FC Schalke 04 and Fanatics agree on long term partnership to help better serve Royal Blue fans

HAMBURG, GERMANY (July 5th, 2019) - FC Schalke 04 has today announced a long term deal with Fanatics, the global leader in licensed sports merchandise.The partnership will see Fanatics produce and distribute FC Schalke 04 merchandise from the beginning of 2019/2020 season, with the company responsible for global distribution and sales of Royal Blue products through its own online and offline channels.

Alexander Jobst, Director of Marketing and Communications, explains the step: "Fanatics are clearly the global leaders in the sports merchandise field and understand this business - especially in the important areas of digitization and internationalization - like no other. We are excited to begin to work with them in a deal that will undoubtedly benefit our fans and we look forward to a successful and long-term partnership."

Joachim Hilke, Managing Director of Global Partnerships for Fanatics, said: “Schalke are one of the biggest and best supported clubs in European football and we are delighted to begin working with them. We are confident that this partnership will ensure that Schalke fans across the world are able to show their support for the club with an exciting and extensive range of merchandise available to all fans, wherever they are and however they shop.”

Fanatics, who have in recent months announced new partnerships with the German FA (DFB), The FA, Chelsea FC and Everton FC, already partner with several major football clubs across Europe including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and many of the world’s biggest sporting organisations including the NFL, NBA, NHL and European Tour.