The English Football League (EFL) is nearing a significant sponsorship agreement with American fast-food chain Jersey Mike's, according to reports. The deal, valued at approximately £5 million, would see the company become the title sponsor of the EFL Trophy for five seasons, potentially boosting prize money for the competition.
Sources indicate that officials are close to finalizing the partnership, with an announcement anticipated before the next round of fixtures in the current tournament. The EFL Trophy is an annual knockout competition open to all 48 clubs in League One and League Two, along with 16 invited under-21 academy teams from Premier League clubs.
While Jersey Mike's is a well-established brand in the United States and Canada, boasting 3,300 locations and an annual turnover of around $4.2 billion, it is relatively new to the United Kingdom. The company plans to launch its first UK store in London's West End later this year, with ambitions to open 400 branches across the UK and Ireland. Industry analysts suggest this expansion could ignite increased competition in the UK sandwich market, particularly with established chains like Subway.
Jersey Mike's is known for signature subs such as the Original Italian, Famous Philly, and Big Kahuna Cheese Steak. The proposed sponsorship deal is expected to provide clubs with an initial payment of £900,000 for the upcoming season, with further increases anticipated over the duration of the agreement.
This reported figure exceeds the previous sponsorship deal with Vertu, which contributed an average of £720,000 per season over its three-year tenure, and the £800,000 paid in the 2025-26 season. Sixteen Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, are participating in the current EFL Trophy competition, which commenced in August. However, Manchester United, Bournemouth, Coventry City, and Hull City will not be involved this season.
