"The deal provides significant revenue to help with our commercial objectives, allowing us to compete in a challenging and exciting Premier League campaign."
Ban on sight
The contract comes just before the expected rule that may be lowered by the Premier League's management to gradually ban the advertising of betting companies on the front of clubs' jerseys. It is an attempt to appease UK regulators, who want a total ban on advertising from the football industry.
“With a global presence, W88 is a brand that stands for integrity, trust and excellence and we will be actively promoting responsible gambling,” said Hilly Ehrlich, W88 Business Development Manager.
W88 has a tradition of sponsoring mid-sized Premier League teams. The betting company was once a master sponsor of Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton.
“We are proud and excited to be partnering with London's oldest professional football club, Fulham, in their return to the top division of English football. We are also looking forward to engaging with their passionate global fanbase over the coming season and delivering innovative content with the club,” said Hilly Ehrlich.
Under the agreement with Fulham, W88 will stamp its logo on the front of the men's and women's teams during the 2022/23 season. The company replaces World Mobile, which was on the front of the club's jerseys last season when Fulham won promotion to the Premier League.
Fans against the deal
By signing with W88, Fulham despised the opinion of their fans. According to a survey conducted by the Fulham Supporters' Trust, 47% of supporters are in favor of a total ban on sponsorship of gambling companies on football jerseys. 56% said they would be uncomfortable with a betting company as Fulham's main sponsor.
The new kit, already sponsored by W88, will be unveiled this Friday (29), in Fulham's last pre-season friendly against Villarreal, at Craven Cottage, in Fulham (southwest London). The start of its Premier League campaign will be the following week, against Liverpool.
Properties
In addition to the jersey sponsorship, W88 will also be entitled to advertisements at Craven Cottage stadium on match days and on Fulham's digital channels. W88 will also be enabled through digital and social content creation.
Source: J7
