Are you missing something on United’s new tracksuits? You’re not alone.
In the annual shirt release season before the new Premier League season, Manchester United’s sponsorless tracksuits have caused a stir. While competitors like Manchester City and Liverpool show off new partnerships, United’s newly launched training kit lacks something crucial: sponsor logos.
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£24 million in wasted marketing value
According to the Manchester Evening News, the club is facing a financial loss of at least £24 million after main sponsor Tezos – the blockchain-based partner that decorated the tracksuits in recent years – did not renew the deal.
- Why it matters: Sponsorship funds make up over 30% of United’s annual revenue (as per 2024 reports).
- Context: Tezos previously paid £8 million annually for tracksuit sponsorship alone – a fraction of main sponsor TeamViewer’s £47 million deal for home and away kits.
Sponsorship crisis behind the scenes
While players like Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Garnacho grin in official photos in the commercial-free shirts, the club is working frantically behind the scenes:
- TeamViewer (main sponsor) will be replaced by AI giant Qualcomm from 2026 in one of the league’s biggest deals.
- Adidas (shirt manufacturer) pays £90 million annually, but has clauses on sporting success.
- New negotiations with crypto companies and Asian companies are ongoing, according to The Athletic.
What this means for the club
- Financial pressure: Missed sponsorship income is equivalent to the salaries of two first-team players.
- Sporting implications: UEFA Financial Fair Play rules force United to increase commercial revenue in order to invest in player acquisitions.
The experts’ verdict:
“United’s lack of Champions League football scares sponsors. This is a warning that they need to improve results to attract top partners,” financial analyst Kieran Maguire told Sky Sports.
Next step
According to sources to ESPN, the club has three urgent options:
- Short-term deal with a betting company (similar to Fulham’s £10 million deal)
- Extended collaboration with existing partner Kohler (toilet manufacturer)
- New technology sponsor from Silicon Valley
Unless United quickly find a solution, this could be the start of a difficult economic winter – just as the competition is strengthening their squads.
