Northampton Saints are delighted to announce a major expansion of the Club’s partnership with DPD, with the premium parcel delivery firm becoming Stadium Naming Partner at Franklin’s Gardens.
Just months after joining Saints as Principal Partner in a landmark multi-year agreement, DPD has strengthened its commitment to the Club by securing the naming rights to its iconic home, with the venue now known as DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
The agreement marks another significant step in the growing relationship between Northampton Saints and one of the UK’s most recognised brands, building on a partnership that already sees DPD feature prominently across the Club’s playing kit, trainingwear and matchday environment.
Saints supporters will begin to see the updated stadium branding rolled out across the venue in the coming weeks, with DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens entering use across Club communications, matchday operations and commercial activity.
“We’re incredibly proud to be taking the next step in our partnership with DPD,” said Northampton Saints’ Chief Executive, Julia Chapman. “From our very first conversations, it was clear that there was a genuine alignment between our organisations, not only in terms of our ambitions, but also our values.
“DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens represents an exciting new chapter for the Club. While Franklin’s Gardens will always remain at the heart of who we are, this partnership allows us to protect and invest in our home for the future, while working alongside a partner that shares our long-term vision.
“We have already built a fantastic relationship with the team at DPD, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together over the years ahead. This partnership is built on much more than branding; it’s about creating opportunities and delivering value for both organisations.”
The landmark stadium naming agreement forms part of a broader expansion of DPD’s relationship with Northampton Saints.
The premium parcel delivery firm will become the new Principal Partner of Loughborough Lightning, with its branding featuring on the front of the team’s playing shirts from the start of the new Jaecoo PWR season. Lightning will continue to play their home league fixtures at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
DPD will also become headline sponsor of Northampton Saints Foundation’s annual Foundation Day, supporting the charity’s flagship fundraising fixture and helping to further its work across the local community.
“The stadium naming agreement is a hugely significant milestone for the Club, and we’re also delighted that DPD’s support will extend across the wider Saints family,” added Chapman.
“Supporting our women’s programme in Loughborough Lightning, as well as our charity, Northampton Saints Foundation, demonstrates a genuine commitment to the Club and our community, while reflecting the strength of the relationship we have built with DPD over a relatively short period of time.”
Justin Pegg, Chief Executive Officer of DPD UK, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be enhancing our partnership with Northampton Saints and becoming the Stadium Naming Partner at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
“Northampton Saints is one of the most respected names in English rugby, and we are proud to play an even greater role in supporting the Club’s future.
“We’re also excited to extend our support to Loughborough Lightning as Principal Partner, and to help Northampton Saints Foundation continue its outstanding work across the region as part of this wider agreement. The impact both organisations have on and off the field is incredibly impressive, and we’re proud that this partnership can contribute to their continued growth and success.
“This expanded agreement is a reflection of the confidence we have in the relationship we are building together. We believe there are exciting opportunities ahead for both organisations, and we look forward to enjoying a successful and mutually-beneficial partnership for many years to come.”