Why has Vertu become Burnley FC’s Front‑of‑Shirt Sponsor for 2026/27?
Vertu becomes Burnley FC's front‑of‑shirt sponsor for 2026/27, boosting community projects and brand visibility across men's, women's and academy teams.
Vertu Secures Front‑of‑Shirt Sponsorship for Burnley FC 2026/27
Vertu, the national car dealer group, has confirmed that it will appear on the front of Burnley Football Club’s shirts for the 2026/27 season. The new deal covers the men’s, women’s and academy first‑team kits, placing the Vertu logo at the most visible position on the club’s apparel.
How the Partnership Evolved
The relationship between Vertu and the Clarets began ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, when the dealer group became Burnley’s official automotive retail partner and featured on the back of the shirts. During the 2024/25 season the partnership was highlighted through the promotion of the Bristol Street Motors brand, timed to celebrate the brand’s centenary.
Following a wider re‑branding programme, Bristol Street Motors was absorbed into the Vertu retail brand, consolidating the dealer group’s public identity across all its locations.
From Back‑of‑Shirt to Front‑of‑Shirt
Moving from the rear to the front of the shirt represents a significant step up in exposure for Vertu. The front‑of‑shirt placement is traditionally reserved for the primary commercial sponsor and ensures the brand is seen by television audiences, match‑day attendees and digital followers alike.
Community Focus Remains Central
Vertu has repeatedly highlighted that the partnership extends beyond pure marketing. The dealer group runs an annual Festive Food Drive at Turf Moor, providing essential supplies for families during the winter months. In addition, Vertu collaborates with Burnley FC in the Community on a variety of local projects that aim to improve life in East Lancashire.
Under the new agreement, Vertu will maintain a strong match‑day presence at Turf Moor, with activities coordinated through its nearby Vertu Land Rover Nelson dealership.
Support for Women’s and Academy Football
Including the women’s and academy squads in the sponsorship reflects VertU’s commitment to fostering football at all levels within the club. This holistic approach aligns with Burnley’s own emphasis on nurturing talent and promoting inclusivity.
Statements from Vertu and Burnley
Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our support for Burnley Football Club by becoming front‑of‑shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 season. Over the past four years, our partnership with the club has been about much more than what happens on the pitch, and we have developed a strong relationship that has allowed us to work together to really benefit the local community.”
He added: “Burnley FC sits right at the heart of that community, and this new, enhanced partnership will allow us to continue working on programmes that we know will have a huge impact on people and communities across East Lancashire, whilst also increasing awareness of the Vertu brand as we continue to grow.”
Burnley chairman Alan Pace described the deal as “a natural next step” for two organisations sharing a commitment to ambition, innovation and long‑term success. He noted that the shared vision formed the basis for the enhanced partnership and that supporters can expect “exciting new opportunities” throughout the season.
What Fans Can Expect
The front‑of‑shirt agreement includes a suite of supporter‑focused activations, ranging from exclusive content to match‑day experiences. While specific initiatives are still being finalised, Vertu has indicated that further community‑driven programmes will be announced as the season approaches.
Overall, the expanded deal underscores how automotive retailers are leveraging sport sponsorship to deepen community ties while raising brand awareness across the UK market.