LONDON: Global investment platform eToro has launched partnerships with seven Premier League clubs including Tottenham Hotspur in landmark deals that have been paid for using Bitcoin for the first time in the history of sports business.
eToro will partner with Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Cardiff City FC, Crystal Palace FC, Leicester City FC, Newcastle United FC and Southampton FC besides Tottenham.
Iqbal V Gandham, UK managing director at eToro said: “As a global multi-asset platform where you can purchase the world’s biggest cryptoassets alongside more traditional investments, we are excited to be partnering with so many Premier League clubs and make history by being the first company ever to pay for a Premier League partnership in bitcoin.”
“Today’s (Wednesday’s) announcement is the first small step on a long road to football fully embracing blockchain technology. Education will be key so that industries can understand the potential and so getting global exposure through these Premier League clubs represents a great opportunity to raise awareness.
“Blockchain brings transparency, which means it can improve the experience for everyone who loves the ‘beautiful game’.”
These partnerships mark the first step in bringing the opportunity offered by bitcoin and cryptoassets to football. eToro believes that crypto, and the technology, namely blockchain that underpins it, can improve football and the world of sports. In the future, this could include addressing issues of ticket touting, problems with transparency, and providing a guarantee of authenticity for merchandise.
As a partner of these clubs, the company will gain global exposure through an extensive range of marketing opportunities including matchday LED boards, player access, tickets and digital rights.
As a global multi-asset platform, eToro empowers people to invest by giving them access to the financial instruments they want. The company has created a global community of more than 10 million registered users who share their investment strategies and anyone can follow the approaches of those who have been the most successful.
Fran Jones, head of Partnerships, Tottenham Hotspur FC said: “At Tottenham Hotspur we are committed to technology and innovation and as such we’re excited to welcome eToro as a partner in a category that is developing at a rapid rate.”
Jonathan Gregory, commercial director, Leicester City FC said: “We are pleased to welcome eToro to the Club as an Official Partner, it is exciting to be working with such an innovative industry leader. Much like Leicester City, eToro is an ambitious brand with a significant global reach and we look forward to working together throughout the season.”
