As the Stanley Cup Finals prepare to kick off Wednesday evening, the NHL has renewed a deal with PepsiCo, one of its longest-running sponsors, in Canada and the U.S.
PepsiCo will continue to have exclusive rights with the NHL and NHLPA in the carbonated soft drinks, water, energy drinks and savory snack food categories. The company’s brand portfolio in these categories includes Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Aquafina, Rockstar, Lay’s, Tostitos, Ruffles, Doritos, Cheetos, Rold Gold and Miss Vickie’s.
The PepsiCo brands will continue to integrate into NHL and NHLPA assets, including digital and social media platforms, as well as continuing to utilize players in marketing activities and “increased exclusivity around promotional opportunities” through the NHL season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. PepsiCo will also be continuing its long-running “Pepsi Zero Sugar Shutouts” promotion; in previous years, the social media contest has awarded cash and trips to the Stanley Cup Finals when games in the playoffs go to a shutout.
The extension also includes “heightened strategic consumer marketing,” which will involve unique activations at major events like the NHL Winter Classic, NHL Heritage Classic, NHL Global Series, NHL Stadium Series and NHL All-Star Weekend.
“Our brands will continue to generate dynamic programming that takes the fan experience to new heights, especially at some of the most exciting points in the season including tentpole NHL events and the Stanley Cup Playoffs,” said Justin Toman, senior director of sports marketing at PepsiCo.
The exact length of the extension was not disclosed, but the company said it would take it past the 20-year mark with the league. Given that PepsiCo first partnered with the NHL 16 years ago, that makes the extension for at least another four years.
PepsiCo last extended its partnership with the league and player’s association in 2018.
Last month, the NHL signed Hyundai as the league’s official automotive partner in Canada.