Premier league clubs struggle with shirt sponsorship deals amidst gambling ban

Nine Premier League clubs are still without a front-of-shirt sponsor for next season as the impending ban on gambling company advertising takes hold, according to reports.

Clubs face significant revenue losses

Executive sources suggest the collective loss of income from shirt deals could reach £80 million next year, with clubs outside the 'big six' particularly hard hit.

Gambling operators, especially those serving Asian markets, had previously been willing to pay far more to secure global brand visibility. However, the decision to introduce a voluntary ban, delayed until next season, has led to intense competition at lower prices.

Only Bournemouth have announced a replacement, with their stadium sponsor Vitality moving to the shirt in a cut-price deal likely to be replicated elsewhere.

Both Brentford and Everton appear set to buck the trend, with the latter close to securing a deal with foreign exchange trader CMC Markets.

Chelsea and Newcastle are still seeking new sponsors, having begun each of the last three seasons without a shirt deal before agreeing short-term arrangements later in the campaign.

This has exacerbated a huge divide between the big six and the rest of the Premier League in terms of the sponsors they can attract.

Outside the top tier, the EFL has not banned gambling sponsorship, meaning EFL clubs are likely to benefit from companies seeking to remain shirt sponsors.