The existing multimillion-pound shirt deal will expire at the end of next season and the club has hired The Bonham Group to handle the global search. It is also seeking second-tier sponsors to take up in-stadium hoarding and corporate hospitality opportunities.
Online gaming companies have become major investors in football in recent seasons; 32Red sponsors Aston Villa, Mansion backs Tottenham Hotspur and 888.com sponsors Middlesbrough FC.
However, the involvement of gaming firms in sports sponsorship could come under greater regulatory pressure, according to industry experts. Last month, the Portman Group announced a self-imposed ban on alcohol brands appearing on children's replica football shirts to take it out of the firing line, which could redirect heat onto the gaming community.
_1.jpg)
.jpg)
