Adelaide United A-League club have signed one-year shirt sponsorship deal with Unleash Solar, reportedly worth $250,000.

The deal ends a six month search by the club for a new sponsor following the dropping of  Coopers beer company because of AFC anti-alcohol sponsorship regulations.

The Reds become the third sporting partner of the Adelaide-based solar panel business, which also sponsors SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens and the Adelaide 36ers NBL team.

Adelaide chief executive Glenn Elliott told the Adelaide Advertiser that the deal, along with the anti-alcohol scheme funding, would cover the loss of Coopers.

“It’s probably about the equivalent,” Elliott said. “We hope it’s a long-term relationship and so do they.”

But Elliott said the club was still “a long way off” from turning a profit.

“Two of the key factors that affect the profitability of the club are sponsorship – which is really tough – and crowds,” Elliott said.

We’re in unprecedented tough times inAdelaidein the business sector. One of the first things that goes when business gets tight is discretionary expenditure. Sponsorship is one of those.”

Image: Adelaide Advertiser