JPL clubs welcome Legend deal

Jamaica Premier League (JPL) clubs are hailing Wysinco Group’s new $300-million sponsorship of the competition, through its Legend Beer brand, as a major commitment to local football.

Wisynco will serve as title sponsor of the nation’s top-flight competition for the next five seasons, with the league to be known as the Legend Jamaica Premier League.

The company announced its commitment to the JPL on Sunday, replacing Wray & Nephew, which had held the title sponsorship since 2023.

The announcement has been warmly received by clubs, many of which have struggled to meet their annual budgets.

Treasure Beach President Paul Bernard pointed out that last season, the club received only $1.2 million of the more than $6 million that was due to it. However, under the Wisynco deal, each club is guaranteed a monthly allocation of $500,000, while Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) will receive $60 million annually.

“It is welcome news, because last season we were promised $740,000 by the PFJL and it was not forthcoming.

“When you check your $749,000 by nine, you come up with six-point-odd million and we only got a total of 1.2 million last year, and that caused us a lot of heartache, especially our club, Treasure Beach. We are located in deep rural St Elizabeth.

“We are not so fortunate. We are not urbanised like the other clubs. So we are at a disadvantage. So we welcome Wisynco on board. They are a home-grown company and we know they always live up to their expectations. We are happy to have them on board for five years. It’s a good look, and I hope next season others will come on board,” he said.

Bernard added that clubs need cash to survive and that the guaranteed monthly payment will allow them to plan more effectively throughout the season.

“More than ever, all the clubs need cash. So we are more than happy to have a local company on board, and I hope it will be profitable for them with their new product.

“We were told contracts will be signed this year. So the clubs are certain to get their money. It is not like last year, when SportsMax pulled out.

“So as my grandmother would say, ‘You can put on your pot on fire’, we are sure to be getting a minimum of $500,000.”

He also noted: “Wisynco has also twinned with TVJ, and I am sure they will come up with an exciting package. So it’s a good twin.”

Growth and development

Mount Pleasant Sporting Director Paul Christie said Wisynco’s commitment would help drive the growth and development of the league.

“It speaks volume to the trust that they would have committed to the product. It is good to know that corporate Jamaica has recognised and is prepared to be aligned with our journey and to assist the growth and development of the next generation of talent in Jamaica. It’s just an overall warm feeling and it’s a beautiful day for football in Jamaica,” he said.

He pointed out that clubs operating on smaller budgets will now benefit from a more level playing field.

“Clubs who are struggling understand and hope that the playing field is a bit more level and things are taken into consideration.

“It will help with the improvement of the product. More funding means more clubs can meet their payments in a timely manner,” Christie said.

According to Christie, a sponsorship of this scale is certain to generate excitement and greater interest in the league.

“A commitment of this magnitude has never been done before in Jamaica. That, in itself, is exciting. So there are exciting days ahead and clubs can actually plan, knowing their security is assured.

“So for a minimum of five years, we will have security. We have to just build on that and continue to maintain the product,” he said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com