GAC uses Villarreal deal to accelerate European brand push
GAC has signed a two-season sponsorship agreement with Villarreal CF, using sleeve inventory and automotive rights to support the Chinese manufacturer’s European expansion while giving the LaLiga club another international commercial partner.
Villarreal CF have signed Chinese automotive manufacturer GAC as an Official Sponsor in a deal covering the remainder of the 2026-27 season and the full 2027-28 campaign.GAC will become Villarreal’s Official Automotive Sponsor and will receive branding on the left sleeve of the club’s shirt, giving the company exposure across domestic and European competition. Financial terms were not disclosed.Villarreal chief executive Fernando Roig Negueroles said: “GAC is a new ally and a global company joining our project. For us, it is a real honour that GAC wants to partner with Villarreal CF.”“For us, it means adding a prestigious new partner, while for GAC it represents increased visibility through a club competing in two of the world’s most important competitions, the UEFA Champions League and Spanish LaLiga.”The agreement gives GAC a football platform at a time when the company is seeking to strengthen its presence in Europe and expand awareness of its automotive brands.GAC Europe president and global vice-president Ocean Ma said: “We believe this partnership is not only an important step in strengthening GAC’s brand presence in Europe, but also enables us to connect more closely with European fans and customers.”The deal also gives Villarreal a new partner in one of sport sponsorship’s most established commercial categories, with automotive brands continuing to use football to support market-entry and consumer acquisition strategies.GAC operates through brands including GAC, AION and HYPTEC, with a strategy focused on electric mobility, technology and international growth.The company has also maintained long-term industrial partnerships with Toyota and Honda, giving it an established manufacturing base as it pushes further into overseas markets.Villarreal offer GAC a relatively concentrated route into Spain and wider European football, with the club’s Champions League participation adding international reach beyond LaLiga.The sleeve asset is particularly valuable because it places the GAC brand directly on playing kit across broadcasts, digital content and match photography, complementing the wider automotive designation.The agreement was formalised at the Estadio de la Cerámica and will run until the end of the 2027-28 season, giving GAC two campaigns to build its football marketing presence around Villarreal’s domestic and European schedule.