Tech giant Qualcomm has secured a major marketing coup by becoming the new shirt sponsor for Manchester United, one of the most recognizable football clubs in the world. This strategic move signifies Qualcomm‘s ambitious push to elevate brand awareness for its Snapdragon technology, particularly within the personal computing space.
“This sponsorship of the Manchester United shirt signifies our commitment to raising awareness of the Snapdragon brand,” said Qualcomm CMO Don McGuire. “It’s part of a broader, sustained effort to build our position in PCs and other categories.“
With over 1 billion global followers, Manchester United offers Qualcomm unparalleled exposure. A single Old Trafford match is projected to give Snapdragon the equivalent visibility of a Super Bowl ad. The club’s upcoming U.S. tour, including a stop near Qualcomm’s San Diego headquarters, presents prime opportunities to showcase the partnership.
“Manchester United will have access to technology to create interactive fan experiences,” noted the club’s commercial director Florence Lafaye. Qualcomm has already enhanced Old Trafford’s Wi-Fi and plans to deliver augmented reality stadium “visits” and other virtual offerings.
The deal comes as Qualcomm reignites its push into the PC market, aiming to challenge Intel’s long-standing dominance. Snapdragon-powered laptops boast multi-day battery life and cutting-edge AI capabilities. But overcoming Intel’s “Intel Inside” marketing machine will require substantial investment.
“We’re committed to this business, not just to play, but win,” asserted McGuire, an Intel alum. He believes superior products alone won’t unseat the market leader.
The shirt launch will kick off with a video featuring Manchester United legend Eric Cantona. As this powerhouse collaboration unfolds, fans can anticipate a wave of high-tech, immersive experiences, underscoring Qualcomm’s determination to make Snapdragon a household name.