Nigeria-based BetKing signed a five-year deal worth approximately KES1.2bn (£7.9m/€9.4m/$11/0m) to sponsor marketing-affiliate competitions. However, the FKF and BetKing reached an arrangement to end the deal four years early, with the operator stepping down as title sponsor immediately.
The FKF did not disclose the reasons behind the decisions, but it did state its appreciation for BetKing’s support and partnership over the past season.
The FKF confirms that BetKing’s support has played a crucial part in fostering the growth of the local football game. The support has also helped sustain FKF’s football development programs significantly.
BetKing Kenya appreciates the opportunity to sponsor the leagues as it aligns with their brand mission. They remain committed to participating in the growth of Kenya’s sporting talents, particularly at the grassroots level, through solid and long-term partnerships.
The original agreement made BetKing the first title sponsor of the top-tier Premier League since SportPesa withdrew in 2019. The deal provided Premier League clubs with KSS8.0m in support.
SportPesa has since returned to the market, restarting operations in November last year. The country’s new regulations impose a 7.5% tax on gambling stakes, a reduction from the initially proposed 20%.