Newcastle United Football Club has secured a long-term partnership with BYDFi, a cryptocurrency exchange. This collaboration designates BYDFi as the club’s official cryptocurrency exchange partner; however, the specifics of the agreement are not publicly disclosed.
The partnership is part of Newcastle’s efforts to enhance its commercial portfolio, particularly after the club’s acquisition in 2021, which provided it with additional resources to expand its global reach. The club is particularly focused on establishing a stronger presence in the Asian markets.
The announcement was made through social media where BYDFi expressed excitement about their new role, emphasizing a shared vision for innovation, integrity, and long-term value for fans worldwide. This partnership aligns with Newcastle’s ongoing strategy to work with companies in the trading and technology sectors. Previous partnerships in this realm include collaborations with trading broker VT Markets and fintech company eToro.
In 2019, the club also worked with crypto trading company StormGain, which had its branding featured on match jerseys. BYDFi, which began operations in 2020, claims to cater to over a million users across 190 countries, providing retail investors with cryptocurrency trading services from its base in Seychelles.
Newcastle United’s Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Silverstone, provided insight into the club’s recent growth trajectories during the announcement of this partnership. He noted that since the 2021-22 season, Newcastle has achieved one of the highest broadcast audiences in Europe, ranking second overall, and fifth in the Asia-Pacific region for Premier League viewership.
Silverstone expressed enthusiasm regarding the inclusion of BYDFi in the Newcastle community, highlighting the club’s substantial growth and how the partnership will enhance connection with global supporters.
Moreover, during the previous season, Newcastle was recognized as the fastest-growing Premier League team on social media, though precise follower statistics were not detailed in the statements available.
Michael Hung, co-founder and CEO of BYDFi, stated that collaborating with one of Europe’s major football clubs aligns with the company’s expansion objectives and serves as a gateway to reach a broader audience.
This partnership reflects a growing trend in the football industry, where cryptocurrency companies are increasingly interested in sponsorship opportunities, despite regulatory challenges that have arisen in recent years. Other clubs, like Juventus and FC Basel, have entered similar agreements with digital asset firms to fortify their sponsorship portfolios.
Financial reports indicate that cryptocurrency funding in the sports sector reached approximately $565 million in the 2024/25 season, with a significant portion, around 60%, attributed to football-related partnerships.
The collaboration between Newcastle United and BYDFi indicates a commitment to intertwining sports and digital finance. Activities intended to connect BYDFi with Newcastle’s extensive fanbase are anticipated, though details of specific initiatives aimed at fans were not outlined in the announcement.
Currently, Newcastle United is positioned in the middle of the Premier League standings, following substantial investments in player acquisitions since the ownership shift. The club has been strategically enhancing its commercial partnerships to diversify its revenue streams and support its growth in the competitive landscape of English football.