It’s Official: Pizza Hut Is The NFL’s New Pizza Sponsor

PIZZA DRAMA!

Papa John’s has had a rocky relationship with the NFL, and it just decided to cut ties with the league.

But DO NOT WORRY! The pizza vacancy has been filled! Pizza Hut is stepping up. It’s now the official pizza sponsor of the NFL.

The announcement comes a day after Papa John’ssevered ties with the league to focus on deals with specific teams and players. In a joint statement, Papa John’s and the NFL said the decision was mutual.

“There’s so many things that we are excited about,” Artie Starrs, the president of Pizza Hut’s U.S. division, told CNBC. “At our core we are an innovative, entertaining brand and I think that’s what the NFL is too.”

With the NFL partnership, the pizza chain will be able to work with the league on local deals with the teams, including fan experiences and game tickets. Pizza Hut may use all 32 of the team marks.The sponsorship will begin with the 2018 NFL Draft, which will be held near Pizza Hut’s headquarters in North Dallas.

Pizza Hut expects the deal will be help it to expand to new markets and bolster its digital and delivery initiatives, Starrs said.

“There is opportunity for us in some markets where we can build some more restaurants,” Starrs said. “You think, New York and Boston and San Francisco where the NFL has a presence and Pizza Hut has an opportunity to grow.”

I’m just gonna say it. Pizza Hut is better than Papa John’s. *ducks from flying pizza*

PS– Pizza Hut isn’t worried about the NFL’s ratings.

“The TV ratings are what they are,” Starrs told CNBC. “We think TV is an important place for us to play but we look at a lot of the things that the NFL is doing in terms of their mobile partnerships … we are going to go where the consumer goes. I think the NFL is committed to doing the same.”

NFL names Pizza Hut as its new official pizza sponsor: https://t.co/INVDaFFuLG pic.twitter.com/Y2udf0EFzb

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2018

Ok! I see you @pizzahut https://t.co/MNOartHqAR

— Jared Goff (@JaredGoff16) February 28, 2018

Pizza Hut is a definite upgrade from Papa John’s. Still not as good as independent local pizza.

— rat farmer 🐀 (@syko1969) February 28, 2018

I agree with that. Local places are always the best.

I❤ Pizza Hut

— jana lynn (@janalyn56962419) February 28, 2018

“when will dominos get the pizza fame it deserves.. pizza hut is the new nfl sponsor..

— czech_king (@aCidSocK01) February 28, 2018

papa johns was literally the worst food i have ever put in my mouth i have no clue how that is a functioning chain this is what pizza hut DESERVES

— two little poots of cum💗 (@IceJJProject) February 28, 2018

Pizza Hut is not trash, Pizza Hut has been developing new pizza technology for the last decade.. stuffed crust

— slr (@Younglordsean) February 28, 2018

Good. Pizza Hut is better anyways.

— Amanda Gaudreau (@amandagawd) February 28, 2018

Pretty excited to see Pizza Hut’s football Sunday deals. Also kinda worried for my well being. Someone grab the Tums

— Paxton Moore (@paxtontmoore) February 28, 2018

Expect a lot more Pizza Hut commercials, football fans. It’s happening.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnd now I want pizza.

h/t CNBC