- Gambling exodus leaves Premier League clubs in the red.
- Crypto firms seek to fill the void left by gambling sponsors.
- Gambling is linked with social harm.
Crypto firms are doubling down on sports advertising, with the Premier League emerging as their latest playing field. As soccerโs top tier phases out gambling sponsorship, digital asset companies are jumping at the chance to showcase their names and logos.
Premier League Turns to Crypto
The crypto industry’s push into Premier League sponsorship has hit record highs, according to data from SportsQuake published by Bloomberg. Firms spent ยฃ129.7 million ($170 million) in the 2024/2025 season as gambling sponsorships are gradually phased out.
This seasonโs spending reflects a nearly 10x increase from the ยฃ13.8 million spent four years ago and has narrowly surpassed the previous peak of ยฃ125.2 million set during the 2022/2023 season.
Sponsored
SportQuake CEO Matt House noted that crypto firms were once hesitant to engage in sponsorship deals due to regulatory uncertainty. However, this has changed, with companies now more confident in navigating advertising rules and understanding what is allowed.
Despite the influx of crypto cash, Premier League clubs are not taking any risks. Teams are implementing safeguards to minimize risk, including upfront payment demands, reputational damage clauses, and bank guarantee requirements.
Premier League clubs face pressure to move away from gambling sponsors, which currently back 40% of teams and generate an estimated ยฃ60 million ($78.7 million) in annual revenue, according to digital marketers Add People.
Gambling Addiction
Beginning with the 2026/2027 season, Premier League clubs will voluntarily remove gambling sponsors from the front of matchday shirts, a move prompted by increasing government scrutiny of betting regulations.
This shift reflects growing concerns about the impact of gambling on football fans, with the BBC reporting that British punters lost a staggering ยฃ14 billion ($18.3 billion) last year alone.
Research has revealed a disturbing connection between gambling addiction and suicide, though experts believe the true scale of the crisis is largely understated due to the lack of recognition gambling receives in the reporting of suicide deaths.
On the Flipside
- Some argue there is a fine line between gambling and trading.
- Soccer is the most popular sport for crypto sponsorship in terms of number of new deals, followed by esports.
- Crypto sponsorships often target younger demographics, potentially creating a new generation of fans more familiar with digital assets than traditional finance.
Why This Matters
As Premier League clubs shift from gambling to crypto sponsorships, they are potentially placing their storied legacies in the hands of an emerging industry still finding its footing.
Chiliz seeks to expand its sponsorship of leading soccer clubs.
Chiliz (CHZ) Kicks Off Sports Division to Onboard Top Clubs
WazirX users voice skepticism over creditor committee plans post-hack.
WazirXโs Creditor Committee Formation Raises Whitewash Fears
