the wider Coca-Cola Europacific Partners network, servicing over 31 global markets through its 85 manufacturing sites.