Caribbean National Weekly

Kingsmen land Major Rich Rum partnership as Chris Gayle backs CPL homecoming

By Ben McLeod··3 min read
Kingsmen land Major Rich Rum partnership as Chris Gayle backs CPL homecoming
Key Points(5)
  • As the Jamaica Kingsmen finalize preparations for the start of the 2026 Caribbean Premier League season, the franchise has secured a significant off-field victory, announcing a two-year commercial partnership with Triple Gold Rums Limited and its flagship brand, Rich Rum.
  • The agreement, covering the 2026 and 2027 CPL campaigns, makes Rich Rum, the premium Jamaican spirit co-founded by West Indies legend Chris Gayle, the exclusive rum supplier for all Jamaica Kingsmen home matches at Sabina Park.
  • The partnership arrives just ahead of the long-awaited return of CPL cricket to Kingston, with Sabina Park scheduled to host four matches between August 11 and 18, marking the tournament's first appearance in the capital since 2019.
  • More than sponsorship, a celebration of Jamaican identity Beyond supplying beverages on match days, Rich Rum will become an integral part of the fan experience through stadium activations, promotions, and entertainment designed to enhance the atmosphere surrounding Kingsmen home fixtures.
  • Jamaica Kingsmen Head of Operations Atishai Mansingh described the partnership as a perfect blend of cricket, entertainment, and homegrown enterprise.

As the Jamaica Kingsmen finalize preparations for the start of the 2026 Caribbean Premier League season, the franchise has secured a significant off-field victory, announcing a two-year commercial partnership with Triple Gold Rums Limited and its flagship brand, Rich Rum.

The agreement, covering the 2026 and 2027 CPL campaigns, makes Rich Rum, the premium Jamaican spirit co-founded by West Indies legend Chris Gayle, the exclusive rum supplier for all Jamaica Kingsmen home matches at Sabina Park.

The partnership arrives just ahead of the long-awaited return of CPL cricket to Kingston, with Sabina Park scheduled to host four matches between August 11 and 18, marking the tournament's first appearance in the capital since 2019.

More than sponsorship, a celebration of Jamaican identity

Beyond supplying beverages on match days, Rich Rum will become an integral part of the fan experience through stadium activations, promotions, and entertainment designed to enhance the atmosphere surrounding Kingsmen home fixtures.

Jamaica Kingsmen Head of Operations Atishai Mansingh described the partnership as a perfect blend of cricket, entertainment, and homegrown enterprise.

"This is the biggest party in sport, and Rich Rum is now part of it," Mansingh declared. "The man who created that party atmosphere, Chris Gayle, is now bringing his own brand to the Kingsmen and to Jamaica. He's the definition of mixing fun with cricket. Having his name attached to something so major, coming back to Jamaica, is a massive step in the right direction."

Mansingh said the agreement reflects the franchise's commitment to building stronger relationships with Jamaican companies while ensuring the economic benefits remain at home.

"We are a Jamaican team, and there's no better way to push that than using local products. Alongside Legend Beer, Coca-Cola, and local water brands, Rich Rum is curating real financial benefits for our people. This isn't about international ownership, it's about Jamaican pride."

Young brand gains global stage

For Triple Gold Rums Limited, the agreement represents a major milestone only weeks after the official launch of Rich Rum.

Incoming Chief Executive Officer and international beverage consultant Ian MacDonald believes the association with both Gayle and the Kingsmen provides an ideal platform to introduce the brand to cricket fans across the Caribbean and beyond.

"Having Chris's name on the bottle means everything. He's an icon, so it's a natural fit," MacDonald said.

He added that the CPL offers invaluable exposure for a company still establishing itself in the premium spirits market.

"But from a business standpoint, we're still in our infancy. To have a vehicle like the Jamaica Kingsmen and Sabina Park for people to trial our rum is invaluable. Add the global exposure from CPL broadcasts, and it's a perfect match. Chris is passionate about cricket; this is the house that made him. Seeing fans drink his rum at Sabina will be a magical moment for him."

Gayle looks forward to Sabina Park return

The partnership carries personal significance for Gayle, whose legendary career was built at Sabina Park before he became one of the greatest T20 players in cricket history.

A two-time ICC T20 World Cup champion and former Jamaica captain who led the franchise to two CPL titles in five seasons, Gayle said he is proud to support the team's pursuit of renewed success.

"I am very proud to support Jamaican cricket at Sabina Park through this partnership," Gayle said in a statement. "Sabina Park has a rich history and holds so many fond memories for me. I can't wait to return, enjoy our great-tasting, single-estate, triple-distilled, 100 per cent Jamaican Rich Rum, and cheer on the Kingsmen in their quest for another CPL championship."

Countdown to Kingston's CPL showcase

The Rich Rum partnership further strengthens an expanding commercial portfolio that already includes several prominent local brands, reinforcing the Kingsmen's ambition to deliver both elite cricket and an enhanced entertainment experience.

Fans will not have to wait long to see the new partnership in action.

The Kingsmen open their home schedule against the Barbados Tridents on August 11, before welcoming the Guyana Amazon Warriors on August 13, the Trinbago Knight Riders on August 15, and the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots on August 18, as CPL cricket returns to Sabina Park for the first time in seven years.

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