Man Utd close to eight-figure deal after Premier League ban | Football | Sport

From the beginning of the 2026/27 season, there will be no betting advertisements displayed across the kits of any team in the top tier of English football. Nevertheless, United are in discussions over a sponsorship arrangement with Betway valued at £18million, which would see the gambling firm become their training kit sponsor. It’s a deal which may not sit comfortably with the club’s supporters and English football more broadly.

The Manchester Evening News has confirmed that Betway would feature prominently on United clothing worn by players at their Carrington training facility. Consequently, it would appear in video and photographic material captured of United players during training sessions.

United’s training kits were previously sponsored by blockchain firm Tezos, but that arrangement concluded in June 2025. Betway has previously been the front of shirt sponsor for West Ham United and also maintains global gambling partnerships with Manchester City, Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Any agreement between Betway and United is understood to be worth around £18m, a substantial sum for a single partner, drawing comparisons with Bayern Munich’s arrangement with Allianz, which also encompasses stadium naming rights.

United have gone through this season without a sponsor for their training kit. Following the conclusion of their deal with Tezos, the club opted against rushing into an agreement with a replacement sponsor.

The Red Devils were determined to take their time in identifying a partner that not only satisfies the necessary financial criteria but also represents a compelling, marketable match for the club. Executives held discussions with Tanzania, the African arm of the Six Rivers Foundation.

Despite United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe holding an investment in the conservation project, the two parties were unable to reach an agreement. When majority owners Joel and Avram Glazer paid a visit to Carrington in January, the club’s commercial revenue featured prominently among the key topics of discussion.

The club have also enlisted the services of marketing agency Two Circles, of which former United sales manager Leo Thompson is a member. The firm has been supporting the club’s efforts to secure a new sleeve sponsor, with DXC’s contract due to expire in the summer.

That search has been considerably aided by Michael Carrick guiding United into next season’s Champions League, having sealed their place in Europe’s premier competition with a 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.