Rangers: Douglas Park finalises ‘significant’ commercial deal, three-and-a-half-year agreement made
Rangers chairman Douglas Park has finalised a “significant” partnership with the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) through his company Park’s Motor Group, reports the Glasgow Evening Times.
Through the deal, Park’s Motor Group will become an official partner of the SWPL, with the agreement in place until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Park’s Motor Group will also become the title sponsor of the SWPL and SWPL 2 for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.
“We’re thrilled to have Park’s Motor Group on board,” said SWPL Managing Director Fiona McIntyre, as quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times. “They are huge supporters of the Scottish game, with significant history of investing in Scottish football, and in particular the women’s game in recent times.
“This is another significant milestone for the women’s game here in Scotland, and is the first time in the history of the game that the leagues and the cup have both had title sponsorship.
“This illustrates the continued growth and progress of the game here in Scotland and the desire for companies to align themselves in the long term with the girls’ and women’s game.”
Park expands reach
Park’s Motor Group has enjoyed a strong partnership with Scottish Football over the years, with the latest deal expected to help grow the presence of the SWPL and women’s football in general.
The significant deal will help further boost the finances involved in the women’s leagues, which is of course much needed as it plays catch up with the men’s game in this regard.
Given Park’s current role with Scottish giants Rangers, the agreement may be seen as a conflict of interest by some, but perhaps that is eased by the fact the deal is in women’s football, not men’s.
The agreement comes not long after the Scottish women’s game was disrupted by a shocking headbutt from Rangers Women’s assistant Craig McPherson in their recent match against Celtic, an incident which could land the boss in “massive trouble” according to club legend Ally McCoist.
Park obviously has his commitments to Rangers to focus on, but the Scottish businessman is well-versed in balancing many commitments at one time.
In other Rangers news, Tam McManus has claimed Billy Gilmour is a “phenomenal footballer” after being questioned on a potential Ibrox return for the 21-year-old.