EFL tournament changes name with immediate effect as fans get first look at trophy

THE EFL Trophy has been rebranded as the Jersey Mike’s Trophy after a big-money new sponsorship deal was struck. The American fast-food giant has wrapped up a £5million agreement to land the naming rights. Jack Wilshere guided Luton to EFL Trophy glory last season Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The tournament has been renamed the Jersey Mike’s Trophy Credit: X And fans have been given a first look at the silverware, which was bagged by Luton when Jack Wilshere’s side beat Stockport in April. A statement from the EFL read: “American sub brand Jersey Mike’s has officially arrived in English football as the brand-new title sponsor of the EFL Trophy. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! “The blockbuster partnership will run until the end of the 2030/31 season and comes just as Jersey Mike’s prepares to make its debut in the UK, with a flagship first restaurant on Argyll Street off Oxford Circus in London later this year. “The recognised sub brand is a household name in the United States and Canada, operating over 3,300 stores, and now it’s time for the Brits to get a taste. “Jersey Mike’s prides itself on a longstanding commitment to giving back to communities, making the EFL Trophy a fitting competition to sponsor. “The Trophy continues to provide a platform to emerging talent, with 123 EFL Academy players making their professional debut in the competition over the course of 2025/26.” All 48 clubs in League One and League Two, plus 16 invited Premier League Under-21s sides, are battling it out for the Jersey Mike’s Trophy ahead of the final being held at Wembley in April. But some fans have raced onto social media to make it clear they are not in favour of the name change. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS One said: “Is it April Fools already?” Another added: “You are just trolling now.” A third chimed in: “Deary me.” A fourth noted: “It will always be the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.” Luton won the competition in April Credit: Getty Wembley will host the Jersey Mike’s Trophy final Credit: Reuters The competition was known as the Vertu Trophy for the past three seasons, with that sponsorship deal ending after the 2025/26 campaign. Luton’s tournament win last term came after they were reinstated when Swindon breached rules. Comment now