A new logo and slogan apart, Shah Rukh Khan's IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is planning to unveil a new range of KKR-branded merchandise in the fifth season of the Indian Premiere League (IPL). The franchise is already in “advanced talks” with a couple of companies in this regard.
The merchandise will include a range of apparels that will have T-shirts and shoes, apart from wrist bands, watches and key chains in the non-apparel segment. “We are in talks with a couple of Indian companies for manufacture [of] and selling our branded merchandise. Talks are in an advanced stage and the company is expected to be finalised in another 10 days,” Mr Venky Mysore, CEO and Managing Director said.
Tie-Ups
Other than entering into a contract with Indian companies, Reebok will remain the official sponsor of the team's jerseys. Team jerseys and some other products will also be available at Reebok stores.
KKR is also looking to enter into distribution and sales agreements with retail chains for its merchandise. Plans are also afoot for online sales.
According to Mr Mysore, the franchise is looking forward to shore up its revenues from alternative sources which include merchandising.
“We expect merchandising to account for 2 to 3 per cent of our projected revenues this year,” he said, adding that compared with last year revenues from merchandising were expected to grow at a rate of 100 per cent. Last year's income from merchandising, he said, was “negligible.”
Chennai Super Kings, another franchise has already made plans for unleashing jerseys in B and C markets.
Market sources, interestingly, point out that among the IPL franchises, KKR has one of the highest brand values.