Cryptocurrency exchange Gemini has extended its partnership with English football club Real Bedford, signing a new multi-year sponsorship deal. This agreement builds upon their initial contract signed in 2022.
According to a report from local media, Bedford Independent, the sponsorship deal would last for five years, and the exchange’s investment will be paid in Bitcoin (BTC) upfront and directly into the club’s treasury.
This sponsorship represents one of the longest multi-year jersey sponsorship deals outside of professional football in the UK.
Real Bedford FC, based in McMullen Park, was founded in 2022 through a merger of Bedford United and US Valerio. The club competes in the Southern League Central Division One and is co-owned by Peter McCormack, host of the “What Bitcoin Did” podcast.
Marshall Beard, Gemini’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed confidence in Real Bedford’s potential, stating that the Bitcoin-powered club, under McCormack’s leadership, has the capacity to achieve great things and challenge the status quo.
Beard expressed optimism that the virtual asset support will grant the club several advantages both on and off the pitch.
This deal renewal follows a $4.5 million (£3.6 million) personal investment into Real Bedford FC by Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss in April 2024. The investment made them co-owners alongside McCormack and also strengthened Gemini’s already-existing relationship with the club.
Since McCormack became the club’s owner, Real Bedford FC has fully integrated Bitcoin into its operations. Players can opt for BTC payments, while fans can use Bitcoin for ticket and merchandise purchases. The club’s Bitcoin treasury is seen as a hedge against high inflation and will support the construction of a new training centre and youth football academy for underprivileged children in Bedford.
Bitcoin is currently trading at $62,766.64, showing a 2.01% increase over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap data.
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