SKOL, RPL team up to draw bigger crowds, boost fan experience, nurture young talent

SKOL and Rwanda Premier League are joining forces to draw bigger crowds, improve the fan experience and nurture young football talent ahead of the 2026/27 season, as part of a renewed partnership. The brewery made the commitment on Friday, September 3, during a 2026/27 Season Kick-off Cocktail Reception bringing together Rwanda Premier League officials, SKOL representatives and other BK Pro League partners. Rwanda Premier League CEO Jules Karangwa said increasing match attendance is one of the key priorities under the partnership, with plans to make matchdays more attractive beyond the football itself. “There are many things we need to improve, such as organising activities that bring together large numbers of people, not only around the matches but also by connecting fans with our partners, including SKOL. We have identified our weaknesses and developed strategies to address them,” Karangwa said. He pointed to low stadium attendance as one of the league’s major challenges, adding that improving the matchday experience could encourage more people to attend games. “Some people wonder why they should go to the stadium and return home without having anything to eat or drink. With partners such as SKOL, that problem will be addressed, while at the same time we raise the level of football in Rwanda,” he said. SKOL Chief Commercial Officer Jean-Dominique Marcireau said the company’s sports investment goes beyond commercial interests, with a focus on contributing to the growth of football at different levels. “Our projects in sports are about partnering with the Rwanda Premier League to develop football in Rwanda, without leaving behind young talent,” Marcireau said. SKOL is one of the partners of the BK Pro League and also has a separate partnership with Rayon Sports, one of Rwanda’s most supported clubs. ALSO READ: SKOL pours Rwf915m into BK Pro League as official beer partner in major football boost Under a three-year agreement signed in June this 2026 between SKOL and BK Pro League, the brewery will provide Rwf305 million annually to the league. Part of the package will see every team receive Rwf1 million for each league victory, providing a direct financial incentive for clubs throughout the season. The agreement will also allow each club to choose a SKOL beverage outlet partner for matches it hosts, further linking the sponsorship to the matchday experience. The 2026/27 Rwanda Premier League season kicks off on Saturday, September 5, with 306 matches scheduled throughout the campaign. The partnership comes as the league seeks to make domestic football more commercially attractive while addressing one of its longstanding challenges, turning matchdays into events that draw larger crowds and create greater value for supporters and clubs.

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SKOL, RPL team up to draw bigger crowds, boost fan experience, nurture young talent