Tottenham Hotspur Announces Ant International as Payment Solutions Partner

Tottenham Hotspur has secured a strategic partnership with Ant International, a global player in digital payments and financial technology. The three-year deal makes Ant International the exclusive Official Global Payment Solutions and Digital Wallet Partner for the club.

This collaboration brings together Ant International’s brands — Alipay+, Antom, and WorldFirst — under the same banner, offering their services to Tottenham Hotspur’s fanbase. Alipay+ also takes on the role of Official Training Wear Sleeve Partner for both the men’s and women’s teams, marking a significant step in the club’s engagement with fans.

Strengthening APAC Connections

Tottenham Hotspur is looking to strengthen its connection with supporters across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region through this partnership. Ant International, via its Alipay+ and Antom brands, will help the club deliver a seamless payment experience for fans, both at the stadium and on the club’s e-commerce platforms. These services aim to cater to payment methods widely used across the APAC region, offering a streamlined process for supporters.

Speaking about the partnership, Yang Peng, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International, highlighted the shared values between the two entities. “Football brings people together across borders, and that’s a core part of our mission,” Peng said. “Tottenham Hotspur’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the fan experience aligns with our goals.”

Ant International has experience in engaging football fans through its sponsorship of the UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024 tournaments. Now, the company is keen to help Tottenham Hotspur engage more with its fanbase in the APAC region, using digital technology to bridge gaps.

Digital Engagement in Football

Tottenham Hotspur Chairman Daniel Levy expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating that both the club and Ant International share a common goal in deepening digital engagement with fans. “The connection with our fans is vital, and we’re thrilled to work with Ant International on enhancing that interaction, especially in the APAC region,” Levy said.

Levy also acknowledged the valuable experience Ant International brings, particularly from its involvement in UEFA’s European championships. He said the partnership would help Tottenham Hotspur improve the digital experience for supporters at the stadium and online.

Expanding Brand Awareness

As part of the partnership, Tottenham Hotspur will help boost awareness of Ant International’s brand across its global platforms. Ant International’s ecosystem of services, including Antom and WorldFirst, will contribute to this initiative, offering the club’s supporters new ways to interact digitally.

Ant International’s reach is extensive, with services in over 150 markets and support for payments in more than 100 currencies. Their focus on small and medium-sized businesses makes them a versatile partner for Tottenham Hotspur, helping both fans and merchants interact in more dynamic ways.

Partner Brands

Alipay+, one of Ant International’s flagship brands, offers cross-border mobile payment and digitalisation solutions. It aims to connect global merchants with consumers, allowing seamless payment experiences. Through Alipay+, consumers can use their preferred payment methods, whether at home or travelling.

Antom is another key player in the partnership, providing payment and digital services to merchants worldwide. Its focus is on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering payment solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses.

WorldFirst, a financial services platform under Ant International, provides international payment and trading services. The platform uses Ai-driven technologies to ensure security and fraud prevention for global businesses. It serves over one million customers worldwide and is connected to 120 marketplaces, making it a significant asset in the global digital landscape.

Looking Ahead

This partnership signifies Tottenham Hotspur’s ongoing commitment to expanding its global reach, particularly in the APAC region. By partnering with Ant International, the club aims to offer innovative payment and digital services to its supporters, enhancing both in-person and online experiences.

Both the football club and Ant International see this collaboration as an opportunity to engage more deeply with fans and leverage technological advancements for smoother digital interactions. Through this partnership, Tottenham Hotspur hopes to inspire its global fanbase while embracing the growing digital world.

Ant International’s experience in digital engagement, coupled with Tottenham Hotspur’s global platforms, could pave the way for exciting new fan experiences in the coming years.

Last Updated on September 15, 2024 by Nick Ross