PNG Chiefs Sign Major Sponsorship Deal with Coca-Cola, Luai Retains Pepsi Endorsement
Jarome Luai will retain his status as the face of Pepsi in Papua New Guinea despite the PNG Chiefs announcing Coca-Cola as their new major sponsor.
The Chiefs confirmed on Monday that Coke would join as a sleeve sponsor for the first three seasons, with a deal believed to be worth more than $5 million in total.
Luai will wear Coca-Cola's logo on field while still promoting Pepsi, thanks to his individual endorsement deal worth an estimated $300,000 a year.
Cross-branding is not uncommon in sports, but this situation stands out given the long-standing rivalry between Pepsi and Coca-Cola.
'Situations happen where individual players have commercial relationships with one brand that can sit alongside the club's partnerships,' Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson explained.