The English Football League (EFL) is close to signing a £5 million deal with Jersey Mike's that will see the American fast-food chain become the new title sponsor of the EFL Trophy, according to Daily Mail Sport.
Daily Mail Sport understands officials are nearing a record five-season partnership that will also increase prize money for the competition, which was formerly known as the Vertu Trophy. The hope is to announce the deal before the next fixtures in this year's midweek knockout tournament.
The EFL Trophy is open to all 48 League One and League Two clubs, along with 16 invited under-21 academy sides from Premier League clubs.
Jersey Mike's UK expansion
Jersey Mike's is relatively unknown in Britain but is a staple across the United States and Canada, where it has 3,300 branches and an annual turnover of around $4.2 billion.
The chain is due to launch in the UK in the near future, with its first store set to open in London's West End later this year. It aims to bring 400 stores to the UK and Ireland.
Industry experts believe the move will spark a battle in the sandwich market with popular High Street chain Subway. Jersey Mike's is known for its Original Italian, Famous Philly and Big Kahuna Cheese Steak subs.
Prize money and past sponsorship
Clubs are expected to benefit from an initial payment of £900,000 this season, a figure that rises over the course of the deal. Vertu is understood to have paid £800,000 as title sponsor in 2025-26, and an average of £720,000 across its three seasons backing the competition.
This season's EFL Trophy
Sixteen Premier League clubs, including champions Arsenal, are taking part in this season's competition, which began in August. Manchester United, Bournemouth and promoted duo Coventry City and Hull City will not be involved.
