Jokerstar is the new sponsor of SSV Ulm 1846

Just two days before the start of the second Bundesliga, on 2 August, SSV Ulm 1846 announced a new supporter who - as with so many football clubs - comes from the gambling sector: The slot machine provider Jokerstar will be lending the Spatzen a helping hand in the 2024 / 25 season and will receive some prominent advertising opportunities in return. What does this mean and will Jokerstar customers get anything out of it? Here are all the details!

The last decade has not always been easy for Ulm: After alternating between the Oberliga and the Regionalliga, the club managed to stay in the fourth-highest division for many seasons. From the 2020/21 season onwards, there was a clear upward trend. The Spatzen achieved a very good fourth place, which obviously gave them an extra dose of motivation. On top of this came even better sponsorship and player contracts and, of course, immense support from the loyal fans. In 2023 / 24, the club suddenly found itself playing in the third division and was successful there too, securing first place and promotion to the second Bundesliga.

In 2024, the club was playing in realms that had been out of reach since 2000. Even though the start to the DFB Cup against Bayern was anything but pleasing with a 4:0 defeat and the first two matches of the recently started second division season were lost, the club is confident about the tasks ahead.

The positive attitude is also due to the fact that Ulm, as the club itself announces in the relevant press release, has welcomed a new ‘leading player’. However, this player will not support the Spatzen with technical finesse and assertiveness on the pitch, but financially. It is the online slot machine games provider Jokerstar from nearby Baindt (around 80 kilometres from Ulm). In the 2024 / 25 season, the company belongs to the partner category ‘Spatzenführungsspieler’ with corresponding privileges.

What we can expect from Jokerstar as a ‘Sparrow Guide Player’

The ‘Spatzenführungsspieler’ form the third sponsor level at the club. The ‘Sparrow Captain’ (Liqui Moly) and the ‘Sparrow Vice Captain’ (BITE E-Recruiting and Uhlsport) precede them. The ‘sparrow captain’, i.e. Liqui Moly, gets the top advertising space on the chest of the jersey, Uhlsport provides the equipment and can therefore also be seen on the front of the tops, and the sleeves are reserved for Bite E-Recruiting. Jokerstar does not appear on the jerseys, but can be sure of other very prominent advertising positions as the ‘Sparrow lead player’.

1. The gaming company's logo is primarily displayed on the LED boards in the stadium during home matches.
   In addition, there are so-called camcarpets, which are flat brand names on the pitch or around the pitch that create an impressive 3D effect when viewed from the right camera angle (in football, they usually imitate additional boards).
2. Not to be forgotten: Jokerstar will also be represented with its banners on the interview boards at the Danube Stadium.
3. There is also talk of ‘hospitality services to ensure attendance in the stadium’. In this case, the sponsor will normally be given tickets for VIP boxes in addition to the usual advertising services. They entitle the holder to attend matches and also include hospitality for the sponsor and third parties.

And what's in it for Jokerstar customers? Unfortunately, there is no concrete information on this. Neither Jokerstar nor SSV Ulm mention any goodies in this regard in their official statements. For example, ticket raffles, such as those organised by BVB following its merger with StarGames, or special bonuses on individual match days (although this is more common with sports betting providers).

The bonus area of Jokerstar, on the other hand, shows no special features relating to SSV Ulm. Apart from the Spatzen banner in the footer and the press release, there are no references to the partnership with the club. It is doubtful that anything more will come of this. After all, the other ‘Jokerstar clubs’, including VfB Stuttgart, are not being honoured with any special promotions either.

This is what those responsible at Jokerstar and SSV Ulm have to say about the collaboration

Jürgen Kling, Managing Director of Jokerstar GmbH, spoke personally about the partnership and emphasised above all the passion of SSV, which has led to the club once again being in the second division:

‘With commitment and passion, SSV Ulm 1846 football has made it back into the 2nd Bundesliga. We are delighted to be supporting Ulm in the new season. Like SSV Ulm 1846 Fußball, we also aim to offer our customers a special match experience. We are looking forward to a successful season and many captivating matches at the Donaustadion.’

The managing director of SSV Ulm 1846, Markus Thiele, is also looking forward to the season, but is more general in his comments:

‘We are delighted to have gained a reputable partner in top-class sport in Jokerstar, who will support us on our journey. Like us, Jokerstar GmbH, which is part of the Kling Group, focuses on tradition with a new twist.’

Conclusion

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