30.06.2026 22:00
Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, who provided 3 million 150 thousand dollars in support to Erzincanspor at the beginning of the season, has pledged 5 million dollars in support for the new season.
Following the 3 million 150 thousand dollar support provided to his hometown team Erzincanspor by Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, a new 5 million dollar contract covering the upcoming season, including jersey chest sponsorship, has been signed.
SUPPORT FROM HAMDI ULUKAYA TO ERZINCANSPOR
In addition to Ulukaya, Governor Hamza Aydoğdu, AK Party Erzincan Deputy Süleyman Karaman, CHP Erzincan Deputy Mustafa Sarıgül, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Batuhan Mumcu, Mayor Bekir Aksun, Erzincanspor Club President Alaattin Yavuz Güneş, and members of the red and black club's board of directors attended the signing ceremony and press conference held at Erzincan 13 Şubat City Stadium. Prior to the meeting, Ulukaya and the protocol members watched young football players play a match at the stadium. Governor Hamza Aydoğdu, in his speech there, stated that there was effort and a story behind the press conference.
''SHOULD MAKE EVERYONE PROUD''
Aydoğdu noted that when he spoke with Ulukaya on the phone, he witnessed his longing and love for his homeland, and said:
"Sometimes one person can change a city, a town, or a village. A person who emerged from the heart of Erzincan and created a global brand returning to his homeland, his soil, and embracing his club and city should truly make everyone proud as a citizen of Erzincan. As the Governor of Erzincan, he has also made us proud."
''NO MATTER HOW FAR ONE GOES...''
Chobani Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, explaining that he sees the support provided to Erzincanspor not as an investment, but as a sign of his loyalty to Erzincan, said:
"Life took us far away, to another continent of the world, but over the years I have learned that no matter how far a person goes with their body, their heart remains where it belongs. Because football is much more than a game played on the field. Football transforms a city into a homeland and acts as cement in forming social identity and brand cities. This support is not support given to a sports club. It is a shoulder given to a city, to the dreams of the children whose excitement we share today. We must work shoulder to shoulder to produce world-class footballers from this city. In the new era, our number one task should be infrastructure. This project we will realize here will set an example for all Anatolian clubs as it succeeds."
''COMMITTED AN ADDITIONAL 5 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRIBUTION''
Erzincanspor Club President Alaattin Yavuz Güneş also stated that Ulukaya stepped up without any conditions or expectations, and conveyed that approximately 3 million 150 thousand dollars in contributions were provided to the club, saying, "If that initial support had not come, we would not be gathered around this table today. Imagine, we were facing disputes with nearly 40 football players. Some had not even received their down payments. With Mr. Hamdi Ulukaya acting upon our single request, the club's urgent debts were cleared, the interest spiral was stopped, and most importantly, our players returned to the field. Erzincanspor took a breath again. Thankfully, Ulukaya did not stop his support there. He committed an additional 5 million dollar contribution to our club for the upcoming season."