West Ham tipped to strike mega-money crypto deal – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed the likes of West Ham and other Premier League clubs could agree big-money cryptocurrency sponsorships in 2026.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed crypto, blockchain technology and artificial intelligence will step up and fill the gap after the ban of gambling sponsors for the 2026-27 season.
West Ham are currently sponsored by sportsbook Betway on the front of their matchday shirts, one of 11 English top-flight clubs to have such an agreement in place for the new campaign.
Gambling shirt sponsors will be outlawed for Premier League clubs for the 2026-27 season.
However, The Sun has claimed (26 July) the Irons are set to sever ties with Betway next year following their role in the alleged betting scam that could see Lucas Paqueta banned for life.
Crypto and AI sponsors to ‘explode’ with West Ham set to strike new deal
Wyness insisted there will be a “rush into football” from emerging tech companies from 2025.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “We’ve had a bit of a false start with cryptocurrency.
“We could see that come back into play when gambling sponsors are banned.
“There’s gonna be a shake out in that market and there will be some pretty established companies come forward.
“Blockchain technology and the burgeoning artificial intelligence market are two areas which will explode in football sponsorship as well.
“There are always things waiting in the wings.
“Football sponsorship gives these companies the exposure and I think there are going to be more than enough good deals to cover the gambling shortfall.
“There’ll be a rush into football and sports from those areas starting next year.”
In other news, West Ham have a “huge problem” with Niclas Fullkrug, says insider.
For more West Ham and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.