The implementation of a ban on betting sponsorships and advertising is set to significantly impact Brazilian football clubs starting from October 6. With this prohibition, clubs are poised to lose more than €256.4 million annually from shirt sponsorships, pitchside advertising, and broadcasting deals.
Among the affected teams is the Salvador-based club Vitória, which has a shirt sponsorship contract with 7K Bet lasting until 2027. The club anticipates a loss of approximately $8.8 million in 2027, alongside diminished revenue from advertising boards.
Ana Gaming, the owner of 7K Bet, acknowledged that the ban signifies a major shift in the operational landscape of the industry, affecting every aspect of its commercial relationships. They emphasized that adjustments will be made with care and respect for all involved parties.
Economist Cesar Grafietti, who is also a partner at Convocados, a consultancy focused on football management and finance, identified three primary effects on the sector. The most immediate consequence is the loss of sponsorships, with contracts previously valued at over €170.9 million in annual revenue now in jeopardy. He noted that a substantial portion of clients for outdoor advertising boards were betting companies, equating to an additional disappearance of at least €85.5 million in revenue.
In defending the ban, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted that several Brazilian clubs achieved international acclaim without reliance on betting. He noted, "São Paulo were world champions three times and had no bet. Santos were world champions twice and had no bet. Grêmio were world champions and had no bet. Flamengo were world champions and had no bet. Internacional were world champions and had no bet. And my Corinthians were world champions twice and had no bet."
