Betfair signs FC Barcelona sponsorship tie

BETFAIR HAS signed a two-sponsorship deal with Champions League winners FC Barcelona, less than a month after signing a similar deal with Manchester United.

The British betting exchange is now the Spanish football giant’s official betting partner, as it is for Manchester Utd FC since signing a deal with the English club three weeks ago, and has also created a dedicated football website, BetfairFootball.com.

The deals are part of a new marketing push on football by Betfair which also included an official betting partner with UK sport radio station TalkSport this week, after focusing on cricket and horse racing in recent years. The deals are Betfair’s first football club ties since its one-year shirt deal with Fulham FC in 2003.

As part of the deal with Barcelona, Betfair will generate sports betting content through the club’s website, and Betfair branding will be visible across locations including perimeter boards at the club’s Camp Nou stadium.

The company will also receive a package of other rights including tickets, hospitality and training ground access. Barcelona members and fans will also benefit from numerous offers and exclusive Betfair promotions.

Betfair’s European Director Andy May (pictured right with FC Barcelona marketing manager Jaume Ferrer) said: “This sponsorship agreement between ourselves and Barcelona aligns us with the most charismatic and thriving club in Europe. The Catalan club’s successes are similar to the trajectory Betfair has taken in recent years.”