’This expanded relationship gives us the platform to keep raising standards and building something that has real value to our players, staff and to our loyal supporters,’ say Beckham and Neville
Salford City FC has expanded its relationship with AIG, confirming the insurer as the club’s largest shareholder and long-term strategic partner.
The two parties have agreed a new multiyear commercial partnership running through the 2029/2030 season, building on the club’s August announcement welcoming AIG as a strategic investor and the first Fortune 500 company to take an ownership stake in a League Two English Football League club.
Through the expanded deal, AIG becomes the Salford City’s largest shareholder. The insurer will also get more brand visibility both on and off the pitch, with further activations and announcements to be unveiled during the 2026/2027 season.
AIG chairman and chief executive Peter Zaffino said: “Salford City’s ownership group, led by Sir David Beckham, Gary Neville, Declan Kelly and Lord Mervyn Davies, has strategically positioned the club for tremendous success on and off the field and AIG is very proud to be a committed partner with an ownership stake and long-term commercial agreement.
”Salford City embodies the values AIG stands for such as setting the standard, winning together and doing what’s right to support our communities.”
Investment
Meanwhile the club said that AIG’s commitment will help with investment in football operations, investment in generative artificial intelligence (AI) – in partnership with Palantir – that will inform data-led decision-making, infrastructure development and community initiatives through the club’s foundation.
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Co-owners Beckham and Neville said: “Zaffino is an inspiring leader and we are incredibly grateful for his partnership and continued commitment to Salford City.
”What AIG is doing with this club is deeply meaningful to the Salford City community. This expanded relationship gives us the platform to keep raising standards and building something that has real value to our players, staff and to our loyal supporters.”
Kelly added: “AIG’s significant commitment to Salford City goes far beyond investment. It is rooted in shared values and a clear understanding of how great organisations are built.
”Zaffino is one of the most respected leaders in global business and we are enormously grateful for his belief in Salford City, which has had a profound impact on our organisation. AIG’s support is a powerful endorsement of Salford City’s strategy and our people and it materially advances our goals as a football club and as a business.”
His career began in 2019, when he joined a local north London newspaper after graduating from the University of Sheffield with a first-class honours degree in journalism.
He took up the position of deputy news editor at Insurance Times in March 2023, before being promoted to his current role in May 2024.View full Profile
Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
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