New Zealand Rugby Sues INEOS Over Unpaid Sponsorship Fees

The All Blacks accuse INEOS of breaching a six-year sponsorship deal, while INEOS cites financial pressures as the reason for contract disputes.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has initiated legal action against INEOS, claiming the company failed to pay the first installment of its 2025 sponsorship fee, effectively ending their six-year partnership three years early.
INEOS, which has invested over $30 million in NZR since 2022, attributes its decision to financial challenges driven by high energy costs and carbon taxes in Europe, which it says have severely impacted its operations.
The sponsorship deal, reportedly worth $4.5 million annually, included INEOS branding on the All Blacks' playing shorts and training jerseys, as well as on apparel for other national teams.
NZR has expressed disappointment over the breach and is actively seeking new sponsorship opportunities, emphasizing the enduring global appeal of the All Blacks brand.
This legal dispute follows other recent setbacks for INEOS in its sports portfolio, including the termination of its partnership with Ben Ainslie's America's Cup sailing team and restructuring efforts across its cycling and football investments.