Key facts
- Manchester United has secured a training kit sponsorship deal with Betway worth £20 million annually.
- The agreement is described as the most lucrative training kit-only sponsorship in sports history.
- The deal allows Manchester United to comply with upcoming Premier League rules restricting gambling sponsorships on matchday shirts.
- The club reported an operating profit of £37.7m for the nine months ending March, a significant increase from the previous year.
- Revenue guidance for 2026 has been raised to £655m- £665m, with EBITDA expected to exceed £200m.
Manchester United has reportedly finalized a significant sponsorship agreement with betting company Betway, valued at £20 million per year for training kit placement. This multi-year deal is being hailed as the most lucrative training kit-only sponsorship in the history of the sport.
The strategic timing of the partnership allows Manchester United to navigate upcoming Premier League regulations that will prohibit gambling companies from appearing on the front of match-day shirts starting next season. By securing Betway for training wear, the club maximizes revenue while adhering to the new rules.
This financial injection comes at a crucial time for manager Michael Carrick, who recently had his interim role made permanent. The Betway deal, coupled with qualification for the Champions League, could provide a substantial transfer budget for the upcoming summer window. The club anticipates earning an additional £80 million from its return to European elite competition.
Financially, Manchester United is showing signs of recovery. For the nine months ending in March, the club reported an operating profit of £37.7 million, a marked improvement from a £3.2 million loss in the same period last year. These results reflect the success of a business transformation and cost-cutting strategy implemented since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival, which included staff redundancies and expenditure reviews.
Beyond the men's first team, progress is noted across the women's team and academy. Despite a substantial debt of $650 million, the club has increased its revenue guidance for 2026 to between £655 million and £665 million, with expected EBITDA surpassing £200 million. Chief Executive Omar Berrada expressed optimism about the club's direction and the positive impact of its business initiatives.