The EFL Trophy – known since last season and the Bristol Street Motors Trophy – is to be renamed the Vertu Trophy with immediate effect.
With many fans losing track of the competition’s numerous title sponsors, we have listed every name the EFL Trophy has gone by since its creation.
Founded in 1981/82 as the Football League Group Cup, the competition has taken on many formats.
And it has had even more names over the years. One way to tell when someone started watching football is to ask them what they call the EFL Trophy.
Currently, it is a cup competition open to teams in EFL League One and League Two. And since 2016, it has been open to under-21 sides from the Premier League and Championship.
Vertu Motors – who operate under several brands, including Bristol Street Motors – are consolidating into one brand under the Vertu name.
As a result, the EFL Trophy has been rebranded as the Vertu Trophy. The rebrand will be in place ahead of the Round of 32 draw, which will be shown live on Sky Sports on Tuesday 10 December.
New look and new name – introducing the Vertu Trophy. 🏆
Read more: https://t.co/Hpk6dHI9J2#EFL | #VertuTrophy pic.twitter.com/S5NtoHPjex
— Vertu Trophy (@VertuTrophy) November 21, 2024
Several high-profile clubs have booked their place in the draw, including the likes of Wrexham and Birmingham City.
Vertu have agreed a three-year deal with the EFL that will see them as title sponsors of the EFL Trophy until the end of 2025/26.
Football League And Vertu Motors Bosses Celebrate New Deal
Discussing the new agreement, EFL Chief Commercial Officer, Ben Wright said: “Vertu have contributed significantly to the ongoing success of the competition and have made a lasting impact in communities by supporting accessible football with ticket initiatives.
“Trophy attendances contributed strongly to the EFL’s status as the highest attended league body in Europe last season. And with every Vertu Trophy match live on Sky Sports this season, the exposure for the competition will continue on an upward trajectory.”
And those in charge of Vertu were equally excited to continue the partnership.
Rob Forrester, Chief Executive Officer at Vertu, said: “Our partnership with the EFL has been a huge success over the past twelve months, allowing us to engage with community groups across the country and including one of the most dramatic finals in competition history at Wembley Stadium back in April.
“As our business evolves to operate under one brand, we look forward to continuing to work alongside the EFL to drive the Vertu Trophy forwards. We are interested to see what fixtures emerge from Friday’s draw for the Round of 32.”
Every Name For The Vertu Trophy Over The Years
- 1981–1982 Football League Group Cup
- 1982–1983 Football League Trophy
- 1983–1984 Associate Members Cup
- 1984–1987 Freight Rover Trophy
- 1987–1989 Sherpa Van Trophy
- 1989–1992 Leyland DAF Cup
- 1992–1994 Autoglass Trophy
- 1994–2000 Auto Windscreens Shield
- 2000–2007 LDV Vans Trophy
- 2007–2016 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy
- 2016–2019 Checkatrade Trophy
- 2019–2020 Leasing.com Trophy
- 2020–2023 Papa Johns Trophy
- 2023–2024 Bristol Street Motors Trophy
- 2024–2026 Vertu Trophy
