SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Aston Villa has announced that its principal partnership with online betting site W88 will officially conclude at the end of the campaign with Cazoo becoming the club’s front of shirt sponsor.
The W88 partnership, which was the club’s third principle partner in three years following 32Red and Unibet, has come to ‘its natural end’, according to the club. Moreover, its deal with Cazoo means that the Premier League side will not feature a gambling logo on the front of its shirt since the 2016/17 season.
A spokesperson of the club stated: “Aston Villa can confirm that the Principal Partnership with W88 will end following the completion of the 19/20 season.
“The online betting and gaming site’s deal saw them appear on the front of all first-team kits during the 2019/20 season and their partnership with Aston Villa will come to its natural end.
“The club would like to thank W88 for their support over the past 12 months.”
Aston Villa will continue to use W88 branded shirts until the 2019/20 season officially concludes due to both sides previously agreeing a short-term extension following the global health pandemic suspending the campaign.
Additionally, at the time the partnership between the two entities was described by Aston Villa’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nicola Ibbetson ‘a record-breaking commercial partnership for the club’ as the side gained promotion to the Premier League.
Cazoo has signed a multi-year deal with Aston Villa which will see the firm’s logo be prominent on the playing kits and training wear of all the club’s men’s and Women’s sides.
Regarding the new partnership, Ibbetson stated: “We are immensely proud to have partnered with one of the fastest growing businesses in the UK and Cazoo’s commitment to a partnership with Aston Villa provides both parties with an opportunity to work together for many years to come.
“Alongside several planned activations and fan engagement activities, all generations of Villa fans will be able to wear replica shirts that faithfully resemble those of their on-pitch heroes with the Cazoo branding appearing on all replica kit.”
