The English Premier League’s ban on unlicensed gambling sponsorship had a big impact on some clubs. A few teams will take significant revenue hits because of the move.
One club executive told the Daily Mail that sportsbooks had been willing to pay a premium to advertise their companies on the front of an EPL jersey. Some clubs are reportedly finding it difficult to replace those brands.
Executives Scrambling For Other Sponsors
The ban goes into place next season after the UK Gambling Commission scrutinized soccer club sponsorship deals with unlicensed gaming operators.
In letters to the clubs, regulators warned that the teams “may be liable to prosecution … if they promote unlicensed gambling businesses that transact with consumers in Great Britain.”
Club executives are now searching for other options.
“Clubs are finding that such a premium is elusive outside of the gambling industry and are bracing themselves to pen deals at less than half the money,” the Daily Mail reported. “The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the current 11, which includes the likes of Fulham, West Ham, and Bournemouth, tend to be in the group that will be hit the hardest by lost revenue.”
Some clubs may now lack a front-of-jersey sponsor when the new season begins. Clubs can still feature gambling brands on sleeves, but the Gambling Commission warnings may cause teams to think twice about it.
No Sheffield Deal For WSOP Europe Champ
Along with the sponsorship news, some poker-related EPL news also surfaced last week. It appears 2010 World Series of Poker Europe main event winner James Bord is unlikely to take control of Sheffield United. Bord won more than $1.3 million en route to a poker resume totaling north of $3.8 million.
After exiting poker on a full-time basis, Bord went the entrepreneurial route and founded a tech company.
Despite club administrators naming Bord as the preferred buyer, the team is now in negotiations Arise Capital Partners.
