The NFL didn't waste any time finding a new, cheesy partner after Papa John’s said it would end its sponsorship of the league on Tuesday.
Papa John’s, which blamed the NFL’s response to player protests for slumping sales, will focus on its partnerships with individual teams, while Pizza Hut will be named the newest sponsor of the organization.
The league’s deal with Pizza Hut is for four years, and is worth more than the Papa John’s deal, CNN reports. The agreement gives Pizza Hut, which is owned by Yum Brands, an array of exclusive marketing rights.
“We are thrilled to have Pizza Hut, an industry leader and one of America’s favorite brands, as an official league sponsor,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement Wednesday.
The sponsorship will roll out with the upcoming NFL Draft in April.
Papa John’s said Tuesday that its parting with the league was mutual. The company reported that its North American sales were down 3.9% from a year ago.