Stevenage FC have announced that Xsolla will be their shirt sponsor for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, replacing Grilla.

Xsolla is a video game commerce company, based in the USA, which offer payment solutions, web shops and back-end support to games publishers and developers across the globe.

As part of the two-year deal, they will feature as the lead shirt sponsor for Stevenage's men's and women's teams.

Xsolla are also the club's new gaming partner, with their logo to be displayed prominently on social media, in the digital programme, and around the pitch at the Lamex Stadium.

Berkley Egenes, chief marketing officer and chief growth officer at Xsolla, said that they are "thrilled" to be partnering with "a club with a rich history and passionate fans".

"This collaboration gives us a unique opportunity to connect with the global football community and showcase our innovative solutions for video games.

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"As gaming continues to intersect with various entertainment categories, we see this partnership as a way to enhance the experience for gamers and football fans."

Stuart Dinsey, one of Stevenage FC's directors, added that Xsolla are arriving at "a hugely exciting time for the club ... with so many mouth-watering games on the way and the biggest TV and media exposure ever for EFL League One around the world.

"They are an innovative company from a sector we know well. We can’t wait to press play and get started."

The deal brings an early end to Grilla's sponsorship of Stevenage FC. In summer 2023, the energy drinks company became shirt sponsor as part of a two-year deal.

Spokespeople for Stevenage FC and Grilla confirmed to the Comet that they had mutually agreed to end the deal after one year.

The Grilla spokesperson added: "We had a great year sponsoring Stevenage FC and wish the club and fans all the best for the future.

Grilla featured on Stevenage's shirts during the 2023/24 season.Grilla featured on Stevenage's shirts during the 2023/24 season. (Image: Peter Else)

"We mutually agreed to end the agreement after one year as the brand had an opportunity to move in a new direction and, with the increased coverage coming from new TV deals, the club had the opportunity to seek new partners.

"With our original agreement completed whilst the club were in League Two there is no doubt that their rapid rise to a Championship promotion chasing club meant that new commercial opportunities were available.

"We wish Stevenage and Xsolla all the best for the new season and for the push for promotion."

Kits featuring Xsolla's branding will be worn in all pre-season friendlies, with the first images of the new shirts expected to be released later this week.

Supporters will be able to buy replica shirts from later this month.