November 24 – The ban on betting sponsors in Spain hasn’t stopped clubs selling their overseas inventory with Espanyol having closed a sponsorship agreement in Asia with KTO.
Espanyol have seen a big jump in interest from China following the signing of Wu Lei (pictured) in January 2019. The club’s Chinese social networks make up 43% of the total number of fans worldwide across the different profiles of the club’s in social networks.
Espanyol has grown to 1.98 million followers on digital social platforms, 70% more than at the end of the 2017-2018 season.
The KTO deal, which initially runs until the end of the season, will see the online gambler become an ‘Official Asian Partner’. KTO will have rights to use the club’s marks in China as well as image rights and advertising on non-Spanish facing club digital platforms.
KTO is the second regional sponsor of the club in Spain.
Javier Tebas said last week that the ban on betting sponsorship in Spain will cost La Liga clubs about €90 million in revenues. He said clubs are already facing a €500 million funding shortfall to finish the season.
Gambling advertising in Spain will only be allowed on traditional media from 1-5am.
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