Liverpool FC Mull Bid to Ditch TradFi for Crypto Firm in Shirt Sponsorship Deal

cryptonews.com:

Liverpool FC has reportedly held talks with at least two crypto-related firms, thought to be a major international exchange player and a blockchain operator, over a deal that could see a crypto firm’s name on the front of its first team shirts from next year.

Crypto-related companies are thought to be keen to secure a first blue-chip club football sponsorship deal, and have apparently failed in a bid to convince FC Barcelona to sign on the dotted line, despite offering more money than non-crypto rivals.

Per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, formerly of the BBC and one of the UK’s leading (and best-connected) football journalists, such a deal would be “uncharted territory” for both Liverpool and the football world.

Liverpool is one of the most-decorated clubs in both English and world football, with 19 league titles and six European Cups/Champions League titles to their name. Along with Manchester United, they are arguably the biggest name team in the English Premier League (EPL), and for the crypto sector, landing a deal of this scale would be a major coup.

Ornstein wrote:

“The club are also talking to firms from sectors including electronics, media, and tourism. Among those parties [...] are companies from the cryptocurrency sector. They include a crypto exchange firm and a blockchain platform.”

The journalist added:

“It is likely to be controversial but Liverpool are desperate to financially compete with other elite clubs and maximize their commercial deals.”

The Liverpool Echo, which also has close ties to the club, reported that the club is set to “test the water with regards to the strength of the sponsorship market before entering into serious discussions” with potential sponsors.

The same media outlet reported that the