Betting firm backs Mathare United in boost for Kenyan football

International betting giant 1XBet has been officially announced as the new principal shirt sponsor for Mathare United’s Men’s and Women’s teams, marking a major milestone in the club’s history.

The sponsorship was unveiled on Thursday, June 12, during a ceremony held at the United Club Hotel in Nairobi, where Mathare United CEO Jecton Obure hailed the deal as a “new dawn” for the club.

Under the one-year agreement, which includes an option for renewal, Mathare United will receive USD 160,000 (KES 20.6 million). The 1XBet logo will feature prominently on the front of both home and away kits for the 2025/26 season.

Although only officially unveiled now, the sponsorship has already come into effect, with the men’s team wearing 1XBet-branded jerseys in their recent 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars in the Premier League.

“Choosing to partner with a team that was recently promoted to the topflight shows the belief that 1XBet has in our club,” said Obure. “I term this partnership as a new dawn and one that allows us to go out and achieve our dreams.”

Kennedy Mumo, 1XBet’s Director of Operations in Kenya, emphasized the deeper purpose behind the partnership: “Mathare United is a story about the power of sport as a tool for change. That is why we chose this club. We are not just sponsoring football. We are investing in the youth and future.”