Aston Villa fans were left bemused when the club announced a three-year deal with BK8.
BK8 are an Asian betting firm who haven’t had the best of reputations in the past but the deal will see them join as the new principal and front-of-shirt sponsor.
As part of the deal, BK8 has committed to giving back to charity. The website stated that “the club’s third kit, which will be unveiled later in the summer, will see BK8 make a contribution per adult third shirt sold, to a local charity in Birmingham. The move comes off the back of BK8’s previous work over the past two years, working with charities and programmes involving mental health awareness and this initiative is the first of what will be a number of collaborations with the Club.”
On the same day, the club also announced Trade Nation as its new official Sleeve and Trading Partner.
An Aston Villa spokesperson said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with Trade Nation who share our ambition and drive for success. It comes at a key moment for both parties as we embark on an exciting period of growth, with the Club back in Europe. We look forward to successful seasons ahead together.”
Unhappy fans
Villa fans made no secret about their feelings about the deals on social media when the club announced it. It is worth noting that new president Chris Heck most likely had nothing to do with these deals having only been appointed in May.
I really hate this BK8 stuff……really hate it. The ban on gambling sponsors to end in 3 years gave clubs a chance to phase it out…not cram it in.
What is also particularly galling is that it won’t be on the kids kits….an average 12 year old will be wearing a man’s small.
— Rob (@robmooreavfc) June 22, 2023
You can almost guarantee that the BK8 deal didn’t originally have a charity donation clause. Think the initial backlash was probably the trigger for that.
— ???? ᗷᖇIGᕼTᔕIᗪE ???? (@SoonbeXmas) June 22, 2023
Firm who run BK8 for UK users were sanctioned over anti-money laundering failures and social responsibility failures. This ruling was made four months ago. pic.twitter.com/8s2aXB1z1c
— James Rushton ???? (@Jamorushton) June 23, 2023
Villa are tied up into a deal now that would probably cost them a fortune to get out of. Rightly or wrongly and regardless of your thoughts, we are stuck with them. For now anyway.