Stake News inks multi-year deal with Mumbai City FC
News portal of sports betting firm sign deal to become the City Football Group-owned side’s principal partner
Stake News, the news portal arm of crypto-first operator Stake.com, has signed a deal with Indian Super League side Mumbai City FC to become the side’s principal partner.
As part of the deal, Stake News will appear on the front of the Mumbai City first team match and training kits starting from this season.
Alongside this, Stake News will be integrated into the club’s digital communication. Fans of the Islanders will be able to follow the latest updates from their team on Stake News’ official website.
Kandarp Chandra, CEO of Mumbai City FC, said: “We are delighted to partner with Stake News and welcome them to the Mumbai City family.
“Stake News’ support will help us accentuate our intent of engaging with our fans not just online but on ground as well in what will be the first time we see fans return to the stadiums after two years. On behalf of Mumbai City, I would like to express my gratitude to Stake News, and we look forward to building a successful relationship with our new Principal Partner.”
Akhil Sarin, director of acquisition for Stake News, added: “Stake News is delighted that Mumbai City FC has signed us on as their principal partner for the upcoming season. We fully bought into the club’s plans for expansion and can’t wait to see our branding on the shirt.
“This partnership will give us an opportunity to build a community of sports enthusiasts in India by bringing resourceful news and driving key awareness within the global sports market.”
The use of Stake News as a front-of-shirt sponsor will subvert Indian’s strict gambling advertising regulations, a similar tactic used in Sri Lanka by 1xBet with its 1xBat news portal to support the country’s cricket team.
Stake has partnerships with multiple teams and personalities across sports and entertainment. These include Canadian rapper Drake and former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.
Stake has also been at the centre of controversy following sponsorship deals in the Premier League, most recently with its new partnership with Everton.
This deal has seen major fan backlash with a petition online for the Toffees to have the deal scrapped has passed 30,000 signatures.