SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Today, the San Francisco 49ers announced Cisco as the first team partner to extend sponsorship rights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This announcement comes just months after the 49ers became one of the first NFL clubs to obtain marketing and commercial rights in the UAE through the NFL's Global Markets Program.
A first-of-its-kind deal in the NFL, the expanded partnership aims to grow the game of football and the 49ers Faithful fanbase. Earlier this year, Cisco sponsored the 49ers first trip to the UAE, where the team hosted a flag football coaching clinic to teach local physical education teachers the basics of the sport, drills for young beginners, and how to coach them moving forward. The event was held at GEMS World Academy Senior School in Dubai and included over 50 coach and youth participants.
"Since obtaining Global Marketing Rights in the UAE in March, we have been working alongside Elevate's RISE Group to launch meaningful marketing and community initiatives. As part of the rollout, we are thrilled to announce Cisco as our first international partner in the UAE," said Brent Schoeb, 49ers Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer. "Cisco has been a trusted and valued partner for many years at home in the Bay Area. We are fortunate to have them on our team with the shared goals of benefitting youth and hosting unforgettable experiences that create fans for life."
Youth flag football will continue to be a major priority for the 49ers and Cisco, as the brands continue to expand their programming and reach in the UAE with the new 49ers Next-Gen Flag Football Program. Next-Gen is designed to grow the game of flag football across the UAE by partnering with local community supporters and the UAE's largest school networks to integrate flag football into school curricula and after-school programs, building a lasting legacy for the next generation.
"As a long-standing partner of the San Francisco 49ers, we're proud to support their efforts to grow the NFL globally. Together, we're creating meaningful experiences for youth and building lasting connections across communities," said Rob McQueen, Vice President of Global Partnerships at Cisco.
Heading into the 2025-26 NFL season, the 49ers have built a strong reputation for international marketing and sponsorship. Since acquiring rights in the UK and Mexico, the franchise has grown their fanbase in each market by at least 50%, becoming a Top 2 NFL club in both countries. Over 34,000 people have attended international 49ers events, providing opportunities for new and established members of the Faithful to personally interact with the team and its supporting partners.
For more about the 49ers efforts and events in the UAE, please visit 49ers.com/uae and follow the team's Arabic social media channels on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
