OWEN Hill, chief executive officer of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), remains confident that a deal will soon be struck to confirm the title sponsor of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) which kicks off on Sunday.

At the press launch on Thursday at the offices of
TVJ, Hill confirmed that long-time headline sponsor Wray & Nephew and JPL have ended their contractual agreement.

Although Hill stopped short of naming the prospective sponsor, the Wisynco Group is understood to be involved through its Legend Beer brand. Wisynco recently posted on
Instagram that it was “powering a new chapter for Jamaica Premier League”, while also referencing a J$300-million commitment over five years to Jamaican football.

“It’s unfortunate that we don’t have a title sponsor on the dotted line and we’re very close,” he said.

“The league kicks off on Sunday,” Hill said, noting that four matches are scheduled for the opening day, with another two set for Monday.

Hill explained that PFJL has a contractual obligation to begin the season within a specific window, making it necessary for the league to move forward while the sponsorship negotiations continue.

He was quick to point out that negotiations have been taking place at the boardroom level on a daily basis as both sides work through the final details of what could become a significant long-term partnership.

“We’ve been in the boardroom every single day. We’re hammering all those fine points within a five-year conversation,” he said.

While the agreement had not been signed at the time of his comments, Hill insisted that the league is close to securing a major commercial partnership.

“I’m positive that it’s going to be a bigger, better league as we go forward,” he said.

According to Hill, the plan is not only to secure a new presenting partner but also to attract additional supporting partners, with the ultimate aim of creating greater financial stability for the league and its 14 clubs.

“We will be having a new presenting partner and some supporting lead partners,” he noted.

Hill stressed that PFJL is seeking more than a short-term sponsorship arrangement, saying the objective is to build a sustainable football economy in Jamaica.

“We’re building a football economy and that requires strategy and it also requires some assurance from our commercial partners,” he explained.

Portmore United players celebrate after defeating Cavalier FC on penalties to claim the Jamaica Premier League title at the National Stadium on May 24, 2026.Photo: Naphtali Junior

“The league’s 14 clubs must be developed as economic engines capable of creating value for their communities, players, sponsors and international football markets,” Hill added.

A major part of that vision is positioning the JPL as a pathway for Jamaican players to secure opportunities in professional leagues overseas.

“We are a source market for football. People come here and we need to get them out into more professional leagues,” Hill said.

For that to happen, he said improvements are needed in areas such as infrastructure, marketing, player nutrition, support services and the overall professionalism of the domestic game.

Hill also highlighted the importance of television exposure, noting that PFJL has deliberately built the JPL around broadcast visibility and improved production.

“We’ve built the product specifically around exposure and television and broadcast,” he said.

The league is also expected to benefit from improvements to playing surfaces and expanded television and production coverage as PFJL continues to develop the competition.

“Those investments can have a wider impact on Jamaican football, including strengthening the national team and helping the country work towards its long-term ambition of qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup,” said Hill.

“Definitely, we are ready,” he said. “The teams are ready. The players are excited. I think all the pieces are coming together.”

For PFJL, the success of the upcoming season will therefore extend beyond the league’s commercial performance. Hill said progress will also be measured by the number of players advancing into national-team programmes and professional leagues overseas.

With the JPL set to begin as scheduled, PFJL will continue its final negotiations in the hope of securing the anticipated long-term partnership and taking another step towards establishing a stronger and more sustainable football economy in Jamaica.

On Sunday, champions Portmore United were expected to kick start the defense of their title against Waterhouse FC but that game has been postponed.

However, there will be four games on as Dunbeholden FC host Cavalier FC; promoted Humble Lion FC travel to Tivoli Gardens FC, Mount Pleasant FA face debutants Tru-Juice FC at Bramwell Clarke Sports Complex and Montego Bay United tackle Chapelton Maroons FC at Jarrett Park. All games are to begin at 3:30 pm.

On Monday, there will be a double-header at Stadium East as Molynes United take on Treasure Beach FC at 5:30 pm before Racing United face Arnett Gardens at 8:00 pm.