Aston Villa Football Club has secured a sponsorship deal with BK8, making the company the club’s new front-of-shirt (FOS) sponsor. The partnership will span the next three seasons, until the end of the 2025/26 season, and includes a commitment to charitable initiatives. BK8 has a track record of working with mental health charities, promoting awareness and giving back to the community. The agreement comes as Premier League clubs prepare for the ban on FOS gaming sponsorships, set to take effect from the 2026/27 season. Aston Villa’s Chief Executive, Christian Purslow, has expressed his displeasure with the ban, highlighting the financial challenges it poses for clubs outside the “big six.”
BK8 as Aston Villa’s FOS Sponsor:
Aston Villa Football Club has announced a partnership with BK8, designating the company as its new front-of-shirt sponsor. The deal is set to last for the next three seasons, showcasing the BK8 brand on Aston Villa’s shirts until the end of the 2025/26 season. The agreement represents a significant opportunity for both parties to enhance their brand visibility and forge connections within the football community.
Charitable Initiatives and Giving Back:
As part of the sponsorship deal, BK8 has expressed its commitment to charitable causes and giving back to the local community. The company has previously collaborated with mental health charities to raise awareness and support their initiatives. BK8 EMEA Managing Director, Michael Gatt, emphasizes the brand’s aim to contribute to the community and provide support to Aston Villa fans. Aligning with a prestigious institution like Aston Villa allows BK8 to make a positive impact and further its charitable ambitions.
Collaboration and Growth:
Both Aston Villa and BK8 anticipate exciting collaborations that will drive brand growth, particularly within Southeast Asia. The partnership presents opportunities for joint initiatives, marketing campaigns, and fan engagement activities that can benefit both parties. Aston Villa aims to strengthen its brand presence in Southeast Asia, while BK8 seeks to leverage the football club’s popularity and engage with its passionate fan base.
The Gaming Sponsorship Ban:
Premier League clubs recently voted to eliminate gaming sponsorships from the front of football shirts, a move that will take effect from the 2026/27 season. This ban was introduced ahead of the UK’s gambling reform White Paper, which is expected to propose significant changes to the gambling industry. Aston Villa’s Chief Executive, Christian Purslow, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the ban, noting the financial advantage that gaming sponsors offer clubs outside the “big six.” Purslow highlights the challenges faced by clubs striving to compete financially and suggests that non-gambling companies typically offer significantly lower financial support.
Aston Villa Football Club’s partnership with BK8 as its new front-of-shirt sponsor marks an exciting development for both parties. The agreement provides BK8 with prominent exposure on Aston Villa’s shirts for the next three seasons, strengthening the brand’s presence in the football world. The sponsorship deal also aligns with BK8’s commitment to charitable initiatives and community support. However, the impending ban on gaming sponsorships on football shirts presents challenges for clubs outside the “big six,” as highlighted by Aston Villa’s Chief Executive. As the partnership progresses, Aston Villa and BK8 will have the opportunity to collaborate on joint ventures and fan engagement activities, leveraging each other’s strengths to drive growth and success.