Southampton FC, a Premier League club, has announced an extension of its sponsorship partnership with 8x8, a leading provider of voice over IP products, for the 2024-25 season. This extended partnership will see 8x8 remain the club's official business communications specialist, solidifying a relationship that began in February 2024 after a successful sponsorship of Southampton's home game against Bristol City FC in November 2023.
The Partnership's Impact
The partnership, extending beyond a mere financial agreement, signifies a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing communication and engagement between Southampton FC and its fans. The partnership has already yielded significant benefits for the club, particularly in their interactions with fans. 8x8's contact center solution has been implemented across various key departments at Southampton FC, including the ticket office, hospitality team, and supporter services, making it easier for the club to stay connected with its passionate fan base.
A Testimonial of Success
The implementation of 8x8's technology has been met with positive feedback from club officials. Huw Fielding, Director of IT at Southampton FC, highlighted the solution's importance in facilitating seamless communication with fans. He stated that 8x8 enables the club to handle the tens of thousands of calls received per season, ensuring a positive experience for both callers and staff.
Strategic Collaboration and Future Vision
Greg Baker, Southampton FC's Chief Revenue Officer, expressed the club's satisfaction with the partnership, emphasizing the mutual benefits it has generated. He highlighted the successful evolution of the relationship, from a single match sponsorship to a comprehensive official partnership that has yielded positive outcomes for both organizations. The club is looking forward to continuing its collaboration with 8x8 to achieve further success in the future.
8x8's Commitment to Football
Russell Tilsed, 8x8 EMEA Sales VP, echoed the sentiment of mutual benefit, highlighting the positive relationship between the two entities. He expressed his enthusiasm for taking the partnership to the next level. Tilsed recognized the critical role of fan engagement for football clubs and highlighted 8x8's ability to provide a solution for clubs like Southampton FC, enabling them to engage fans across multiple platforms and manage peaks in activity during and around matchdays. He emphasized the importance of having a premier solution to meet the demands of a Premier League club like Southampton FC.
Looking Ahead: Continued Success
The extended partnership between Southampton FC and 8x8 represents a strategic commitment to enhancing fan engagement and communication. The partnership, built on a foundation of mutual success, is poised for further growth and development. The implementation of 8x8's contact center solution has already proven its value, and both organizations are eager to explore new possibilities for collaboration in the future. This collaboration reflects the broader trend of technology-driven partnerships in football, as clubs increasingly seek innovative solutions to connect with their fans and enhance their operational efficiency.
