People aren't really on board with this 'Star Wars' soccer match cross promotion
Even if you haven't bought a Happy Meal in the last 20 years, you'd still be well aware of the influx of cross-promotion everywhere when a new movie comes out.
With the imminent release of the newest Star Wars flick The Last Jedi, Australia's national soccer competition, the A-League, has branded matches over Dec. 8 to 10 as the Star Wars Round.
The rather unexpected collaboration with Disney will see "character appearances, big screen content, themed activities, special signage and giveaways" during the round.
A trailer for the round contains footage of the new movie interspersed with highlights from the league, "showcasing the excitement, entertainment and high-stakes of both brands."
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"Competitive sport can produce some of the most enthralling storylines, much like the acclaimed suite of Star Wars films, and we look forward to celebrating the hero's journey through best-practice activations, content and experiences for families and fans alike," managing director of The Walt Disney Company, Australia and New Zealand Kylie Watson-Wheeler said in a statement.
It's difficult to see any other soccer league around the world doing something similar. England's Premier League recently held a Rainbow Laces round to help support LGBTQ people in sport, but you'd hardly describe that as a commercial venture.
However, the A-League promotion does follow a similar venture with Marvel and Australia's National Rugby League which took place in May, featuring jerseys in the design of characters like Spider-Man, Thor and Iron Man.
In the U.S., "Star Wars Night" is an event in the MLB, the NBA and the NHL, which doesn't seem to bat an eyelid. It might be a bit of fun, and a way to draw in non-regular watchers of the A-League, which really could use better attendances.
Still, some fans were perplexed at the announcement.
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Others didn't see the harm in it.
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Whatever you may think, we kinda like this BB-8 themed ball, on sale at the A-League website for the princely sum of $24.99.
Money talks, we guess.
Topics Star Wars
