July 17 – Premier League side Southampton, back in the top flight next season after a year in the Championship, have signed crypto casino Rollbit as the club’s shirt sponsor.
Rollbit take over from another crypto-based gaming company, Sportsbet.io.
The deal covers the men’s first team, whilst the women’s team will continue to wear Starling Bank as their shirt sponsor for the coming season.
Through the deal Rollbit also secures brand visibility around St Mary’s Stadium on LED advertising boards and in hospitality lounges. The agreement marks Rollbit’s first deal with a Premier League side as the crypto market looks to be returning to football sponsorship.
The length and value of the deal remains undisclosed.
As well as a fresh front-of-shirt sponsor, Saints will have a new kit supplier for next season after striking a multi-year tie-up with Puma, which replaces Hummel.
Greg Baker, chief revenue officer for Southampton said: “We’re pleased to welcome Rollbit, a leader in the online gaming space, into the Saints family as our Official Front of Shirt Partner. This partnership marks a dynamic fusion of technology and sport, at an exciting time for the club as we embark on our journey back in the Premier League. Together, we look forward to creating unforgettable moments for our fans.”
The club announced the deal in tandem with their official kit release on social media though is already unpopular with fans, who called it “horrific” and demanded the club “release the actual home kit”.
Sam Norman, Head of Partnerships for Rollbit said: “We feel Southampton is the perfect club to embark on this journey with as we look to continue to expand our presence globally with one of the Premier League’s most respected teams. We believe in the vision of the club that embodies our commitment to innovation and excellence and look forward to cheering on with Saints fans everywhere in this exciting next chapter for Southampton.”
Southampton open their return to the Premier League against Newcastle United at St James’s Park on August 17. Before then, they face a gruelling seven-match pre-season beginning on July 19, which will see the club host Getafe, Lazio, Montpellier and Bordeaux amongst a roster of lower-tier English sides.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1735282984labto1735282984ofdlr1735282984owedi1735282984sni@g1735282984niwe.1735282984yrrah1735282984