The five most valuable crypto-backed soccer teams in the world for 2024 have been revealed. Three of the sides all ply their trade in England’s Premier League.
Partnerships between the biggest soccer clubs and crypto and blockchain firms are becoming all the more common. Some eye-watering deals have been struck in recent years and the trend is set to continue.
In fact, a further $5 billion is set to be invested in sports sponsorship by 2026. A large portion of that is likely to be spent on partnerships with soccer clubs.
Globally, soccer is the most popular sport on the planet so it’s no surprise crypto companies are eager to spread brand awareness with the biggest teams.
Marketing war chests are unrivalled with crypto firms and the emphasis of reaching as many people as possible via soccer clubs is higher than ever.
Lets take a look at the five most valuable crypto-backed soccer teams in the world for 2024.
Five Most Valuable Crypto-Backed Soccer Teams 2024
5. FC Bayern Munich – Bitpanda – $4.86 Billion
FC Bayern Munich are the biggest and most successful club in Germany’s Bundesliga. In January 2024, a multi-year deal with Austrian crypto exchange firm Bitpanda was signed.
The partnership will make Bitpanda the official crypto partner of the European and global giants. Extensive TV exposure, options to activate with players for the Bitpanda brand and a cam-carpet are all included in the strategic deal.
Prominent visibility at Bayern’s home stadium – the Allianz Arena – is perhaps the standout feature Bitpanda can expect. The club’s current valuation stands at $4.86 bn.
4. Manchester City FC – OKX – $4.99 Billion
The first English Premier League club on the list is Manchester City FC. In June 2023, the current treble winners penned a three-year deal with OKX.
The cryptocurrency exchange company will be City’s official sleeve sponsor for both the men’s and women’s teams until 2026. The deal is reported to be worth $69.5m.
In the summer of 2022, the duo joined forces to be City’s official training kit partner. At the time of publication, the club’s valuation is $4.99 bn.
3. Liverpool FC – Sorare – $5.288 Billion
No club in the history of English soccer has won as many trophies as Liverpool FC (69). In 2022, it made perfect sense for Sorare to extend their global partnership with the Reds.
Previously, the NFT-based fantasy sports platform launched digital cards of first-team stars such as Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The newest deal allows Sorare to continue to make digital card collectables of players available to fans, collectors and gamers to collect, trade, and compete in the Sorare fantasy game. The current club valuation is $5.288 bn.
2. FC Barcelona – Chiliz – $5.508 Billion
Sports-focused blockchain provider Chiliz struck a $100m deal with Spanish club FC Barcelona in 2022. The partnership saw Chiliz acquire a 24.5% stake in the team’s digital content creation and distribution unit named Barca Studios.
The La Liga side had well-publicised financial problems and the partnership has helped Barca raise capital to help fund new signings.
From Chiliz’s perspective, they are able to reach the club’s global fan base through NFTs, merchandise and metaverse projects. The club have a valuation of $5.508 bn.
The Most Valuable Crypto-Backed Soccer Team 2024
1. Manchester United FC – Tezos – $6 Billion
The most valuable crypto-backed soccer team in 2024 is English and global powerhouse Manchester United FC. The Red Devils signed a multi-year deal with Tezos in February 2022.
Various reports suggest the blockchain platform will pay the club $20m per year. As part of the deal, Tezos branding will feature on the team’s training kits for the men’s and women’s teams.
Furthermore, the partnership will create new blockchain-based fan experiences and include a pledge to support the MUFC Foundation with donations in the native crypto of the Tezos blockchain. The club is valued at $6 bn.
*All club valuations are from Forbes and are correct as of April 8 2024
Read Next: The 15 Best Bitcoin Gambling Sites 2024 With Crypto Gambling Bonuses.
