Better Together: Knights and Classic Partnership Extended to 2029

The connection between the nib Newcastle Knights and iconic Rugby League apparel company Classic Sportswear has deepened with the extension of their partnership out to at least the end of 2029.

Joining forces in late 2022, the partnership has gone from strength to strength with Classic’s quality and expertise proving a hit with Knights players, staff, members, and fans.

The release of new on-field designs ahead of the 2024 National Rugby League season coincided with Classic playing a hands-on role in the Knights online and shopfront retail program, in a first for both organisations.

Knights and Wests Group Australia Chief Executive Officer Philip Gardner says the partnership is unique in Australian sport.

“From day one, Classic has been an integral part of our football club, both from an on-field and commercial perspective,” Mr. Gardner said.

“Classic celebrates 90 years in the game in 2024 and in recent years, thanks to the leadership of Warren Carney and his team, they have once again become the pre-eminent apparel provider from the professional to the grassroots.

“Warren and his team are like family, and we work with them every day to deliver a program that not only benefits our players and staff, but also our Members and fans.

“In early 2023, we approached Classic to see if they’d be interested in integrating their operations with ours from a retail perspective.

“Thanks to their hard work, our merchandise program is quickly rising up the NRL ladder and we have no doubt that this climb will continue in the years to come.”

To celebrate the extension out to 2029, Classic and the Knights will be offering Members and fans a unique jersey ‘trade in’ opportunity, to receive 29% off* the cost of a new jersey for anyone who trades in their old Knights jersey for the 2024 edition.

This offer will go live at 10am Monday, 26 February and will run up until kick-off in the Knights round one match against the Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday, 7 March.

Classic Sportswear Managing Director Warren Carney is proud to extend the partnership and evolve the apparel offering to Knights fans.

“I would like to thank Philip and his team for the opportunity to extend our partnership out to 2029, and also for providing a platform to evolve our mutual commitment to delivering Knights Members and fans a market leading retail program and customer experience,” Carney said.

“I’m very proud of our partnership with the Knights and delighted that in Classic’s 90th year we can announce a long-term extension with one of the leading clubs in the NRL.

“I have no doubt this partnership will continue to evolve and be recognised for its innovation and success across the entire sport.

“Knights’ supporters will have already noticed some changes implemented to the online platform and retail shop to enhance the customer experience, and there will be more to follow as we head towards home games commencing at McDonald Jones Stadium.

To celebrate our partnership extension, we are offering a unique opportunity for all Knights fans to trade up to a new Classic 2024 jersey, bringing along their old jersey to receive a 29% discount off the normal retail price.”

2024 is the Knights 37th year in the top grade, this extension sees Classic become the equal-second longest serving apparel provider in Club history.

*The Knights x Classic 29% off sale commences 10am Monday, 26 February and runs until 8pm Thursday 7 March. Terms and conditions apply. For full details, visit www.newcastleknights.com.au and www.classicsports.com.au.