Newcastle United tee up club-record £25m announcement after thank you message

Newcastle United have paved the way to announce their new front-of-shirt sponsor after confirming the end of their FUN88 agreement.

FUN88 has been the Magpies’ main sponsor since 2017, though it was widely publicised throughout the 2022-23 season that would be their last after the club negotiated an early exit from their “multi-year” agreement.

Newcastle have confirmed the FUN88 change in favour of a more lucrative sponsorship deal, although the company will remain as the club’s official Asian Betting Partner.

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.

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“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.”

Newcastle are in advanced talks with Saudi Arabia events company Sela over a £25million-a-year deal, a significant increase on FUN88’s £6.5m-per-season.

Sela operates in dozens of countries and organises big sporting events including the Race of Champions and sources claimed the company was the leading contender to broker a sponsorship deal.

The company was founded in 1995 as Sela Sport and claims to be the first athlete representation group to be recognised by FIFA. Sela also has strong links to the Saudi Arabia men’s football side.