Hull City names African online betting firm as official sponsor

Half of all Premier League clubs are now backed by an online betting firm after Kenyan operator SportPesa agreed a three-year deal to become Hull City’s official sponsor.

The African firm will have its logo and name displayed on the Tigers’ home, away and third shirts for the next three seasons.

As part of the deal, SportPesa will expand its operations into the UK for the first time within the next month through a deal with platform provider TGP Europe and said it will have a presence in at least four continents in a year’s time.

“This is a big milestone for SportPesa as it marks the scaling of a Kenyan brand into the global market,” said Ronald Karauri, chief executive officer of SportPesa.

“Even as a global brand, staying consistent with our core values that centre around grassroots sport and community development will replicate the success SportPesa has enjoyed in Kenya,” he added.

The latest deal sees 10 of the 20 Premier League clubs have their shirts sponsored by a betting firm.

West Ham United is already backed by Betway until the end of the 2017-18 season, while Dafabet recently extended its association with Sunderland and signed a two-year deal with Premier League newcomers Burnley.

Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are backed by Mansion, while Stoke City continues to be supported by long-term sponsor bet365.

Elsewhere, Swansea City agreed a new sponsorship deal with Asian operator Beteast for the new season, with West Bromwich Albion naming K8 Group as shirt sponsor and Watford continues its partnership with 138.com.