Everton Secures Agency to Navigate Post-Gambling Sponsorship Era

Everton Football Club has appointed Range Sports to identify and secure new front-of-kit and training kit sponsorships, effective from the 2026–27 season. This move is a direct response to the impending Premier League policy prohibiting gambling brands on the front of matchday shirts, a change impacting 11 clubs beginning in the 2025–26 season.

Range Sports, a rapidly expanding agency with offices across the United States, won the contract after a competitive bidding process. The firm’s leadership, including co-President Greg Luckman and Head of Partnership Sales Flint Reilly – previously of Fenway Sports Group and instrumental in Liverpool’s commercial success – brings a wealth of experience to the table. The Sport Industry Report 2026 will likely offer further insights into sponsorship trends.

Everton’s current sponsorship deal with online casino Stake is valued at approximately £10 million annually. However, the club is strategically positioned to potentially increase this figure. The forthcoming move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, a state-of-the-art riverfront venue, and the recent investment from the U.S.-based Friedkin Group are expected to unlock new commercial opportunities. Range Sports’ portfolio includes partnerships with the New Orleans Pelicans, Gotham FC, and Shaun White’s Snow League, demonstrating their broad industry reach. They recently brokered a sponsorship agreement between Manchester City and Veritran, further solidifying their reputation.

What impact will the Premier League’s gambling sponsorship ban have on clubs’ revenue streams, and how will they adapt their commercial strategies?

Sheffield Wednesday Receives £50M Rescue Package, Fans Rally in Support

A lifeline has been thrown to Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, as three parties have presented administrators with proof of £50 million in funds for a potential takeover. This comes after the club entered administration last week, ending Dejphon Chansiri’s decade-long ownership and incurring a 12-point deduction that leaves them at the bottom of the Championship table.

Crucially, all staff wages have been paid, a day ahead of schedule – a stark contrast to the previous ownership, where wage delays were frequent. The outpouring of support from fans has been remarkable. Supporters have spent over £500,000 on tickets and merchandise since the administration began, and a recent boycott of matches has ended, with fans returning to Hillsborough in force. An open training session, attended by hundreds of supporters, served as a gesture of gratitude from the players and staff.

The situation at Sheffield Wednesday highlights the critical role fans play in sustaining clubs during times of financial hardship. How can clubs better engage with and leverage the passion of their supporters to navigate challenging periods?

Little Dot Studios Achieves B Corp Certification, Championing Sustainable Media Production

Little Dot Studios, a UK-based multi-platform production company and part of All3Media, has achieved B Corp certification, demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The rigorous two-year verification process assessed the company’s entire operations, including governance, workforce, community impact, environmental practices, and customer relations. This assessment extended to its subsidiaries, WING and History Hit, the podcast network founded by Dan Snow.

Little Dot Studios joins a select group of UK media companies with B Corp status, alongside organizations like The Guardian, Innocent Drinks, and Patagonia. CEO Dan Jones emphasized the importance of responsible production and distribution in the digital media landscape, encouraging the industry to prioritize purpose and sustainability. Mental wellbeing resources are also becoming increasingly important within the industry.

Barclays Women’s Super League 2 Players Gain PFA Membership, Marking a Milestone for Professionalization

Players in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 (BWSL2) are now eligible for membership with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), a landmark achievement in the professionalization of women’s football. This agreement between the PFA and Women’s Super League Football provides BWSL2 players with access to the PFA’s comprehensive support services and representation.

England is now the sole nation globally with two fully professional women’s football leagues. This development aligns with the recommendations of the 2023 independent review led by Karen Carney OBE, which advocated for enhanced standards, maternity rights, mental health support, and formalized union representation. WSL Football has secured funding from the PFA to support these expanded services. A new Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee (PFNCC) has also been established for the women’s game, mirroring the structure in men’s football.

Holly Murdoch, COO of WSL Football, highlighted the rapid evolution of the women’s game and the commitment to a player-centered approach. This move underscores the growing investment and recognition of women’s football as a vital part of the sporting landscape.

Looking Ahead: Trends in Sports Sponsorship and Player Welfare

These developments reflect broader trends in the sports industry: a growing emphasis on sustainability, the increasing importance of player welfare, and the need for clubs to adapt to evolving commercial landscapes. The Premier League’s gambling sponsorship ban is likely to spur innovation in sponsorship models, while the professionalization of women’s football signals a long-term commitment to equity and growth.

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