W88 Fulham FC Shirt Sponsorship

W88 Fulham FC Shirt Sponsorship

A Controversial Deal That Ended Via Break Clause

W88 served as Fulham FC's front-of-shirt sponsor during the 2022-23 Premier League season. The deal drew significant attention not only for its commercial scale but also due to vocal opposition from a section of the Fulham supporter base and the broader industry debate over gambling sponsorships in football.

The Deal

W88 became Fulham's shirt sponsor as the club returned to the Premier League following their Championship title win in 2022. The arrangement continued W88's run of signing with newly promoted clubs, offering them vital commercial revenue during their first seasons back in the top flight.

Fan Opposition

The Fulham Supporters' Trust conducted a survey that found 47% of supporters backed a ban on gambling shirt sponsors, and 46% said they would be uncomfortable with a gambling brand as the club's main shirt sponsor. This fan sentiment, combined with wider industry discussions, contributed to Fulham's decision to exercise a break clause in the agreement early.

W88's UK Operations

W88 has no direct presence in the UK market. Instead, it operates through a white-label agreement with Midnight Gaming Limited, which is registered in London and holds a valid licence from the UK Gambling Commission. W88's sister brand BR88 operates through a similar arrangement via MNG Management Limited.

Legacy

After Fulham exercised the break clause, W88 moved swiftly to sign Burnley for the following season, demonstrating the brand's continued commitment to maintaining a Premier League shirt presence ahead of the 2026-27 gambling ban.