City of Graz withdraws sponsoring from Sturm, GAK, 99ers - Clubs outraged

Holding Graz will withdraw as a sponsor of Graz's largest sports clubs – SK Sturm Graz, Grazer AK, and Graz99ers – starting in 2027.

According to "sportsbusiness", SK Sturm will lose 500,000 Euros in sponsorship income, GAK 300,000 Euros, and the Graz99ers 200,000 Euros.

In an official statement, GAK expressed shock over the City of Graz's decision to end sponsorship:

"Today it's the sponsorship, tomorrow it will be the clubs. This is how top-level sports die in Graz. If this continues, our children will only know professional sports in this city from stories. This is not about club colours or sports. Whether it's GAK, Sturm, or 99ers: it's about the question of what value sports still hold in this city."

GAK contradicts statements

Reports indicated that Holding Graz still plans to support the women's, youth, and special needs sections of these clubs. GAK counters:

"Contrary to the statements made in the media, we were subsequently informed that sponsorship for women's teams, youth, and special needs at GAK is also to be significantly reduced. This is precisely for those who represent the future of sports. This is not just about saving budget items, but about the dreams of young people."

GAK angry: "Partnership looks different"

GAK continued: "You cannot cut a club into professionals and youth: The first team is the driving force that brings spectators, partner companies, and children to us. If money gets tighter, every euro must go where it can be re-earned. In the end, those who are least in the spotlight feel it first: our smaller sections, which have made GAK what it is for generations."

"The fact that we had to learn about this not in a personal conversation, but from the media, weighs heavily on us. For years, we have built a trusting relationship with the officials of the City of Graz. The way this news was conveyed to us has severely shaken that trust. Partnership looks different," the Rotjacken concluded their statement.

"Black day for former sports capital"

Bernd Vollmann, General Manager of the Graz99ers, told the "Kleine Zeitung":

"This is a black day for Graz, the former sports capital. Even the clumsy attempt to publicly highlight the media and PR-relevant areas of para-sports, women's ice hockey, and the ice hockey academy with handouts cannot obscure this."

Already after the ICE championship title last season, Holding Graz's support had been cut by half. Now follows the next massive setback for Austria's ice hockey champions.

Behind the scenes, the next steps have already been discussed. According to "Kleine Zeitung", there was already an exchange between club presidents Christian Jauk, Rene Ziesler, and Herbert Jerich on Tuesday. A summit with the City of Graz is planned for next week.