Crypto iGaming platforms are gaining significant attention, and one way they’re achieving this is through high-profile sponsorships and collaborations with some of the biggest names in sports. Here’s a look at some of the prominent sports stars who are promoting crypto gambling brands.
1. Israel Adesanya (Stake)
Israel Adesanya, the Nigerian-born New Zealand mixed martial artist, has signed a partnership with Stake, one of the betting websites listed on Bitcoin.com, and a crypto gambling platform giant. Known for his flashy fighting style and charismatic persona, Adesanya has helped bring crypto gambling into the mainstream, reaching MMA fans across the globe. His endorsement undoubtedly adds credibility and visibility to the Stake brand, especially among the younger demographic that follows both crypto trends and combat sports.
2. The Argentine Football Team (BC.GAME)
It’s old football news that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has entered a global sponsorship agreement with BC.GAME a leading crypto casino. This collaboration has led to engaging renowned players like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Paulo Dybala to promote the brand. Messi, in particular, is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his association with a crypto brand adds an unprecedented level of recognition and appeal to the crypto-gaming world. The Argentine stars’ massive following in South America and around the world ensures a broad reach for BC.GAME.
3. Southampton FC (Sportsbet.io)
Premier League team Southampton has been involved in a record-breaking sponsorship deal with Sportsbet.io, a crypto sports betting giant. While this involves the entire club rather than individual players, the collaboration with one of England’s top football teams showcases the reach and impact crypto iGaming platforms are having within professional sports.
4. Tom Brady (FTX)
American football star Tom Brady considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, has expressed his interest in cryptocurrencies and partnered with FTX, a leading crypto exchange. Although not directly related to crypto gambling, Brady’s association with the crypto world has raised awareness and piqued interest in the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem, including iGaming platforms.
5. Neymar (PokerStars)
Brazilian football sensation Neymar has partnered with PokerStars, a prominent online poker platform that has embraced cryptocurrencies. Neymar’s dynamic and exciting playing style, coupled with his huge social media following, has helped draw attention to crypto iGaming platforms, especially among football fans.
6. James Rodriguez (Crypto Betting Platform)
Colombian football star James Rodriguez launched his cryptocurrency and has been actively involved in promoting crypto betting platforms. His influence in Latin America and European football markets positions him as a prominent figure in the crypto iGaming industry.
7. Sportsbet.io’s Multiple Deals
Sportsbet.io, another giant in crypto sports betting, signed a 3-year $5 million deal with Arsenal, a $17 million, 3.5-year deal with São Paulo, and a record-breaking three-year deal with Southampton FC. These collaborations showcase the aggressive approach of crypto platforms in establishing partnerships with prominent football clubs, cementing their presence in the sports sponsorship landscape.
8. Usain Bolt and Gamdom
Usain Bolt, the renowned Jamaican sprinter, has recently become the official ambassador for Gamdom, one of the world’s largest iGaming companies specializing in crypto gaming. Gamdom was founded in 2016 and now offers a range of gambling services to its growing global customer base. Bolt’s face can now be seen on promotional banners and on the main page of the operator.
9. Crypto Sponsorship Trends
The landscape of crypto casino sponsorships is replete with multi-year, multi-million mega deals. From the re-brand of the Staples Centre to Crypto.com Arena to Super Bowl ads promoting crypto, the crypto casino sports sponsorships are creating awareness and making it hard for fans and the general populace to overlook their growing influence. We read more and more in Esports news is gamers taking on the role of ambassadors of betting brands. Possibly, this is the next target for big crypto sportsbooks.
10. Other Notable Deals
Crypto.com Arena: Crypto.com’s 20-year, $700 million deal to rename the Staples Centre highlights crypto brands’ enormous financial investments in long-term branding.
Coinbase and NBA: A $192 million sponsorship agreement over four years, reflecting the deepening relationship between crypto trading platforms and professional basketball.
Conclusion
The marriage between sports stars and crypto iGaming platforms represents a profound shift in the world of sponsorships. It’s not just about increasing visibility but also about aligning the emerging world of crypto gambling with the excitement, energy, and passion found in sports.
From individual athletes like Israel Adesanya and Lionel Messi to globally recognized teams and organizations, these collaborations signal a future where crypto gambling is mainstreamed and embraced by sports fans worldwide. With projections suggesting that blockchain sports sponsorship spending may reach $5 billion by 2026, the growth, appeal, and dynamism of crypto casino sports sponsorships seem unstoppable.
I am Barry Fitzgerald and I have been working in the news industry for more than 9 years now. I specialize in covering eSports news and other related topics, and have written articles for various websites. As an avid fan of eSports, I am passionate about providing comprehensive information on the latest happenings in gaming.
