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Telstra's West Coast deal an innovation

West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett. Picture: Megan Powell/The West Australian.

Footy sponsorship deals are becoming more innovative than the traditional ground signage, stadium naming rights and logos on team jumpers.

Telstra has today signed a five-year “partnership” deal with the West Coast Eagles to become the club’s “principal telecommunications partner in WA”.

The club and the telco are lauding the deal as the first of its kind in Australia and it will see Telstra “revamp and refurbish” the club’s telecommunications systems with a new bespoke facility “to enhance their business operations”.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Telstra group executive of global enterprise and services Brendon Riley said the technology and communications upgrade included new mobile devices, data access to a new private network, access to cloud computing via a private network and the introduction of new applications and services to restructure communications across the West Coast Eagles’ business arm.

“We will provide the West Coast Eagles with the latest communications and technology to help them stay connected at all times and in all locations,” he said.

“This unique partnership will set a new standard in providing better communication links for players, coaches, administration and members.”

West Coast Eagles’ chief executive Trevor Nisbett said it was the first time an AFL team had partnered with a company like Telstra in such “a unique communications and technology agreement”.

“We already have a strong relationship with Telstra through our player ambassador program and this new partnership will open up a range of exciting opportunities for both organisations to build and strengthen our bonds,” he said.