Southampton Football Club has unveiled its new main sponsor. The club on Tuesday posted the announcement that it has signed a one-year contract with Sportsbet.io to become the new main club partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2020/21 season.
Sportsbet.io, a sportsbook of the Coingaming Group, is a leading cryptocurrency-based sports betting platform.
The company, who will feature on the front of the first-team and Under-23 shirts, has stepped in at short notice to help support the club ahead of the upcoming season
“We will work closely together in the coming weeks to provide the best possible solution for those fans who wish to show their support to the team with updated replica shirts,” the group said in a statement.
Southampton’s Chief Commercial Officer, David Thomas, said the club was “delighted” to have Sportsbet.io on board.
“Sportsbet.io have redefined the online betting space by combining cutting-edge technology with cryptocurrency expertise and a passion for offering its players with the ultimate fun, fast and fair gaming experience. They are fully committed to providing a safe place where people can enjoy their games responsibly, and have a world-class social responsibility team in place. The club will work with Sportsbet.io and our local community to promote this important social responsibility message over the course of the upcoming year.
“Everyone at the club is looking forward to the start of what we hope will be a strong season for Southampton, and we are very happy that we will be able to share that journey with Sportsbet.io,” Thomas said.
Coingaming CEO, Tim Heath, said the group was thrilled to have done the deal “with one of the Premier League’s most ambitious teams.
“Sportsbet.io shares the club’s desire to disrupt its industry and increase its global reach. We’re proud to be able to contribute to the Saints and support such a prestigious team which has been around for nearly 135 years!”
Southampton also announced the end of the club’s relationship with LD Sports. It was not clear why LD Sports – a China-based “sports content, marketing and entertainment platform” was unable to fulfil its commitments but the late change has been hugely embarrassing for the club and fans have already purchased the new season’s shirts, complete with LD Sports branding.
“The club has also taken the difficult decision to temporarily halt all sales of home, away and third kits. Fans who have already purchased a 20/21 home, away or third shirt with LD Sports on the front are kindly asked for their patience and understanding at this time whilst the club resolves what is an extremely complex situation and sources a solution for updating their shirts,” the statement said.
