Since 2021, the world of sports has seen a surge in crypto sponsorship deals, with soccer emerging as the clear leader.
With 33 deals, soccer clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea FC, and Inter Milan were early adopters of crypto partnerships. Crypto companies have also made their mark on global soccer events such as the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup, further cementing their presence in the sport.
Motorsport, particularly Formula 1 (F1), has also become a major hub for crypto sponsorships, securing 21 deals. Some of the most notable agreements include Crypto.com’s $100 million partnership as F1’s official crypto sponsor, Bybit’s $150 million deal with Red Bull Racing, and FTX’s multi-year partnership with Mercedes F1, although FTX’s downfall later impacted this deal.
Sports With the Most Crypto Sponsorships Deals Since 2021 ⚽
1. Soccer – 33
2. Motorsport – 21
3. eSports – 16
4. Basketball – 8
5. Combat – 3
6. Baseball – 2
7. American Football – 2
8. Cricket – 2Do you play any of these sports? 🤔
— CoinGecko (@coingecko) September 23, 2024
The growing intersection of crypto and eSports is also hard to ignore, with 16 sponsorship deals in the space. One of the standout partnerships was FTX’s $210 million deal with Team SoloMid (TSM) in 2021. Other notable eSports sponsorships include Coinbase’s sponsorship of the BLAST Premier CS:GO tournament and Thunderpick’s partnerships with CS:GO teams Evil Geniuses and Heroic in 2023 and 2024.
While soccer, motorsport, and eSports dominate the crypto sponsorship landscape, other sports have also attracted attention. Basketball has secured 8 deals, while combat sports have 3, and baseball, American football, and cricket each boast 2 deals.
Crypto sponsorships continue to grow across various sports, reflecting the industry’s strategy of targeting fan-driven communities to expand its influence and market presence. With major brands aligning themselves with global sporting events and teams, the impact of crypto in sports is undeniable.
Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.
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