Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), franchise holders of quick-service food brand KFC, reinforced its commitment to the growth and development of local football with its most recent sponsorship of the Jamaica Women’s Premier League.

KFC has committed J$2.5 million towards the 2025 season of the local women’s league — a combination of cash and meal support.

The quick-service restaurant leader has long been a champion of Jamaican football. KFC Jamaica was a proud sponsor of the Reggae Girlz ahead of their historic FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign in 2023 and even prior to that, has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Schoolboy Football competition, a crucial incubator of young football talent. The extension of its support to the Jamaica Women’s Premier League is a strategic step in ensuring that women’s football receives the same investment, visibility, and resources necessary for sustained growth and success.

“KFC Jamaica is thrilled to continue investing in the development of our local football. Football is one of the most powerful platforms for community and national development, and this league gives young women a chance to develop, showcase their skills, and shine while also auditioning for even bigger footballing opportunities,” explained marketing manager Andrei Roper, emphasising the brand’s mission of fueling the future of Jamaican football talent.

“The achievements of our Reggae Girlz over the past six years in qualifying for not just one, but two FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, have shown us what our women are capable of, and the exploits of our own KFC brand ambassador, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, one of the biggest stars in women’s football, are a clear indicator of the excellence that lies within our women footballers,” he added.

The sponsorship comes at a time when women’s football is experiencing unprecedented global growth. FIFA reported that the 2023 Women’s World Cup broke viewership records, with over 2 billion people tuning in. This surge in interest presents an opportunity for national leagues, such as the Jamaica Women’s Premier League, to attract greater sponsorship, increase player development, and build a stronger pipeline for future international stars.

Christina Hudson, chairperson of the Professional Women’s Football Jamaica Limited (PWFJL) noted, “KFC was the first sponsor to commit without hesitation, and that meant a great deal to us. Their unwavering support for sports in Jamaica has a widespread impact, benefiting countless individuals across the country. At PWFJL, we are committed to capacity-building initiatives that uplift the women involved in football, and our goal is to maximise opportunities for female players.”

“KFC’s support as our first official sponsor is a real game-changer. It lays the foundation for us to create a truly professional product, one that will not only elevate women’s football but also attract even more sponsors in the future. This is a long-term investment and we are excited about what’s to come,” she added.

KFC Jamaica’s ongoing commitment to football is exemplified by its endorsement of elite talent. Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, one of the world’s top strikers and captain of the Reggae Girlz, has been a KFC brand ambassador since 2022. Her rise from local football leagues to the global stage serves as an inspiration to young female players, proving that with the right support, Jamaica’s women footballers can compete and triumph at the highest level.

As the new season kicks off, KFC Jamaica’s sponsorship promises to bring renewed energy, increased exposure, and greater opportunities for the next generation of women football stars.