Grêmio Marks Six Months Without Main Jersey Sponsor, Faces Significant Financial Loss

Grêmio has marked six months without a main sponsor prominently displayed on its jersey, an issue impacting the club's commercial operations. The last time the front of the Tricolor Gaúcho's jersey featured a sponsor was on December 8, at the close of last year’s Brasileirão, through a one-off two-match agreement with the Energia Bet brand.

This ongoing situation has resulted in a considerable financial setback. Projections based on the club's previous contract with Alfa Bet indicate an estimated loss of at least R$ 24.9 million over this six-month period. The prior agreement with Alfa Bet was valued at R$ 50 million annually, equating to approximately R$ 4.16 million per month.

The contract with Alfa Bet, originally announced to run until February 2025, was terminated by Grêmio in December. This decision was prompted by late payments that had reportedly been occurring since September. In March of the current year, the club reached a debt acknowledgment agreement with Alfa Bet for R$ 12 million, to be paid in eight installments starting in April. However, the company has not made any of these payments.

Grêmio has faced sponsor-related challenges in the past, including issues with the company Pix das Estrelas last year. That deal ended following controversy surrounding a proposed “Pix task force” for fans to fund a player signing, which ultimately did not materialize.

The search for a new main sponsor is currently being led by the club’s CEO, Alex Leitão. Grêmio has engaged in discussions with at least five companies, including two betting firms and three from other sectors, though no proposal has progressed to a signing stage. The internal expectation is that negotiations may accelerate following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup.

Despite the absence of a master sponsor, Leitão noted that Grêmio generated approximately R$ 150 million in the first half of the year through nine new commercial contracts, four of which relate to the kit. The club's jersey currently features the Havan brand on the shoulders, announced in February, and Tintas Coral on the upper front area, following a renewal in January.

Leitão also participated in meetings in New York with the CBF to discuss business models and the potential creation of a unified football league.

According to Yahoo Sports Soccer, this article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence.