Banks secures stadium naming rights deal

A County Durham-based family business has secured naming rights for a major sports venue.

Durham Cricket has signed a multi-year deal with property and mining firm Banks Group, making the firm its new principal partner and renaming its Chester-le-Street ground the Banks Homes Riverside Stadium. 

Banks’ branding will also feature on Durham’s men’s, women’s and junior teams’ kits.

Founded in 1976, Banks Group, which recently expanded into housebuilding through its Banks Homes arm, has supported Durham Cricket for more than 30 years, funding grassroots initiatives and helping the club achieve first-class county status in 1992.

Tim Bostock, Durham Cricket chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to further expand our relationship with Banks Group in what is a significant moment for Durham Cricket.

“Banks Group has been a long-term partner of Durham Cricket who have supported us for over 30 years, and it is fantastic to see they are continuing to work with us over the next chapter for the club.”

Russ Hall, managing director at Banks Homes, added: “Banks Homes is already making its mark on the residential property market, and this new relationship with Durham Cricket gives us the ideal platform for further increasing brand recognition across our target markets.”

The sponsorship deal also forms part of Banks’ 50th anniversary in 2026.

Harry Banks, chair and chief executive at the Banks Group, who also served as president of Durham County Cricket Club in 1998 and 1999, added: “We’ve been part of the Durham Cricket story for many years and it’s a real landmark for us, as a family business that was founded in County Durham almost 50 years ago, to be starting a new chapter in this very successful relationship.

“Our home county has been the breeding ground for so many outstanding players and teams over the years, and we’re excited to see what all the club’s teams can achieve this season as we extend our support for the home of Durham cricket.”

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