Why Is The EFL Cup Called The Carabao Cup
The EFL Cup is one of the biggest knockout tournaments in English football, featuring clubs from the Premier League and the English Football League. It has been played since 1960 and has produced some of the most dramatic moments in domestic cup history.
But in recent years, fans around the world have known it by a different name, the Carabao Cup. Many new followers often wonder why the competition carries this title. The answer lies in sponsorship and branding agreements.
The Sponsorship Behind the Name
The EFL Cup has had different sponsors over the decades, and its official name often changes to reflect these partnerships. In 2017, the tournament entered into a sponsorship deal with Carabao, a Thai energy drink brand.
Under this agreement, the competition became officially known as the Carabao Cup. Sponsorship deals like this help fund the competition, support prize money distribution, and ensure wider global coverage.
What is Carabao?
Carabao is a popular energy drink brand founded in Thailand in 2002. It has expanded its presence internationally and uses sports sponsorships, especially football, to grow brand awareness. By partnering with the EFL, Carabao positioned itself in front of millions of football fans worldwide.
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Previous Names of the EFL Cup
Over the years, the EFL Cup has been branded with several sponsor names, including:
- Milk Cup (1981-1986)
- Littlewoods Cup (1986-1990)
- Coca-Cola Cup (1992-1998)
- Worthington Cup (1998-2003)
- Carling Cup (2003-2012)
- Capital One Cup (2012-2016)
- EFL Cup (2016-2017, sponsorless)
- Carabao Cup (2017-present)
This shows a long tradition of commercial sponsorship being tied to the competition’s name.
Why It Matters
While the sponsorship name may change, the essence of the competition remains the same: a knockout tournament where clubs from different tiers of English football compete for silverware and a route into European football.
The “Carabao Cup” title simply reflects the current sponsor, but for fans, it continues to be the EFL Cup that offers drama, surprises, and a final at Wembley Stadium.
FAQs
Q1. What does EFL Cup stand for?
A. It stands for the English Football League Cup.
Q2. Since when has it been called the Carabao Cup?
A. Since the 2017-18 season, after Carabao became the official sponsor.
Q3. Who are Carabao?
A. Carabao is a Thai energy drink company that sponsors the tournament.
Q4. Has the EFL Cup had other names before?
A. Yes, it has been called the Milk Cup, Coca-Cola Cup, Carling Cup, Capital One Cup, and more.
Q5. Does the sponsorship affect the format of the competition?
A. No, the sponsorship only changes the name and branding, not the structure of the tournament.
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Also Read- Where To Watch Carabao Cup: Live Stream And TV Guide
