"Schalke-04" needs a new sponsor

FC Schalke 04 has achieved everything and has been able to more than meet their goals for the season. After winning the second division title, the Royal Blues can now look forward to a return to the top division next season. But there is a downside to this success, because Vivawest, the jersey's sponsor, seems about to leave. However, the group logo will probably no longer be seen on the chest of Schalke kickers in the new season.

Is the rise to blame?

The real estate company made a commitment only in March after the departure of Russian company Gazprom. This short-term decision could end abruptly next season. The reason could be the successful rise of the cricket satta bazar in India, because Vivawest, as the title sponsor of the first division club, which is responsible for nearly 120,000 apartments in North Rhine-Westphalia, should have dug much deeper into their pockets. Current contracts do not seem to go beyond participation in Ligue 2 either.

As in March, FC Schalke 04 now faces the question of whether a new sponsor can be found, and time is running out again. Because of the war in Ukraine at the beginning of the year, we had to part ways with our previous sponsor, Gazprom. A contract with the energy company would have made a return to the first division possible. In the second division, Gazprom would pay up to 9 million euros per year, and if promoted, it could be up to 15 million.

Is a new sponsor coming?

A return to contracts with Gazprom is highly unlikely, even if the old contract, which stretched over many years, was actually dated 2025. The New Jersey sponsor change now poses a new problem for the club around the board of Bernd Schroeder and Peter Knebel, because it has long been known that the Knappens are not particularly well off financially. However, a return to top quality could also open up new perspectives on the scene.

Nothing is ready for the announcement of a New Jersey sponsor, and there are also few rumors about which company might take on the task. The Royal Blues board should already be in talks with possible candidates. However, it seems obvious to Vivawest that sponsorship in the first division would be impossible. When the contract was signed in March, Vivawest managing director Uwe Eichner talked about a temporary solution.

Will Vivawest remain a partner?

Vivawest CEO Berbel Bergerhoff-Wodopia went on to say that they would like to continue negotiations, but could not imagine that there could be a solution for sponsorship on the scale of the first Bundesliga. Based on these indications, however, we can assume that the real estate company, based in Gelsenkirchen, home of Schalke, will continue in some way to act as a partner of the Miners. Berbel Bergerhoff-Wodopia sits on the Personnel Board of the RAG Foundation, which is Vivawest's largest shareholder with a 40 percent stake.

Berbel Bergerhoff-Wodopia also explained to dpa that she personally could imagine that Vivawest could stay in the first Bundesliga with this commitment, because then it would exceed financial readiness. However, she is sure that other companies would also be very interested in supporting Schalke 04 as a sponsor after the promotion. Schalke CEO Bernd Schroeder also stressed that they want to continue to work with Vivawest.

Veltins candidate?

Even as part of the separation from Gazprom and before the signing of the contract with Vivawest, there were rumors about a possible successor. Again and again the name of the brewery C.&A. Veltins GmbH & Co. KG, which is now also the namesake of the Schalke Stadium. In March, Veltins immediately denied possible rumors , is it possible that the company has changed its mind or a completely different logo will be used on the chest of the players' jerseys?

Schalke should pay their debts

Other sponsors can only be guessed at the moment. Schalke 04 certainly has the potential to make a good deal because the team has shown excellent recovery, especially towards the end of the season. With a contract, the New Jersey sponsor can be assured of media attention and thus effectively exploit the advertising potential. A lucrative deal is also a must for the promoted team, because the Miners still have millions to pay because of a series of incorrect transfers. Read more news from the world of casinos and sports at the link.

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