Newcastle United confirm contract extension - major announcement set to follow

Newcastle United have confirmed FUN88 is no longer their main sponsor - but their partnership will continue for years to come.

FUN88 first signed a three-year front-of-shirt sponsorship deal in 2017 when Mike Ashley was owner. That was further extended in 2020 in what was described as a “long-term deal”.

However, ambitions have changed drastically since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, PCP Partners and RB Sports & Media acquired the club in October 2021, with FUN88’s £6.5m-per-season agreement becoming insufficient.

As a result, Newcastle entered negotiations with FUN88 at the start of 2022-23 and the latter agreed to step aside in order for the club to seek a new lucrative deal. The Magpies are expected to agree a deal with Saudi Arabia events company Sela, worth £25m-a-year deal.

With an announcement edging closer, United thanked FUN88 for their “incredible support over the last six seasons” before confirming they had become the club’s Official Asian Betting Partner on a “multi-year deal”.

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A club statement read: “FUN88 has become Newcastle United’s official Asian betting partner in a multi-year deal from the 2023/2024 season onwards.

“FUN88, one of Asia’s leading betting and gaming sites, has built strong ties with Newcastle United and its supporters since becoming the club’s principal sponsor at the beginning of the 2017/18 campaign, with the brand’s logo featured on the front of the Magpies’ kits and training wear for a total of six seasons.

“The partnership will continue to support with the club’s commercial growth in Asia through FUN88, offering in-market initiatives, official club merchandise and VIP experiences for supporters.

“The club thanks FUN88 for its support over the past six campaigns and looks forward to working together over coming seasons.”

FUN88’s main sponsorship deal was due to expire in 2024 anyway, but a contract extension, albeit a very different agreement, will see them stick around for longer.

Replying to the Newcastle post, FUN88 said: “What a ride! Thrilled to be extending our long-standing partnership with this great club and excited for a very bright future together!”