River Plate Secures Major Deal with Betano

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Image Credit: Kaizen Gaming website

Club Atletico River Plate has unveiled a landmark partnership this week, naming Betano, the online sports betting and gaming brand owned by Kaizen Gaming, as its principal shirt sponsor starting this season — marking one of the most significant sponsorship deals in the history of Argentine football.

Betano Grows Presence in Argentina

For Betano, the agreement represents a major milestone in its expansion across Latin America. Having only entered the Argentine market in 2023, Betano has swiftly become one of the country’s leading online gaming platforms.

Partnering with River Plate, a globally renowned club with one of the largest supporter bases in world football, provides Betano with a powerful opportunity to boost brand visibility, strengthen credibility, and connect culturally with passionate fans.

This deal also bolsters Kaizen Gaming’s growing international sponsorship portfolio, which now spans 19 markets and includes headline events such as Copa América 2024™ and the Torneo Betano de la Liga Profesional de Fútbol.

Strategic Gains for River Plate

For River Plate, the alliance underscores a key strategic objective: to elevate global exposure and diversify income streams beyond traditional revenue models. Club President Jorge Brito described the deal as a “very important step” that aligns with the club’s broader international ambitions.

“Kaizen Gaming and Betano are aligned with our global outlook, and they have shown strong marketing performance through major tournaments. River Plate continues to grow, filling our stadium with over 85 consecutive sell-outs, and we’re excited to welcome Betano into our community,” he said via press release.

It follows a concerted effort by River’s leadership to establish the club as a global brand, driven by institutional strength, long-term vision, and more than 120 years of footballing excellence.

A Shared Vision

Leaders from both organisations pointed to aligned values and mutual ambitions at the heart of the agreement.

Commercial Director at Kaizen Gaming, Julio Iglesias, emphasised the shared values and mutual ambitions at the heart of the agreement.

“River Plate is a globally respected club with unmatched passion and a massive fanbase. We quickly realized that our values, ambition, and vision align closely. This isn’t just a marketing deal — it’s a long-term partnership built on trust and mutual goals,” he said via press releaseIndustry

Landscape and Wider Impact

River Plate’s deal with Betano reflects a wider trend across Latin American football, where top clubs are increasingly attracting multinational sponsors from the gaming, fintech, and consumer tech sectors. The trend highlights:

  • The rising commercial appeal of Latin American football
  • A surge in global interest in fan engagement across emerging markets
  • The growing regulation and legitimacy of online betting in major economies

As clubs like River Plate forge joint ventures with global brands, the Argentine football landscape is fast becoming a strategic hub for sponsors seeking access to large, engaged fan communities.

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Optus joins Football Queensland as Telco Partner in the North

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Image Credit: FQ Far North & Gulf Facebook

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed its collaboration with Optus, naming the leading telecommunication provider as its Official Telecommunications Partner across the Northern, Far North and Gulf regions.

The collaboration will see Optus play an active role in supporting grassroots football throughout the year-long partnership, with a visible presence at FQ precincts in both Cairns and Townsville. This will include branded signage and community-focused activations at key events, further enhancing the matchday experience for players, families, and fans.

FQ General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage, said the partnership will be a valuable boost for local communities and reflects FQ’s commitment to growing the game in regional areas.

“Football Queensland is excited to expand its long-standing relationship with Optus as we enter into a thriving partnership in the Northern and Far North & Gulf regions,” he said via press release.

“It is excellent to have a brand as prominent as Optus recognise the importance of grassroots football in regional areas.

“Optus’ year-long support will provide a crucial boost that directly benefits clubs and participants across the region, strengthening communities and actively contributing to FQ’s vision for the future of football.”

Optus General Manager North Queensland, Dave Morrissey, emphasised the importance of the North Queensland football community and Optus’ commitment to supporting the next generation as they develop into future stars of the game.

“It is our absolute pleasure to partner with Football Queensland’s Northern and Far North regions. It is great to get to watch the next generation of young players grow their skills and love for the game, and we appreciate all the support we get in return from the local community,” he said via press release.

Football communities attending events and matches at Paradise Park and Macca’s Park can expect to see Optus actively involved throughout the season, with a strong presence around the grounds that reflects the brand’s commitment to regional engagement and sporting development.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson to step down

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Image credit: Football Australia

Chief Executive Officer of Football Australia, James Johnson has advised the Board of his decision to resign.

Mr Johnson’s decision marks the end of his 5½-year term as CEO of the sport’s governing body, during which he, together with the Board, the Football Australia team, and the wider football community, led one of the most successful eras in Australian football history.

During his tenure, Mr Johnson steered Australian football through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the sport reach record participation levels. Under his leadership, Football Australia launched a 15-year strategic vision, achieved unprecedented revenue growth, implemented significant reforms such as Club Licensing Regulations and updates to the Player Transfer System, and revitalised the Australia Cup by linking it to Asia via the AFC Club Competitions.

Mr Johnson oversaw Football Australia’s successful bid for and hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, a globally acclaimed event that marked a cultural turning point for sport in Australia. During his time as CEO, Football Australia also secured hosting rights for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ and elevated both the men’s and women’s national teams into prominent global sporting brands, each achieving their best-ever results at the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

In a reflection on his time at the helm, James Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Football Australia over the past 5½ years, highlighting the dedication and talent of the colleagues he worked with throughout his tenure.

“It has been a privilege to lead Football Australia for the past 5½ years, having had the pleasure to work alongside the most talented, committed and dedicated staff, executives and board members,” he said via press release.

“As someone who is immensely passionate about Australian football, this decision has not come easy, but I believe the time is right to step down.

“I want to extend my thank you to the Football Australia Board and everyone within the Australian football community for their support during my tenure. Football is a local and global sport so no matter where I am, I will always be here to support Football Australia and Australian football.”

The Football Australia Board has appointed current director and former Matilda, Heather Garriock, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

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