WACA announces 'We've got it' with Retravision Warriors

Western Australia's biggest electrical retailer has signed a one-year agreement with options to extend for a further two years as the major sponsor of the re-named Retravision Warriors valued at an estimated $1 million a year for WA cricket, whilst continuing the group's support of the sport's junior players which commenced last year.

Announcing the new major sponsorship today at a special launch event at the WACA Ground on the eve of the 2003-04 season-opening Lilac Hill Festival Match, WACA President Mr Brian Rakich said the values represented by Retravision - professional, competitive, family and community based - mirrored the traditions of the sport and WA's premiere team.

"This is a great match for the Warriors, the sport and for our new major partner Retravision," Mr Rakich said.

"The sport sponsorship market is very tough. Getting this support from Retravision puts in place a vital foundation on which to build the future performance of WA's most successful sporting team.

"Last year Retravision put its sponsorship support behind junior cricket in WA and that's been a great success. When the major sponsorship of the Warriors became available it seemed logical to see if we could build on that relationship. The WACA is delighted to have secured this agreement with Retravision," Mr Rakich said.

The WACA President said for the first time in the history of the sport in WA the State team would carry the sponsor's name in its logo - this follows a trend which has been adopted by other State cricket teams in recent years.

Retravision Chairman Bill Harries said the deal with WA cricket was the biggest sponsorship the group had ever undertaken.

"Retravision has looked at a number of major sponsorship proposals and opportunities in recent years but none of them fitted with the values our brand represents through the 58 mainly family-owned and operated stores which are a part of communities throughout Perth and regional WA. The traditions, ethos and following of cricket fits the bill. We're really looking forward to being part of the Warriors team," Mr Harries said.

Last year Retravision committed $50,000 to sponsoring WA junior cricket for the first time. Retravision's investment in the sport through the new combined sponsorship agreement announced today is estimated to represent a value of $1 million a year through a cash component, plus leveraging the Retravision Warriors involvement through the retailing group's planned advertising, marketing and sales programs.

"The commitment of Retravision to leveraging the sponsorship will continue to develop the Warriors high profile. That's very important for keeping cricket in the spotlight in a highly competitive sports market in WA," Mr Rakich said.

The Retravision Warriors make their first home appearance for the 2003-04 domestic season with the opening fixture of the ING Cup series, a day/night game against the Southern Redbacks at the WACA Ground on Friday, October 24.

The Retravision Warriors first Pura Cup match will be against NSW in Sydney, starting on November 4. Their first home game will be against the Tasmanian Tigers, starting on Sunday, December 7.