Leeds United strengthen local industry ties with North Defence deal

Leeds United have appointed North Defence as their official defence partner for the 2026/27 Premier League season, expanding an existing commercial relationship with the military vehicle manufacturer.North Defence’s branding will appear on Elland Road’s big screen and LED advertising boards during home matches, providing the company with exposure to supporters attending the stadium. Financial terms were not disclosed.North Defence founder Oliver North said: “It’s a genuine pleasure to partner with the club that I’ve supported and cheered on at Elland Road since the mid-nineties. Many of our team of tradespeople, engineers and office workers have also been supporting Leeds through the highs and lows of the past three decades, so it’s personal to many of us.“Under Leeds’ ownership, it is so clear to see their ambition and desire to partner with global brands whilst honouring and supporting local companies contributing locally too, especially through manufacturing, which many in Yorkshire see as a backbone for providing jobs and skills.“The partnership is therefore a perfect one, and we look forward to marching on together into the new season.”North Defence previously worked with Leeds as a Bronze Business Partner during the 2025/26 campaign. The new agreement elevates the company into the club’s official partnership portfolio.The Yorkshire-based business manufactures light mobility vehicles for the defence sector, combining military experience with rapid-response engineering and advanced manufacturing.Its promotion reflects Leeds’ strategy of balancing partnerships with international brands and companies rooted in the club’s regional business community.Leeds United partnerships director Phil Hardman said: “We are excited to welcome North Defence on board as an Official Partner for the upcoming 2026/27 Premier League campaign, having previously worked with us as a Bronze Business Partner during the last season.“It will be great to continue strengthening our relationship with everyone at North Defence, and we look forward to supporting them and helping them to build their brand where possible over the next year.”The agreement will run across Leeds’ 2026/27 Premier League campaign, with North Defence using the club’s matchday inventory to increase awareness of its brand and manufacturing operations.