Sunderland target ‘international fan growth’ as US tour and Africa links emphasised | OneFootball

Sunderland chiefs have underlined the importance of international fan growth to future revenues, highlighting opportunities in Africa as the club prepares a US pre-season tour.

According to Sunderland Echo, interim CEO Tom Burwell set out the approach at last month’s Supporters’ Collective meeting with fan groups, and the outlet notes the club now has a £200m turnover and global reach.

Sunderland’s ties with Africa stretch back to 2012 when not-for-profit partnership Invest in Africa became shirt sponsor, promoting business opportunities across the continent. A significant share of commercial discussions involves African companies, and the squad featured more AFCON players than any other Premier League side.

The United States is an important growth market, yet difficult to cut through and fully monetise. While pushing abroad, maintaining a close connection to the local community remains a stated priority, alongside exporting what Sunderland means.

The Black Cats will base themselves in Nashville, Tennessee, for a week before facing Liverpool at Geodis Park on Saturday 25 July. They then move to Harrison, New Jersey, to play Leeds United on Thursday 30 July at Sports Illustrated Stadium, home of the New York Red Bulls and Gotham FC. The tour concludes in Chester, Pennsylvania, against Phil Parkinson’s Wrexham at Subaru Park on Sunday 2 August.

The trip precedes a Premier League campaign that will also bring Europa League football after Regis Le Bris guided Sunderland to seventh on their top-flight return.

Source: Sunderland Echo