Manchester United in sponsorship handle Bwin

16 August 2012

Manchester United has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with sports wagering business Bwin for a concealed amount, making it the club's "main online gaming and betting partner".

Bwin is the shirt sponsor of Real Madrid and a partner to Bayern Munich.

Last week, United drifted its shares on the US stock market, raising $233m (₤ 150m), less than originally hoped.

The flotation values the club at more than $2.3 bn, making it one of the most significant sports clubs on the planet.

Last month, the club signed a t-shirt sponsorship handle US automobile brand name Chevrolet which will start in the 2014-15 season.

Manchester United now has 28 different sponsors, external, with Aon the club's primary t-shirt sponsor.

'Great opportunity'

"As Europe's leading online sports wagering operator, football is basic to our long-term success, making up roughly half of our overall sports betting earnings of 261m euros ($320m; ₤ 204m) in 2011," said Norbert Teufelberger, co-chief executive of Bwin's parent company, Bwin.party.

"Man Utd has 569 million fans beyond Europe, offering us with an excellent opportunity to offer collectively created and innovative items in nations that do not yet permit genuine cash online sports wagering," he stated.

Manchester United has actually been controlled because 2005 by the Glazer household, the billionaire US sports financiers who likewise own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football franchise.

About half of the $233m that the club raised from its flotation will go to paying off the club's debts, with the rest going to the Glazers.

Shares in the club shut down at $13.77 in New York, closing below their flotation price of $14 for the first time.

Manchester United

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